UNMC strengthens its relationship with China

On May 4, UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., signed several agreements with Hainan Medical University and Chinalink International Medical Investment Inc., of the Shuangwei Group.

What others are saying

“We are grateful to continue to build relationships and explore new opportunities for UNMC with our colleagues from Hainan.”
-UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.

“These agreements are a substantial step in moving forward our partnerships in Hainan.”
-Jane Meza, Ph.D., interim associate vice chancellor for global and student support

Highlights of the agreements include:

  • continued collaborations in medical education to establish a medical university campus in Hainan, China;
  • a proposal to develop pathology and molecular diagnostic services for patients in Hainan;
  • expanding the current training program for medical, administrative, and management professionals from Hainan at UNMC; and
  • finalizing details about the UNMC-affiliated Chaotan Bay International Hospital currently under construction.

“These agreements represent a significant step forward in UNMC’s international presence with valued partners in China and in Hainan in particular, and are the result of a great deal of hard work by a number of people on both sides,” said Don Leuenberger, interim vice chancellor for business and finance. “The education, research and clinical opportunities that are opened with these agreements are very significant.”

The building of the Chaotan Bay International Hospital in Hainan is another major step in the partnership with UNMC. The hospital will be a 1,500-bed general hospital that will provide much-needed health care for the northeastern region of the Hainan island. The province of Hainan will establish a new free-trade zone and port to help the island become a destination for medical tourism.

“While the Chaotan Bay International Hospital, a joint partnership between UNMC and Chinalink Inc., is expected to open in October 2019, the visit from Chinalink Inc. of the Shuangwei Group to UNMC is highly significant,” said Kai Fu, M.D., Ph.D., director of the UNMC Office of International Relations and Patient Referrals. “In the past couple of days, we have finalized several important work orders to ensure the success of the international hospital. We also have achieved an agreement in the creation of a state-of-the-art precision diagnostic center in Chaotan Bay International Hospital and a joint medical university campus in Hainan.

“Our continued collaboration will help to advance the health care for patients in that region and will promote the mission of UNMC to transform lives through premier educational programs, innovative research and extraordinary patient care, all in an international location,” he said.

While the delegation was at UNMC, they toured the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, including the cancer clinic and an ICU patient room. They also got an in-depth look at the genetic testing labs at the Munroe-Meyer Institute and the new technology in the iEXCEL simulation lab.

The delegation also was able to meet with both Gov. Pete Ricketts and Secretary of State John Gale to strengthen relations and to discuss further business opportunities between Nebraska and the People’s Republic of China.