Dr. Gu first participated in training at C-TEC in 2012, three years after it opened in China. At that time, respiratory medicine in China was going through a transition period. The number of patients had grown, and the medical technology had drastically advanced. "At the time, I did not fully understand the benefits of conducting respiratory endoscopy for our patients. Fortunately, C-TEC had a specific program for this, so I decided to go there for the training," said Dr. Gu.
The training at C-TEC was an eye-opening experience. "It started with theoretical lessons, where we learned about the structure of endoscopes, their models, sizes, and some operating principles. Then, we moved on to hands-on training. The trainers guided us with patience until we fully understood the different techniques that could be done with the endoscope."
Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, where Dr. Gu works, is one of the most advanced centers for respiratory diagnosis and treatment in China. It performs more than 30,000 endoscopic diagnoses and treatments per year. This includes many emergency patients who are experiencing rapid breathing and immediate respiratory distress. It’s in these moments that a doctor's skills are truly put to the test. "Thanks to the standardized training, we remembered key points during the operation, and we knew exactly what to do. When a patient's condition improves with prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment, it’s incredibly rewarding for our professional development, which is why we’re so eager to engage in this training and learning."