On 21 September, 2026, the Global Institute of Future Technology (GIFT) held a whole-grade class meeting for the MD+PhD Program students. The event brought together students and faculty from four cohorts to strengthen exchange and provide essential information to help students better adapt to the medical-engineering (MD+PhD) training model.
Tianshu Ge, Chairperson of the GIFT Council, expressed the institute's commitment to the newly-established program, which is dedicated to facilitating ongoing talent cultivation reform. She encouraged students to embrace courage and a spearheading spirit, share their learning experiences and offer constructive feedback to improve the pilot program.
As head teachers of the second MD+PhD cohort, Kang Chen and Minqiang Wang shared their expectations with the new intake. Kang Chen emphasized the deep connection between clinical practice, teaching, and research. He noted that advances in medical technology have reshaped the healthcare industry, and encouraged students to master medical knowledge as well as engineering and research skills. Minqiang Wang expressed excitement about joining the program and promised timely support for students throughout their long-term training.
Associate Dean Weiliang Xia provided an overview of the program's background, class structure, and future development. He introduced the diversified growth pathways the program offers and called on senior students to share their experiences with younger cohorts to jointly improve the program. The institute will continue to support students through curriculum reform, optimized training plans, and clinical practice opportunities.
Dr. Huifang Zhou, head teacher of the first MD+PhD Program cohort and Chairperson of the SCMC Council, shared her reflections on talent cultivation. She stressed the necessity to connect medical-engineering education with clinical needs. She encouraged students to make full use of the cutting-edge education and research platform, build solid professional knowledge while staying innovative, and strive for original breakthroughs.
During the student sharing session, Yifan Luo and Hanmo Shi (Class of 2023), Haoran Chen (Class of 2024), and Aaron, an exchange student from the University of Hong Kong, presented their experiences in coursework, research projects, clinical practice, and international exchange.
The class meeting closed with an open Q&A session and a group photo. It helped students better understand their training pathways, receive essential guidance and broaden their networks.
After years of exploration, the MD+PhD Program has gradually developed into a community among students from different backgrounds. GIFT will continue to strengthen interdisciplinary learning, clinical practice, research innovation, and faculty-student exchanges to provide a more open and diverse platform for students' growth.
