GIFT MD+PhD Program Cohort Visits Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital for Medical-Engineering Innovation
On October 11, 2026, students from the Elite Talent Pilot Program (MD+PhD Program) at the Global Institute of Future Technology (GIFT) visited Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital to explore clinical intelligent diagnosis and treatment technology. The activity included expert lectures, lab tours, and hands-on experiences, exposing students to innovative pathways that turn clinical needs into engineering solutions.
Surgical Robots: Understanding the Engineering Behind Precise Operations
Dr. Li Yinwei, Associate Chief Physician of Ophthalmology, introduced key technologies of a navigational ophthalmic interventional surgical robot. Using the robot as an example, he explained how such equipment was continuously optimized around clinical needs. Students learned about preoperative imaging modeling and spatial positioning, and they experienced simulated training that combined physical models with virtual navigation. This deepened their understanding of the engineering principles behind precise operations and the process from R&D to clinical application.
Brain-Computer Interfaces: Exploring Neural Function Reconstruction
A staff representative from NeuroXess introduced the characteristics of different signal acquisition methods and the collaborative relationship among electrodes, chips, implantable devices, neural decoding algorithms and software systems. Through a case study in which BCI helped a paralytic patient control external devices, students learned about BCI applications in neural function reconstruction and rehabilitation, as well as the latest research progress.
Minimally Invasive Surgery: Experiencing Digital-Assisted Diagnosis and Treatment
In the laparoscopic surgery session, Dr. Zheng Lei, Attending Physician of the Second Department of General Surgery, introduced the basic principles, common instruments, and operating standards of minimally invasive surgery. Using cholecystectomy as an example, he guided students in grasping, threading, and suturing in a simulated training session. Students experienced the strict requirements and high standards of surgical operations.
Dr. Huo Haizhong, Administrative Deputy Director of the Second Department of General Surgery, demonstrated how 3D models of organs, blood vessels and lesions are reconstructed from CT scans. By observing complex anatomical structures and their spatial relationships, students better understood how 3D reconstruction technology supports preoperative planning, surgical design, and clinical training.
3D Printing: Exploring Personalized Medical Applications
Jiang Wenbo, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical 3D Printing Innovation Research Center, showed different printing processes and their medical applications from a perspective of additive manufacturing. Students learned how digital models could be transformed into physical objects and support the fabrication of complex structures and personalized designs. The demonstration helped students understand how engineering technologies respond to individual patient differences and provide new tools for precision diagnosis and treatment.
This activity connected classroom knowledge with clinical scenarios. It helped students to realize that being a physician-scientist/engineer requires both mastery of cutting-edge technologies and a deep understanding of real clinical needs. With interdisciplinary training and diverse opportunities to cultivate critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, GIFT MD+PhD Program students are passionate about the academic journey ahead.
