School: School of Medicine, Southeast University

Degree: Master’s Degree

Employment: Lincang People’s Hospital, Yunnan Province

Campus Experience:

During undergraduate studies, served as Deputy Director of the Sports Department of the School of Medicine Student Union; participated in summer social practice and was nominated for the “Top Ten Teams” award; during graduate studies, entered the standardized residency training program at the Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, obtained a Medical Practitioner’s License, successfully completed the residency training program, and earned qualifications such as the Jiangsu Province Health Management Specialist Certificate.

Awards and Achievements:

Third Prize in the Jiangsu Province Pharmacology Knowledge Competition; Ruihua Residency Scholarship (2021, 2022); Feng-Huang Nephrology Scholarship (2024); Southeast University “Zhishan Striving Award” (2024); Published 1 paper as first author in a Chinese core journal and 1 SCI paper as co-first author; Selected for an oral presentation and multiple poster sessions at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Conference on Nephrology (APCN).

Rooted in Time, Thriving in Her Field

Throughout her academic journey at Southeast University, Li Yongqi has consistently embodied a quiet yet powerful presence—one that speaks for itself without fanfare. She is not one to chase speed at all costs; instead, she has spent eight years navigating her path in medicine with steadiness, resilience, and unwavering determination.As an undergraduate, she studied diligently with clear goals, continuously advancing in her major courses through solid foundational knowledge and a serious, rigorous attitude. She served as Deputy Director of the Sports Department in the Medical School Student Union, honing her organizational and coordination skills; during summer social practice, her team was nominated for the “Top Ten Teams” award. All these experiences quietly laid a solid foundation for her growth.During her graduate studies, she entered the standardized residency training program at the Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, gaining experience on the clinical front lines. She successfully passed the National Medical Licensing Examination and the residency completion exam, while also receiving honors such as the Ruihua Residency Scholarship and the Feng Huang Nephrology Scholarship. In research, she published an SCI-indexed paper as co-first author and was selected for an oral presentation at the APCN conference. These achievements are not the result of “exceptional talent,” but rather the fruit of her persistent efforts. Her composure is the steadfastness born of experience; her composure is the promising starting point for the future.

Looking Back at Her Hometown: Original Aspirations and a Calling

In the minds of many medical students, big cities symbolize more opportunities, more advanced healthcare systems, and broader prospects for development. Yet, over the course of her eight years of medical training, Li Yongqi gradually came to realize that her original motivation for studying medicine lay with the people and the land of the mountainous and coastal frontier regions.

Her hometown, Lincang, is a frontier region with relatively scarce medical resources, characterized by winding mountain roads, poor transportation, and lagging economic and medical development. It is precisely in such an environment that she feels the weight of her knowledge all the more and sees her responsibilities with greater clarity.

“I deeply realize that the knowledge I have acquired can bring real help to the people in the frontier regions. ” This is not merely a slogan, but a choice she made after much deliberation.She chose to return to the place that needed her most, transforming the knowledge she had gained over the years into a beam of light that could illuminate the mountains. In that moment, her personal growth found a new direction, and her perseverance took on new meaning.

Sowing Youth in the Land, Shining Light on the Horizon

During her time back in Lincang, she has gained a deeper appreciation for the simplicity of her hometown’s land and rediscovered the value of her role as a doctor.

She said, “My hometown is not only where I was born, but also the home of my heart and the starting point of my dreams. I am willing to dedicate my youth and passion to this land that has nurtured me.” Through her professional expertise, she safeguards the health of many, while her hometown serves as the driving force behind her continued growth.

Her story lacks “dramatic twists,” yet it is marked by a rare steadfastness and sincerity. This is precisely what sets her apart.

Q&A

Q:When you returned to your hometown to work, were there any aspects that left a particularly strong impression on you?

A:Currently, the hospital in my hometown places great emphasis on talent development, frequently sending doctors to higher-level hospitals for further training. Additionally, the patients are exceptionally understanding and supportive of the doctors, which has allowed me to truly experience the sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that comes from “safeguarding the health of our community through professional expertise.” What moves me even more is the atmosphere among my colleagues. Although I’m new to the workforce, everyone always includes my thoughts when discussing medical techniques. This environment of equal communication and respect for everyone’s professional opinions allows me to confidently apply what I’ve learned and gives me great confidence in my growth within this organization.

Q:For medical students who are preparing for standardized residency training exams, the physician licensing exam, or planning to pursue further studies, what professional advice would you offer?

A:First, make efficient use of fragmented time for learning. During residency training, workloads are heavy, and it is often difficult to find long, uninterrupted periods to study. Therefore, it is advisable to make use of every available moment—for instance, practicing questions on your phone during short breaks between ward rounds to reinforce memory. Whenever you encounter unfamiliar knowledge points, look them up promptly and keep proper notes. Make full use of resources such as video lectures and question banks to consolidate your understanding, rather than cramming right before the exam.

Second, clarify your goals and plans as early as possible. Decide in advance whether you intend to enter the workforce directly or continue with graduate or doctoral studies. Only with a clear direction can you act with purpose. For example, if you plan to pursue further studies, you should engage in research projects with supervisors early on and work toward publishing papers; if you aim to start working, focus on refining your clinical skills. This approach helps avoid unnecessary detours and enables you to achieve your goals more efficiently.

Q:What would you like to say to the junior students at Southeast University?

A:First, learn to study independently. Books are the best teachers—do not always wait for others to teach you. Only through active exploration can knowledge truly become your own. Second, do not underestimate grassroots hospitals; they are by no means an “inferior” choice. Such settings offer more hands-on opportunities and also provide time to deepen professional expertise and develop personal interests. In fact, they can be an excellent platform for self-development. Third, cherish the resources available at university—whether it is the guidance of mentors, the companionship of peers, or the various opportunities provided by the institution. These are invaluable assets. Stay in touch even after graduation, as these relationships and memories will become a source of warmth and support in your future journey.

Finally, I would like to add: do not overly envy life after graduation. Although financial independence may come, the pressures of work, patients’ expectations, and various societal challenges will often make you nostalgic for the simplicity of university life. I often find myself reminiscing about the days spent exploring new places and traveling with my roommates—such simple joys are hard to come by after entering the workforce. So while you are still in school, with time and energy on your side, go out more often with friends. Experience the spring breeze and the summer rain—these moments will one day become some of the warmest memories in your life.