Boosting a Less Known Job(2)

"In those days, few people knew what a GP was and no medical universities in China had a major in general practice," said Du. Beginning in 2003, she began to give classes in general practice.

Li Xiaoxiao, with a master's degree in public medical healthcare, is one of Du's students. She has worked at the Yuetan center for more than three years.

Though Li has always been considered overqualified for her job, the 27-year-old is very happy with her choice.

"Even if somebody offers me a much higher profile job, I won't leave," said Li, who concluded a one-month training at Columbia University in the United States in September. "Honestly, I've never given a thought to leave. I believe my workmates would say the same."

"Compared to specialists who target specific parts of the body, GPs know more about the whole body. And since we live so close to residents, we have access to patients' families and treat the patients in a more comprehensive way," said Gao Ming, another GP at the Yuetan center. "For example, if a patient suffering from insomnia goes to a big general hospital, the doctors might ask them to take some pills. Even if doctors ask for the reasons behind the insomnia, they cannot really follow up in terms of diagnosis and treatment. But a GP can visit the patient regularly and help them deal with the problem in another way."

Lin Bo, a local resident, is a regular at the rehabilitation clinic in the Yuetan center.

"The service here is really good and it's convenient," said Lin, who comes to the center twice a week for neck problems. "When I am unable to visit the center, the physiotherapist comes to my apartment."

"We have a record of every chronic patient in the community and visit them at home regularly. When chronic patients or elderly inhabitants need to take regular exams, we will call them one by one and remind them to come to the center," Du said.