When patients lie on the operating table, their vision is filled with the blinding glare of surgical lights, and their ears are met with the cold, rhythmic beeping of medical equipment. They don’t know how the surgeon’s hands will mend their body and spirit, nor whether the scalpel will sever the chains of fate. But for the surgeon, every operation is a symphony of science and art—where precise calculations meet intuitive finesse, and the coldness of instruments collides with the warmth of humanity. 

    I remember meeting Dr. Xinghua Cheng four years ago. He always rolled up the sleeves of his white coat to his elbows, revealing lean forearms. Back then, there was a hint of youthful inexperience in his demeanor, and when his black-framed glasses slid down his nose, he’d instinctively push them back up with fingers that carried the faint scent of disinfectant. Now, as I see him again, he stands in front of the gleaming glass wall of the operating room, his white coat neatly draped to his knees. The same black-framed glasses rest on his nose, leaving faint marks from years of wear. 

    “The growth of a surgeon is a spiral,” Dr. Cheng says. “Every post-operative review is a re-understanding of life and a re-examination of oneself.” 

   Like four years ago, Dr. Cheng still records every surgery, spending late nights reviewing the footage like a director meticulously editing a film, until every movement becomes muscle memory. 

    In him, I see the traces of youth, optimism, and responsibility—a physician maturing against the backdrop of time, with the years etching their marks upon him. His journey reflects the quiet dedication and relentless pursuit of perfection that define the best in the medical profession, resonating deeply with anyone who values the profound impact of a healer’s craft.

    At the oncology surgery department of Shanghai Chest Hospital, many patients are in the advanced stages of their illness. The question doctors hear most often is, “Doctor, will I get another chance at life?”  

    One such patient, diagnosed with lung cancer, had been turned away by multiple hospitals because the tumor had invaded a major blood vessel, making surgery seem impossible. But Dr. Cheng and his team didn’t give up. They used innovative immunotherapy to shrink the tumor, eventually making it operable and successfully removing it.  

    “The mission of medicine isn’t to deliver verdicts or leave patients feeling hopeless,” Dr. Cheng explains. “It’s to create possibilities and hope.” He emphasizes that modern surgeons have moved far beyond the role of mere “operators.” 

     At Shanghai Chest Hospital, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meets weekly. Specialists from oncology, radiology, pathology, and radiation therapy gather to craft personalized treatment plans for each patient. Some need preoperative therapies to “soften” the tumor, others benefit from targeted drug combinations, and some find hope through clinical trials. 

    “Over the years in oncology surgery, I’ve come to see medicine not as a solo performance but as a symphony,” Dr. Cheng says. “Each patient’s condition is a unique score, requiring different instruments to harmonize.” 

    “For some patients, we use new treatments to shrink and weaken the tumor first. Like a gentle rain softening hardened soil, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted drugs quietly reduce the tumor, creating a millimeter of space between the vessels and healthy tissue. Only then can the scalpel find its stage.” 

    While the boundaries of medicine are constantly expanding, the core principle remains unchanged: to treat not just the disease but the person. 

    Dr. Cheng believes that as doctors, it’s important to say one more thing during consultations: “Beyond surgery, I’ll fight for every possible option for you. Trust in the resilience of your life—it often hides in the gaps of those ‘possibilities.’” 

    The shift to patient-centered care has transformed oncology surgery from a solo endeavor to a collaborative effort across multiple disciplines. 

    “Every patient, whether they recover or sadly pass away, is a hero in my eyes,” Dr. Cheng reflects. “They are our greatest teachers, friends, and even family.” 

    When technology reaches its limits, human compassion becomes the indispensable remedy. 

    “The art of medicine lies in giving science warmth,” Dr. Cheng says. “Many patients travel from afar to Shanghai Chest Hospital for one reason—hope. To them, we might be their last stop. Every time I think about that, it ignites something deep within me.” 

    This blend of cutting-edge science and heartfelt care is what defines Dr. Cheng’s approach—a reminder that medicine, at its best, is as much about the soul as it is about the body.

ShanghaiDoctor.cn: What advice do you have for young doctors? 

Dr. Cheng Xinghua: In oncology surgery, we often encounter patients with severe conditions. Some are successfully treated, while others are not. But I believe maintaining optimism is crucial. Only when we are optimistic can our patients feel hopeful, and that’s when success becomes more likely. Young doctors are a source of new ideas and energy. When I first entered the field, I was full of passion and drive, but I also needed to continuously learn and accumulate experience. 

For young doctors, I recommend first mastering the fundamentals of medicine—this is the foundation of becoming an excellent doctor. Second, focus on developing clinical thinking and practical skills, honing them through real-world experience. Additionally, be patient and compassionate. Treat patients with sincerity, think from their perspective, and earn their trust and respect. Young doctors should also stay attuned to the latest advancements in medicine, actively engage in research and academic exchanges, and continuously improve their expertise to contribute to the progress of medical science. 

ShanghaiDoctor.cn: How do you approach collaboration with international peers? 

Dr. Cheng Xinghua: Collaborating with international peers is a great opportunity for learning and exchange. First, we need to maintain an open mindset and actively build connections with doctors abroad. Attending international conferences, seminars, and other events allows us to meet experts, stay updated on global medical advancements, and identify gaps in knowledge, methods, and tools. 

In collaboration, we must respect cultural differences and work styles, learning from each other’s strengths. We can invite international peers to visit our hospital for exchanges and send our doctors and researchers abroad for training. In research, we can identify shared interests, conduct joint studies, and share resources and data to tackle medical challenges together. Additionally, telemedicine and online academic exchanges can strengthen daily communication and collaboration. Through these efforts, we not only enhance our own expertise but also contribute to the advancement of global medicine. 

ShanghaiDoctor.cn: Besides clinical work, you’ve taken on management responsibilities. How does this contribute to a doctor’s growth? 

Dr. Cheng Xinghua: Taking on management roles has been a new challenge and opportunity for me. It has expanded my perspective from purely technical aspects to the broader operation of the medical team and department, encouraging me to think more holistically. 

Maintaining an optimistic and positive atmosphere, coordinating resources, and optimizing workflows are essential to improving the quality of medical care. Senior colleagues have offered invaluable advice and guidance, helping me avoid pitfalls and learn how to motivate the team, leverage individual strengths, and work together to serve patients. Of course, there’s still much for me to improve, especially in communication—whether with superiors, colleagues, or patients and their families. It requires patience, attentiveness, and professionalism. It’s not easy, and I still have a lot of room to grow.   

ShanghaiDoctor.cn: At the start of this interview, you mentioned that medicine is also an art. How is this reflected? 

Dr. Cheng Xinghua: I believe the art of medicine isn’t an abstract concept but a practical philosophy that runs through the entire process of diagnosis and treatment. It requires doctors to have the rigor of scientists and the creativity of artists, ultimately helping patients feel the possibility of “being healed” rather than just “being treated.” 

Surgery itself is a technique, but it’s also an art. Through repeated review and process optimization, we simplify redundant steps, identify key actions, and make surgeries both precise and efficient. The artistry lies in the meticulous attention to detail and the ability to solve complex problems, ensuring patients achieve better outcomes with minimal trauma. 

The science of medicine lies in its predictability—using research to guide treatment. The art, however, stems from its unpredictability. Each patient’s individuality, psychological state, and social environment introduce variables that require flexible, creative responses. This demands that doctors balance scientific principles with human insight and personalized care. 

ShanghaiDoctor.cn: How do you see the art of doctor-patient communication? 

Dr. Cheng Xinghua: At the core of the doctor-patient relationship is a “patient-centered” approach. For cancer patients, who often carry immense psychological burdens, the daily toll of the disease on their body and mind is, I’d say, “terrifying.” As doctors, we’re not just making promises—we’re taking responsibility. We need to address their psychological needs, family burdens, and even their social roles, using empathy to ease their fears and transform cold treatment into warm care. 

Additionally, both doctors and patients must acknowledge the uncertainties in medicine. Doctors find professional fulfillment in managing complex cases. When we navigate unpredictable challenges with experience and wisdom, turning despair into hope, this process itself becomes an artistic “enjoyment.” Achieving this, however, requires the understanding and support of patients and their families.