In March 2026, the Thyroid Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment Center (Thyroid MDT Center) of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (TAH-SYSU) hosted an intensive academic exchange for a delegation of four senior Malaysian surgeons. The event, which focused on advanced ultrasound-guided ablation techniques, underscored TAH-SYSU's ongoing commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative and its growing influence in international medical collaboration.
The exchange began with a welcome ceremony attended by Vice President Prof. Jie Ren and Assistant to the President Prof. Kunpeng Hu. During their addresses, the leadership introduced TAH-SYSU's development and highlighted its achievements pioneering a full-cycle management model for thyroid disease. The visiting Malaysian experts, who are renowned in general and laparoscopic surgery, were attracted by the center's strong reputation in thyroid ablation.
As the director of the Thyroid MDT Center, Prof. Jie Ren provided an in-depth look at the technical systems and clinical innovations currently used at the hospital. She specifically emphasized the clinical advantages of thyroid ablation, including its ultra-minimal invasiveness, high precision, and function preservation. Beyond technical demonstrations, Prof. Ren called for increased international cooperation to standardize and promote these minimally invasive techniques globally.
Welcome Ceremony
The delegation's visit also served as an exploration of TAH-SYSU's multidisciplinary approach. The hospital has established 28 specialized disease centers designed to break down traditional disciplinary silos. The Thyroid MDT Center is a flagship of this model, integrating expertise from eight departments—including Ultrasound, Endocrinology, and Nuclear Medicine—to offer a comprehensive treatment suite that ranges from ablation to robotic surgery and pharmacotherapy. Notably, the hospital's Ultrasound Department is recognized as a National Key Clinical Specialty, particularly for its leadership in thyroid and pelvic floor disorders.
Vice President Jie Ren and Assistant to the President Kunpeng Hu attend the ceremony and deliver speeches.
Throughout the academic event, theoretical learning was seamlessly integrated with clinical practice. A team of experts including Professors Jie Ren, Tinghui Yin, Bowen Zheng, Tao Wu, and Lei Tan, alongside Dr. Yanping Ma, delivered systematic lectures on topics including standardized management of thyroid tumor ablation, fine-needle aspiration, ultrasound diagnosis, thermal ablation strategies, complication prevention and control, and post-operative follow-up. Following the lectures, the Malaysian surgeons observed successful live ablations for benign tumors and recurrent thyroid cancer, where they praised the precision and safety of the TAH-SYSU medical team.. The delegation also toured the Thyroid Center, the surgical ward, and the interventional ultrasound unit, gaining valuable insight into TAH-SYSU's multidisciplinary team (MDT) model and patient-centered care.
Lecture by Prof. Jie Ren
Lecture and hands-on guidance by Prof. Bowen Zheng
Surgical demonstration by Prof. Yin Tinghui
Surgical demonstration by Prof. Lei Tan
The exchange concluded with a symposium where both parties reached preliminary agreements on future joint training, teleconsultation, and collaborative research. To date, TAH-SYSU has hosted 22 trainees from Belt and Road countries, including Malaysia, Fiji and the Solomon Islands.
The Malaysian expert delegation presents a silk banner to Prof. Ren Jie's research team.
Looking ahead, TAH-SYSU will continue to leverage its 28 disease centers and multidisciplinary strengths to promote advanced minimally invasive technologies globally, further enhancing its international influence.
