On September 12, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine officially inaugurated its Pudong Campus, a landmark achievement in Shanghai’s pursuit of educational modernization. This means the School ushers in a fresh chapter in its nearly 130 years of academic history and over 70 years of institutional development. It represents a major step forward in upgrading the School’s educational framework and marks a new stage in its journey toward becoming a world-class medical institution.
Unveiling of the campus name stone, Pudong Campus officially inaugurated
At 8:30 a.m., the inauguration ceremony for the Pudong Campus commenced against the backdrop of the morning sun. Leaders of Shanghai Jiao Tong University and its School of Medicine, together with faculty, staff, and student representatives, unveiled the name stone of the new campus, jointly witnessing this landmark moment in the institution’s history.
Located at the southwest corner of the International Medical Park in Pudong New Area, the new campus covers approximately 435 mu (about 290,000 square meters of land area) and was completed after five years of construction. The total floor area reaches 425,000 square meters, of which 345,000 square meters are above ground. The construction of the Pudong Campus is anchored in the School’s vision of building a “world-class medical school with Chinese characteristics, Shanghai style, and SJTUSM spirit.” Guided by the humanistic concept of “embracing diversity and integrating East and West,” the campus design carries forward more than a century of academic heritage while highlighting contemporary features, scientific innovation, environmental sustainability, and medical humanism. With a strong focus on addressing the real needs of students and faculty and supporting the holistic development of learners, the campus aims to build a model of a “smart, green, and humanistic” medical campus for a new era. The Pudong Campus integrates research and teaching facilities, cultural and collaborative platforms, professional training bases, and living amenities, creating a comprehensive ecosystem that offers a high-quality environment for study, work, and life to students, faculty, and healthcare professionals.
With the unveiling of the name stone, SJTUSM formally embarked on a new journey, expanding from its historic Huangpu roots to its modern Pudong campus. Rising from the ground is not only a new campus, but also a profound sense of pride and mission shared by every member of the SJTU School of Medicine community. The Pudong Campus stands as a strong declaration of the School’s commitment to advancing Shanghai’s medical disciplines, contributing to the city’s vision of becoming an Asian medical hub and a global center of science and innovation, and dedicating itself to the nation’s development and rejuvenation.
First opening ceremony for new students at the Pudong Campus marks a solemn and sacred moment
With the official launch of the Pudong Campus, the School of Medicine welcomed the new academic year. At 9:00 a.m., the opening ceremony for the incoming Class of 2025 was held at the Tongcheng Auditorium, beginning with the stirring strains of the national anthem. Under the witness of university leaders and faculty representatives, the incoming students, dressed in uniform attire and filled with determination, marched into the hall, a symbolic first step toward their lifelong commitment to medicine: “to alleviate human suffering and advance the perfection of health.”
In a highlight of the ceremony, student representatives were presented with the white coat by faculty members, who carefully fastened the first button. Together, the new cohort donned the white coats — garments symbolizing identity and vocation, carrying responsibility and mission, and embodying ideals and conviction.
Led by Bi Yufang, the incoming Class of 2025 solemnly recited the “Medical Student Oath”, voicing their passion for the profession, their sincerity of purpose, and their readiness to begin the transformative journey ahead.
Speaking on behalf of the new students, Lu Ranxin, a first-year clinical medicine student, shared her personal path to choosing medicine and called on her peers to safeguard the light of life with compassion, living by the pledge: “where health is concerned, lives are entrusted.”
Following her, Zhang Haoliang, a direct-entry PhD student of 2024 under the “Zhiyuan Honor Program,” delivered a speech as the senior student representative. He called on his juniors to put into action the pledge of “Serving the Nation, Serving the People,” inspiring them to dedicate their youth wholeheartedly to advancing a Healthy China and contributing to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Representing the faculty, Professor Bu Jun, Changjiang Scholar Distinguished Professor, recipient of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, and Vice President of the Affiliated Renji Hospital, delivered an inspiring address. He urged students to cherish their youth, value their mentors and friendships, and believe in themselves. He reminded them always to uphold SJTU’s founding mission of “Serving the Nation, Serving the People,” and to pursue medicine with passion, responsibility, and a commitment to the times.
Inspiring Words from Chancellor Fan Xianqun Encourage Students to Pursue Excellence
In a compelling speech titled “Setting Sail from Pudong, Forging the Future”, Fan Xianqun extended his heartfelt congratulations and warm welcome to the 1,025 new undergraduate students, 2,292 graduate students, and 110 entrants of the “SJTU Medical Class.” He highlighted that, with 129 years of educational history and 73 years of institutional development, SJTUSM has always embraced a global vision, fostered inclusivity and innovation, and earned a reputation as a national pioneer in medical education reform and development. With the official inauguration of the Pudong Campus, the School of Medicine is poised to enter a new stage of growth. Fan outlined three key expectations for the students: First, work hard to build strong skills. The road to medicine is long and requires patience and persistence. There are no shortcuts—only through effort and commitment can students master essential knowledge and skills. A solid foundation is the key to unlocking the mysteries of life and becoming an excellent doctor. Second, face challenges with courage and embrace innovation. Medicine today is undergoing profound change, moving from empirical and evidence-based approaches to precision and smart medicine. New technologies such as artificial intelligence are reshaping every aspect of healthcare. To meet international competition and the goals of Healthy China, students must seize opportunities in change and grow through challenges. Third, dedicate yourself to the calling of medicine. Medicine is more than curing disease—it is about protecting dignity and showing compassion. Genuine medical aspirations are rooted in a spirit of dedication. At SJTUSM, this dedication has been passed down through generations, marked by quiet perseverance and service to others. In closing, Fan urged students to pursue knowledge, put learning into practice, and contribute alongside the School to building a world-class medical institution with Chinese characteristics, while advancing national development and the Healthy China vision.
Wu Zhengyi presided over the opening ceremony for the new students.
New students from the Huangpu, Minhang, and Hainan campuses, as well as the “SJTU Medical Class,” joined the event via live broadcast.
The first lecture at the new campus highlighted the responsibility and dedication of medical professionals.
Following the solemn “Ceremony Chapter,” the event transitioned into the moving “Aspiration Chapter.” Peng Yihao, Head of the 10th Shanghai Aid-Tibet Cadre and Talent Liaison Group, delivered the first lecture of the new academic year under the theme “Serving the Country, Selfless Dedication, and Commitment to the People.” He shared his reflections on these values, drawing on his own experiences in Tibet. Peng emphasized the importance of understanding the weight of serving the nation through the lens of its needs—transforming healthcare in Shigatse so that “difficult access to medical care” becomes history, alleviating the suffering caused by highland diseases, and building medical teams that remain deeply rooted in the plateau. He spoke of the light of perseverance that shines from a physician’s original aspiration, and the true meaning of dedication: an unwavering spirit despite harsh conditions, and a commitment that counts no cost. He further underlined the mission of serving the people—where “health entrusted, life entrusted” reflects the dignity of life, and patient needs must always come first, with the most appropriate solutions ensuring greater equity in healthcare. Finally, he called on the incoming students to dedicate themselves to the nation, to cultivate compassion and expertise in areas where the country most needs them, to practice selfless devotion in everyday medical service, and to treat every patient as a personal responsibility, embarking on their medical journey in the spirit of youth pledged to the motherland.
In the “Commitment Chapter”, Jiang Fan delivered the first lecture to new students under the theme “Choosing SJTU is Choosing Responsibility, Choosing SJTUSM is Choosing Dedication.” Through four sections— “First Encounter with SJTU Medicine,” “Understanding SJTU Medicine,” “Embracing SJTU Medicine,” and “Practicing SJTU Medicine”—she narrated the School’s century-long legacy, offering the students both inspiration and guidance. From retracing the journey from the new Pudong Campus back to the historic Huangpu Campus and its red landmarks, to recounting the achievements of medical masters such as Academician Wang Zhenyi, Jiang highlighted the School’s spirit of openness, truth-seeking, innovation, and devotion. She urged students to shoulder responsibility in step with the nation’s medical progress and Shanghai’s development, to pursue excellence with masters as role models, and to grow into talents the country needs. Jiang encouraged the incoming class to uphold the mission of “serving the nation and the people,” to cultivate compassion and lifelong learning, and to become guardians of health. She concluded by painting a vision of a “world-class medical school with Chinese characteristics and SJTU’s distinctive style,” expressing her hopes that every student would realize their fullest potential and create a brilliant future.
Premiere of the master play at the new campus passes on the “Peony Spirit”.
In the afternoon, all new students, alumni representatives, and students from affiliated schools attended the premiere of the newly adapted master play “The Humble Peony” at the Pudong Campus.
Inspired by the life of Academician Wang Zhenyi, recipient of the Medal of the Republic, the play was performed by faculty, medical staff, and student representatives. Through vivid storytelling, it portrayed Wang’s lifelong dedication to medicine—from his youthful aspiration to heal the sick, to decades of selfless commitment, culminating in his recognition as a national hero. As an integral part of freshman education, the play has been staged for 13 consecutive years as the “first lesson” of the new academic term, with nearly 30 performances across Beijing, Jiangsu, Macao, and other regions. Having reached audiences of tens of thousands, it has been selected by the China Association for Science and Technology as part of its “Scientist Story Stage Play Promotion Program,” becoming a guiding light for generations of medical students.
Carrying forward the legacy of Huangpu and opening a new chapter in Pudong, SJTUSM stands at the forefront of China’s drive to establish a world-class medical school and advance top-tier medical disciplines. The inauguration of the Pudong Campus offers a pivotal opportunity for the School to closely align with national strategies for strengthening the country and Shanghai’s vision of developing into “Five Centers.” The School will actively integrate into Shanghai’s “dual pilot initiatives” — cultivating elite, innovative talent in higher education while supporting regional economic and social development. By fostering a collaborative multi-campus model, it aims to leverage cutting-edge research to underpin high-quality education and attract and nurture outstanding medical professionals. Through comprehensive reforms that unify education, science, and talent development, SJTUSM is committed to producing exceptional medical innovators to serve the nation’s goals in education, science, talent, and health. In doing so, it will drive medical innovation, advance healthcare development, and make a significant contribution to China’s national rejuvenation.
