Brave Doctor Inspires Trust as Rural China’s Trusted Physician
Dr. Xiao Jiulin, an inspiring figure in China’s rural healthcare system, has overcome physical challenges to become a trusted local physician. Standing at just 90 centimeters tall due to a childhood disease that severely affected his bone development, Dr. Xiao has defied all odds to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor.
At his clinic in Yangang village of Yudu county, East China’s Jiangxi province, Dr. Xiao works tirelessly to provide quality healthcare to his patients. Despite the difficulties he faces, such as needing to climb up and down the consulting room chair multiple times a day, Dr. Xiao remains dedicated to his profession. He performs routine checks, prescribes medication, gives injections, and assists bedridden patients with the help of a stool and carefully adjusted intravenous pole.
Dr. Xiao’s journey to becoming a doctor was not an easy one. As a child, he suffered from severe muscular pain and relied on the services of a village doctor for relief. Inspired by this experience, he aspired to become a doctor himself. However, his impoverished family could not support his education beyond senior middle school. Determined to overcome these obstacles, Dr. Xiao offered to apprentice under village doctors in his hometown. After persevering and proving his skills, he was eventually accepted as an apprentice.
In 1989, Dr. Xiao earned his qualifications as a general practitioner and returned to his home village. However, gaining the trust of the villagers proved to be challenging. Initially, very few patients visited his clinic as they were skeptical of his competence. Undeterred, Dr. Xiao dedicated himself to self-improvement, studying medical books whenever possible.
One fateful day, during a home care visit, Dr. Xiao’s professionalism and kindness left a strong impression on an elderly patient and her granddaughter, Huang Shuzhen. Their admiration blossomed into a deep connection, and Ms. Huang eventually became Dr. Xiao’s wife and assistant. Together, they strive to provide primary care to the villagers, with their clinic serving at least 200 patients. As Dr. Xiao’s reputation grew, patients from neighboring areas also sought his services.
Dr. Xiao’s commitment to his work is evident, as he and his wife make themselves available 24/7. With their mobile phones always on, patients can reach out to them whenever needed. This dedication has made a significant impact on the lives of the villagers, who now have access to a trusted and convenient healthcare provider.
In China, efforts are underway to build a team of general practitioners for rural areas. As of the end of 2021, nearly 1.15 million village doctors were working to provide timely and efficient primary care in rural regions, according to data from the National Health Commission. However, doctors like Dr. Xiao are true beacons of hope, exemplifying the importance of dedicated healthcare professionals in remote areas.
Dr. Xiao Jiulin’s story serves as an inspiration to us all. His resilience and determination in the face of physical challenges have made a profound impact on his community. Through his unwavering commitment to his patients, he has become a trusted physician in rural China. Dr. Xiao’s story reminds us that true heroism can be found in the most unexpected places, and that the pursuit of one’s dreams can overcome any obstacle.
