The House Institute is excited to welcome Xian Gao, MD, a visiting physician from Shandong, China. With 16 years of experience at Qingdao Municipal Hospital, including 7 years specializing in otology, Dr. Gao’s visit represents a unique opportunity for cross-cultural medical exchange. As a graduate tutor at Shandong Second Medical University and Qingdao University, Dr. Gao sees her time at the House Institute as an investment in the future of otological education in China.
At the House Institute, Dr. Gao is gaining exposure to cutting-edge technologies and approaches to advance her teaching, research, and clinical practice. “The differences between medical practices in China and the US have been eye-opening,” she shares.
One distinction she has observed is the involvement of neurologists in ENT cases. In China, neurologists often handle cases that would typically fall under an otolaryngologist’s purview in the US, highlighting the need for increased otology specialization in China. She is also particularly struck by how minor differences in surgical techniques can significantly impact patient outcomes. These crucial details are what she hopes to bring back to elevate care standards in China.
Dr. Gao is most impressed by the House Institute’s commitment to mentorship-based education. “The best thing here is their traditional education system. Young physicians learn from older, more experienced physicians.” The hands-on, apprenticeship-style learning has left a lasting impression, and she hopes to incorporate similar methods in her teaching.
Reflecting on her time so far, Dr. Gao expresses deep gratitude to the Institute’s staff, faculty, and donors, without whom the visiting physician’s program would not be possible. “I want to say thank you to every person here,” she says warmly. “Their generosity in sharing knowledge will benefit countless patients in China.”
Dr. Gao’s experience exemplifies the power of international medical exchange. By bridging Eastern and Western approaches to otology, she’s advancing global hearing healthcare and fostering collaboration between diverse medical communities. As she returns to Qingdao, a city she compares to Los Angeles, Dr. Gao carries newfound knowledge, skills, and passion for elevating otology practice in China.
