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A growing number of overseas Chinese with higher education in medical science or rich experience in medical institutions are pursuing opportunities in Beijing, a necessary step in improving domestic medical services, as hospitals favor those with clinical rather than research experience.
More than 200 overseas Chinese from 14 countries as well as representatives of domestic companies and associations attended a two-day conference in Beijing this month. Among the talent returning from foreign countries, 80 percent have doctoral degrees with a strong desire to work in the capital.
During the forum on business startups, the municipal government organized a special job fair for researchers who have worked abroad in hospitals and medical institutions, "to improve the research and medical services in the capital's hospitals," said Feng Guosheng, head of the Beijing Administration of Hospitals.
"Their working experiences abroad and knowledge of advanced technology and medical equipment are greatly needed in Beijing," Feng said, adding that the introduction of such talent can satisfy the increasing demand for better medical services from patients across the nation.
Last year, medical organizations including hospitals and clinics received more than 204 million patients, an increase of 10.9 percent from 2012, according to the annual report in April of the Beijing Commission of Health and Family Planning.
However, only around 300,000 people are working in medical organizations, far from enough to serve the growing group of patients.
Du Jie, from Beijing's Anzhen Hospital, said that after he worked in the United States for around 20 years, he returned because of the supportive policies of the government and a good working environment that allows him to do more research than he did abroad.
Xia Qianghua, who has studied and worked in the US for 14 years, did his postdoctoral research in cancer biology in a Philadelphia hospital.
The 43-year-old decided to return to better use his knowledge and experience.
"From friends' experience after coming back, I think I will have more opportunities," Xia said, adding that he is concerned about hospitals' tendencies to hire foreign talent with rich clinical experience.
Hospitals need talent from foreign countries to improve medical services and research, and the demand for clinical experience is great, said Tong Zhaohui, deputy director of Chaoyang Hospital in Beijing.
He said that many applicants appear to have been devoted to medical research, with fewer having experience in clinical application.
Many other hospitals participating in the forum voiced similar demand for clinical talent.
"In foreign countries, the gap between research and clinical application is huge," said Xia, adding that he is willing to adjust his working model to meet the demand from domestic hospitals.
Li Xiang, 27, plans to graduate with a doctoral degree in anesthesiology in March 2015 in Japan. She said she is worried about the transition period, which may take five years to go from a researcher in anesthesiology to a doctor with patients.
Feng, director of the municipal administration of hospitals, suggested that hospitals introduce more overseas Chinese to improve research as well as clinical services at the same time.
zhengjinran@chinadaily.com.cn
