On the night of May 17^th, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (ZJU4H), held its first Neuro Night Salon. Its objective is to explore a new model of education for clinical medical students and promote collaborations between clinical and basic research in neuroscience. The salon was launched by Dr. LI Xiangyao, Associate Director of the Animal Laboratory Center, and presided over by Dr. CHEN Yili, Director of the Neurosurgery Department. Nearly a dozen senior doctors and PIs from neurosurgery, neurology, psychiatry, and anesthesiology attended the salon and shared their latest clinical and research experiences.

The opening remarks was delivered by Dr. CHEN Weiying, the Associate Dean of the International School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. “In the scientific world, innovation can happen anytime. New ideas can be sparked through interaction and communication. I am glad to see more contacts and dialogues between investigators and clinicians so that basic science and clinical practice can be closely combined. We expect the Neuro Night Salons will bring forth creative ideas and solutions in neuroscience and neurological health,” she said. Additionally, she mentioned that during the process from bench to bedside, scientific discoveries and breakthroughs could be transformed into clinical diagnoses and effective treatment, and new drugs could be developed to benefit patients.

As to basic science, Dr. LI Xiangyao, specializing in brain science, shared his work in exploring the neuronal mechanisms of autism. “I believe that the collaborations between clinical and basic research scientists at ZJU4H will help patients in the future,” he said. Dr. ZHAO Guohua, Director of the Neurology Department, presented his cloning and function study of a new pathogenic gene caused by distal hereditary motor neuropathy with an aim to improve clinical practice. The participants also had a spirited discussion on probing a new medical education model of systematic integration for medical student cultivation.

This salon provided an excellent opportunity for basic scientists and clinical practitioners to communicate and exchange ideas. Clinic, research and education are the wings for a hospital to fly on, so the wings must be strong for the hospital to develop. Therefore, it is important to establish a clinical-demand-oriented scientific research mechanism, promoting precise diagnosis, high-quality treatment and translation of research in all directions. This will greatly serve the construction of the International Hub for Health and promote future healthcare.

Source: the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine