Recipient of the "Medal of the Republic," Wang Zhenyi

The picture shows Wang Zhenyi (center) having a cordial conversation with a patient. Photo provided by Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.

Wang Zhenyi is a renowned medical scientist and medical educator. He successfully implemented a new clinical strategy for leukemia treatment that transforms malignant cells into benign cells, laying the clinical foundation for the theory of induction differentiation. He established the "Shanghai Protocol" for the treatment of "acute promyelocytic leukemia," making significant contributions to medical practice and theoretical innovation.

Wang Zhenyi, male, Han ethnicity, unaffiliated, born in Jiangsu Xinghua, former president of Shanghai Second Medical University, former director of Shanghai Institute of Hematology, lifetime professor at Ruijin Hospital, member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and a deputy to the Seventh National People's Congress. In the year he graduated from the medical department of Aurora University, and was retained at Guangci Hospital (now Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine) with the top grade in his class. In the early stages of his career, he participated in the Anti-American Aid-Korean medical team and was awarded a second-class merit once.

In the century decade, Wang Zhenyi began his research on leukemia. After arduous exploration, he innovatively proposed a new clinical treatment strategy to transform tumor cells into benign cells, discovering "all-trans retinoic acid." Subsequently, he and his team researched and proposed the "all-trans retinoic acid combined with arsenic trioxide" regimen, significantly improving the annual survival rate of leukemia patients. They also identified the pathogenesis of the disease and the mechanism of drug action from a molecular biology perspective, making it a globally recognized "Shanghai Protocol," giving new life to countless patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia. When the highest award in international oncology, the Kettering Prize, was awarded, he was hailed as "the first person to successfully apply the induction differentiation therapy in the history of human cancer treatment."

To benefit more patients, Wang Zhenyi gave up applying for drug patents and selflessly disclosed the treatment plan. Over the years, Wang Zhenyi has consistently fought on the front lines of medical education, nurturing a large number of outstanding medical talents.

From the first day I put on the white coat, I truly loved this profession. I will always keep in mind the 'greatness of the nation', uphold the people-centered principle, dedicate myself wholeheartedly, and do my utmost to protect the life and health of the people. Doctors have a benevolent heart, and great love knows no bounds. Wang Zhenyi was awarded the National Top Science and Technology Prize. On the eve of the anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, President Xi Jinping signed a presidential decree to confer the "Medal of the Republic" upon Wang Zhenyi.