Eternal Monument of Plateau Medicine—a Model Interpretation of Academician Wu Tian-yi's Professional Spirit and its Contemporary Value

Liu Qing-li; Pan Hua-ying; Feng Hong-qiang

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-9753.2025.09.003

Abstract：Academician Wu Tian-yi is a major pioneer and founder of plateau medicine in China and is hailed as the"Guardian of life on the plateau".This article,from the perspectives of medical humanities and the professional spirit of physicians,systematically sorts out and deeply analyzes the scientific research and medical practice of Academician Wu Tian-yi who has been rooted in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau for nearly 70 years.Facing the severe challenge of the"forbidden zone of life"on the roof of the world,he,with extraordinary courage,firm belief,rigorous scientific attitude and selfless dedication,led the completion of a plateau health census covering nearly 100,000 people,established the first internationally leading high and low pressure comprehensive oxygen chamber and personally verified it in dangerous situations,and innovatively constructed the"three highs and three lows"plateau disease emergency system.It successfully ensured the medical miracle of"zero deaths from altitude sickness"among the 140,000 troops involved in the construction of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway.His career profoundly embodies the core essence of the physician's professional spirit-the sincere dedication to the country and the people,the supreme reverence for life,the unwavering pursuit of his profession,the boundless care for patients,as well as the perseverance and self-sacrifice in the face of difficulties.Academician Wu Tian-yi's spiritual qualities are not only a precious asset in the field of plateau medicine,but also a lofty model and eternal lighthouse for Chinese physicians in the new era to forge their professional spirit.His deeds have significant implications for promoting the humanistic spirit of medicine and strengthening the professional ethics construction of physicians.