As Dr. Yan Fancheng reflects on his year-long medical assistance in Yushu, he often remembers a rain-soaked night that left a lasting impression.

“It was around 2 a.m. when we finished the surgery, and as we stepped out of the emergency building, it was pouring rain. My colleague and I, drenched from head to toe, were still incredibly happy. At that moment, I felt a profound sense of fulfillment being a doctor,” he recounted.

From 2023 to 2024, Dr. Yan, affiliated with Beijing Friendship Hospital, was assigned to work at Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture People’s Hospital in Qinghai Province, focusing on ophthalmology. The hospital, established in 1951, is the first hospital built after the establishment of Yushu Prefecture. It was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake in 2010 and has since evolved into a comprehensive “Class III Grade B” hospital that integrates medical care and education. The ophthalmology center, founded in 2017, is now the largest of its kind in Yushu Prefecture and the southeastern Tibetan region, performing over 500 surgeries annually.

During his year of collaborative support from Beijing Friendship Hospital, the Yushu ophthalmology center expanded into multiple subspecialties, including glaucoma and retinal diseases, and conducted its first surgeries for glaucoma in the region. They also introduced phacoemulsification techniques for cataract surgeries, which dramatically improve recovery and reduce surgical invasiveness.

“Now, patients with glaucoma and eye injuries no longer need to be transferred elsewhere for treatment, and cataract surgeries have become less invasive, quicker, and easier for the surgeons,” Dr. Yan explained.

Additionally, he encouraged his team to collect case samples during outpatient visits, submit research proposals, write scholarly articles, and file for national patents, effectively breaking ground for the hospital’s research activities. “We’re continuing our research on eye health screenings for adolescents in Yushu, using data from high-altitude regions to develop targeted treatment and prevention strategies for various eye diseases,” he added.

Dr. Yan noted that the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a high-risk area for eye diseases, partly due to intense UV radiation and high altitude, but also due to limited awareness and access to healthcare.

At least once a month, the ophthalmology team conducts free clinics in remote pastoral areas. Villagers form long lines outside community spaces, some traveling hours from distant summer pastures. “We can see over a hundred patients in a single morning,” Dr. Yan said, noting that many are elderly and suffer from common issues like cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration, often presenting severe cases.

Through comprehensive eye examinations, the team identifies patients needing surgery, keeping a list for follow-up and ensuring those who miss aftercare appointments are contacted directly. Dr. Yan created a “patient album” on his phone, allowing him to document and track their cases meticulously. “I take photos to create a record and review them regularly to prevent any oversights. It’s essential that every patient feels cared for,” he stated.

“Helping patients, being a reliable partner, and serving as a mentor—these are my most important responsibilities,” Dr. Yan reflected. He views his medical assistance as a mutually enriching experience and believes that teaching is a long-term commitment to nurturing future talents, transcending mere metrics and statistics.

He often engages with young doctors in his off-hours, drawing diagrams and teaching surgical techniques, guiding their hands in surgery to help them find the right angles and pressure. “We hold clinical exchanges, regular courses, and arrange for technical staff to train in Beijing while also facilitating online meetings between the two locations. These initiatives aim to solidify their clinical skills and foundational knowledge while fostering a positive mindset,” Dr. Yan shared.

Recognizing that inexperience can lead to a lack of confidence, he aims to empower local doctors and instill a sense of belief in their work. “I tell them that while being a doctor may not make one wealthy, the sense of purpose is incredibly direct and worth dedicating one’s life to,” he said.

“The biggest change from this experience is in mindset and perspective.” Dr. Yan transitioned from feeling uncertain about his new role to collaborating closely with his colleagues on department planning, talent development, and clinical research. Over time, relationships blossomed into lifelong friendships, built on mutual understanding and shared experiences.

Now back in the fast-paced life of Beijing, Dr. Yan occasionally finds his mind wandering back to the serene landscapes of Longbao during his outreach work. The vivid imagery of lakes and green fields lingers, providing a sense of peace.

“My year in Yushu felt like a dream—the most beautiful landscape I’ve traversed in my life,” he mused. This experience continues to resonate with him, as he remains committed to facilitating research initiatives and nurturing ophthalmology talent in Yushu. “I hope this precious journey is not a farewell for us but rather an open window to ongoing collaboration,” he concluded.