Silent
A Silent Giant in the East: A Jamaican Student’s Perspective on the Impact of Wenzhou Medical University (WMU)
Introduction
When you hear about medical universities, you often hear about the likes of the University of Oxford, John Hopkins University, Harvard University and Stanford University. Very rarely does Wenzhou Medical University enter the conversation, but perhaps it should.
Affordability
For many Jamaican students we dream of remaining home and studying at the University of the West Indies, however, some students are unable to achieve this dream because of the exorbitant tuition costs. As a result, we look at options for international study.
One such option that is popular among aspiring Jamaican doctors is Wenzhou Medical University. WMU offers a cost-effective medical education compared with many Western Institutions, making it an attractive option to many international students.
A Home Away From Home
Studying abroad far from home can be daunting, especially when worrying about homesickness. However, as a Jamaican student in Wenzhou, you’ll find surprising comforts that make it feel like a home away from home. The city’s lush, mountainous terrain mirrors Jamaica’s landscapes, offering a familiar backdrop to your medical school journey.
Travelling on the roads brings a feeling of comfort because the highways are built by the same Chinese companies that constructed the roads back home. Whether you’re exploring the city or gazing at the terrains, you’ll find little reminders that ease the transition and make Wenzhou strangely familiar.
Language and Cultural Immersion
Studying at Wenzhou Medical University provides Jamaican students with the opportunity to learn Mandarin Chinese which is the most spoken language in the world. This linguistic skill will not only enhance communication skills, but also deepens cultural understanding which is of great importance in today’s society.
A Leader in Ophthalmology and Beyond
Even though WMU may not be a household name, the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University is known for its excellence in ophthalmology and optometry. The institution has made significant contributions to eye research and education both locally and internationally. A cornerstone of WMU’s ophthalmic achievements is the work of Professor Tianrong Miao, a pioneer in Chinese ophthalmology.
Despite having limited resources in the 1950s, Professor Miao designed the logarithmic visual acuity chart, introducing a standardized method for measuring vision. His innovations, including the Five-Point, is used as national standards in China and is also recognized globally. His contributions have significantly advanced the field of ophthalmology and continue to influence eye care practices on a worldwide scale.
Additionally, according to a study carried out by the Essential Science Indicators, Wenzhou Medical University’s disciplines are ranked in the top 1% for Clinical Medicine, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Biology and Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Materials Science, Chemistry, Neuroscience and Behavior and Immunology.
International Collaborations
Wenzhou Medical University has built an impressive global network through collaborations with over 140 leading institutions worldwide. This creates great opportunities for students and researchers alike. In the United States, WMU collaborates with Harvard University on research in ophthalmology and cancer biology, while partnering with the University of Pennsylvania to advance neuroscience and AI healthcare innovations. WMU also established ties with Johns Hopkins University to focus on critical infectious disease research. Collaborations also extend to the University of Alberta in Canada for clinical medicine and joint educational programs.
European connections were made through Lund University in Sweden for joint PhD programs in clinical medicine and the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom for genomics and ophthalmology research. In Asia, WMU’s partnership with Japan’s Kyushu University strengthens infectious disease studies, demonstrating the university’s commitment to addressing pressing medical issues through international cooperation. These collaborations not only enhance WMU’s research capabilities but also provide students with access to world-class training and the perspectives of different countries in medicine.
In 2016, Wenzhou Medical University also established the Huatuo Program in collaboration with the Medical University of Lublin (MUL) in Poland. This program represents China’s first overseas educational venture in clinical medicine and strengthens international relationships between China and Poland. At the end of the six-year Huatuo dual medical degree, students will receive an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) degree from WMU and an MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree from MUL.
The dual degrees are accepted internationally. Therefore, graduates are allowed to pursue medical licensing examinations in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, European nations and Caribbean nations. As a current student, I share classes with Huatuo students and they have high opinions of the program. During the program, students study in Poland for 3 years and in China for 3 years. It provides them with the opportunity to learn medical practices in two countries, as well as, the opportunity to acclimate to another culture. One student in particular intends to sit the United States Medical Licensing Examination after graduation.
Another notable cornerstone of WMU’s international strategy is its student exchange programs with prestigious American institutions such as Harvard University, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Pennsylvania. These initiatives allow Chinese medical students to gain exposure to cutting-edge research methods, new teaching approaches and knowledge of Western medicine. On the other hand, American students visiting WMU benefit from hands-on clinical training in China’s high-volume hospitals and unique insights into traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and famous Chinese techniques such as acupuncture. This venture creates a mutually beneficial learning environment.
The aforementioned details highlight that the influences of Wenzhou Medical University are far-reaching and continue to impact many countries. Even though WMU is not a widely known medical university, it is in the background, working hard and has many connections with top universities in the world.
Impact on Jamaican Healthcare
Jamaican graduates from Wenzhou Medical University return home equipped with comprehensive medical knowledge and cross-cultural experiences. This training is beneficial to the improvement of healthcare services in Jamaica, especially in underserved communities. There is also the introduction of new perspectives on medicine influenced by Eastern Practices. Every year, a new batch of Jamaican students travel to WMU to embark on their medical journey. The popular program selections among Jamaican students are:
MBBS (6 years, English-taught): Early hospital rotations
BDS Dentistry (5 years, English-taught): Blends advanced 3D printing tech with Traditional Chinese Medicine
The Quiet Powerhouse
In concluding, Wenzhou Medical University exemplifies that regardless of an institution’s global ranking, it can still have a profound impact on international healthcare. Excellence does not always come with fame. Sometimes, the most impactful institutions are the ones working diligently behind the scenes, shaping the future of medicine one student at a time. Through its affordable education, cultural opportunities, specialized training and international collaborations, Wenzhou Medical University is quietly impacting healthcare in Jamaica and beyond.
By: Annalie Whyte
Write and Win: Participate in Creative writing Contest & International Essay Contest and win fabulous prizes.
About the Author
