“70 Years of Higher Education in Traditional Chinese Medicine in New China: From Preserving the Roots to Reaching Out to the World”
# 70 Years of Higher Education in Traditional Chinese Medicine in New China: From Preserving the Roots to Reaching Out to the World Inheriting the ancient traditions and embracing innovation. Over the past 70 years, the cultivation of traditional Chinese medicine professionals has evolved from traditional mentoring to systematic institutional education, providing a vivid illustration of the creative transformation and innovative development of Chinese culture. In September 1956, Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine College was officially established in Beimencang Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing. It was one of the earliest higher education institutions dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine in New China, initially consisting of only 4 traditional Chinese medicine teachers and 123 students. Seventy years later, there are now 27 independently established undergraduate institutions for traditional Chinese medicine nationwide, with approximately 670 higher education institutions offering programs related to traditional Chinese medicine. Over 800,000 students are enrolled in these programs, establishing a complete training system covering junior colleges, undergraduate programs, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and postdoctoral studies. “We must follow the laws of development in traditional Chinese medicine, inherit its essence, and innovate while maintaining integrity.” “Establish service systems, service models, management methods, and talent cultivation models that suit the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine.” Since the new era began, under the care of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the development of traditional Chinese medicine and the cultivation of its professionals have achieved unprecedented…