Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine
General Thoracic
Member Since: 2021
Biography:
Dr. Hecheng Li occupies the prestigious positions of Chair of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Ruijin Hospital and Professor and PhD Supervisor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. He obtained his medical degree from Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, in 1996 and subsequently honed his expertise at eminent institutions such as Harvard Medical School and MD Anderson Cancer Center, specializing in minimally invasive thoracic surgery for neoplasms.
Dr. Li is a distinguished researcher with over 10 major projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and 50+ peer-reviewed publications as the first or corresponding author. His work has earned him multiple accolades, including the Second-Class Prize of the Chinese Medical Science and Technology Award. As an attending thoracic surgeon, he has mentored over 200 students, residents, and junior faculty.
His career is replete with commendations, notably being designated as a "National Renowned Doctor." Dr. Li's professional life is dedicated to mitigating patient suffering and fostering clinical innovations, particularly in minimally invasive surgical procedures and organ transplantation. He is a trailblazer in robotic-assisted thoracic surgeries in China and has introduced cutting-edge techniques such as full-endoscopic esophagectomy and thoracoscopic lung segmentectomy.
Dr. Li is an esteemed member of several leading international and domestic academic associations. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), a member of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), serves as the Vice Chairman of the Thoracic Surgery Branch of the Shanghai Medical Doctor Association, and holds a committee membership in the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Branch of the Chinese Medical Association.
What Does the AATS Mean to You:
As a member of the AATS, I view this organization as a pivotal platform for advancing the field of thoracic surgery on a global scale. The AATS not only fosters a rich environment for professional growth and collaboration among thoracic surgeons but also encourages the exchange of innovative ideas and cutting-edge research findings. For me personally, being part of AATS means being at the forefront of surgical advancements and contributing to the international dialogue on best practices and surgical excellence. It provides an invaluable network of colleagues and experts whose shared experiences and insights help push the boundaries of what is possible in thoracic surgery.
My First Experience with AATS:
My first experience with AATS was truly memorable and profoundly impactful. I had the honor of being invited to the conference when I was a trainee of surgery with my supervisor. During the session, I had the opportunity to engage in deep discussions with leading thoracic surgeons and oncologists, exchanging ideas and insights on the latest advancements in the field. The level of knowledge and the passion for innovation present at the conference were truly remarkable. I was particularly impressed by the collaborative atmosphere and the willingness of attendees to share their experiences and challenges.
Why I became an AATS member:
I became a member of the AATS primarily to deepen my engagement with the global thoracic surgery community and to contribute to the evolving field of thoracic surgical practices and patient care standards. Joining AATS provided me with access to a wealth of resources, including pioneering research, educational programs, and the latest surgical techniques, which are essential for staying at the cutting edge of thoracic surgery. Being a part of this prestigious association enables me to fulfill my commitment to both my patients and the broader medical community by fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation.
The most impactful presentation I have seen at an AATS meeting:
One of the most impactful presentations I have attended at an AATS meeting was the Presidential Address titled "The Dreamer & The Pragmatist" delivered by Dr. Yolonda Colson from Massachusetts General Hospital at the 103rd Annual Meeting held in Los Angeles.
Dr. Colson's address masterfully encapsulated the dual nature of our roles as thoracic surgeons and researchers, balancing the visionary aspirations to push the boundaries of what is medically possible with the pragmatic need to deliver concrete, effective treatments to our patients. Her insights into how we can harness our dreams to fuel innovations while remaining grounded in practical methodologies that ensure safety and efficacy in patient care were particularly enlightening. This presentation not only inspired me personally but also resonated deeply with my professional philosophy, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a balance between innovation and practical application in the field of thoracic surgery.
The first presentation I gave is:
The first presentation I gave was a poster session titled "Real-world study of cumulative incidence of recurrence after R0 resection for Chinese patients with esophageal cancer." This presentation focused on the outcomes and recurrence rates in patients who had undergone complete surgical resection (R0) for esophageal cancer. The study provided valuable insights into the long-term prognosis and highlighted the challenges and opportunities for improving postoperative management and surveillance in this patient population. Presenting this research was a significant milestone in my career, allowing me to share our findings with the broader medical community and engage in discussions about potential strategies to enhance patient outcomes.
The first paper I had published is:
The first paper I had published was titled "The Value of Tamoxifen Adjuvant Therapy in Premenopausal Patients with Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer," which appeared in the Chinese Journal of General Surgery in 2002 during my PhD.
The first paper I had published on the The Journal of Thoracic and Cardio Vascular Surgery (JTCVS) titled Early outcomes of robotic versus thoracoscopic segmentectomy for early-stage lung cancer: A multi-institutional propensity score-matched analysis in November 2020.
The findings contributed valuable insights to the ongoing debate over the optimal surgical approach for early-stage lung cancer, demonstrating that robotic segmentectomy could offer advantages in certain contexts, particularly regarding reduced hospital stay and lower complication rates. This paper not only marked a pivotal point in my research career but also helped in guiding future clinical practices and setting a foundation for further studies on enhancing surgical outcomes with advanced technologies.
I plan on becoming more involved in the organization through:
I plan to become more involved in the AATS by actively participating in committees and special interest groups, contributing to the organization's educational programs, and collaborating on research initiatives. I also aim to mentor young surgeons and advocate for advancements in thoracic surgery within the association.
My career in CT Surgery was inspired by:
The combination of these experiences, along with the inherent respect and admiration for the medical profession and the ideal of saving lives and serving society, fueled my passion for medicine. It drove me towards specializing in CT surgery, where the challenges are great but the potential to change lives is even greater."
My career in CT Surgery was inspired by:
Growing up in a rural area with limited access to advanced medical care, I witnessed firsthand the challenges posed by inadequate healthcare infrastructure. This exposure to the hardships faced by my community planted an early seed of aspiration to improve healthcare conditions.
Additionally, a pivotal moment that profoundly influenced my decision was a serious car accident during my high school years, which led to a prolonged hospital stay. The care and dedication I received from the medical staff during this critical time not only helped me physically but also inspired me with their commitment and respect within the community.
The combination of these experiences, along with the inherent respect and admiration for the medical profession and the ideal of saving lives and serving society, fueled my passion for medicine. It drove me towards specializing in CT surgery, where the challenges are great but the potential to change lives is even greater.
A significant case/patient interaction that impacted my career is:
A significant case that profoundly impacted my career involved Mr. Wang, a 44-year-old man diagnosed with end-stage pneumoconiosis. He came to Ruijin Hospital in August, struggling with chest pain and unable to live without oxygen support. As the situation was critical, it required immediate and decisive action.
I had the privilege to lead our thoracic surgery team in a complex lung transplant operation that lasted about four hours. The surgery was challenging due to Mr. Wang's deteriorated condition and the complexities associated with his lung disease. However, the team's expertise and coordination led to a successful outcome.
This case was a turning point for me personally and professionally. It reinforced the critical impact of timely medical intervention and the profound difference it can make in a patient's life. The success of this surgery not only gave Mr. Wang a new lease on life but also strengthened my commitment to pursuing excellence in thoracic surgery and training the next generation of surgeons to handle such life-saving procedures. This experience has been one of many that continually fuel my dedication to advancing the field of thoracic surgery.
The biggest impact my mentor had on my career is:
The five years I spent under the mentorship of Professor Zhimin SHAO were pivotal in transforming my career from a general surgeon to a research-oriented medical professional. Professor Shao, along with Professor Zhenzhou SHEN, profoundly influenced my approach to medical practice and research.
From them, I learned the patient-centered approach to integrated oncological surgery, which emphasizes treating the patient rather than just addressing the disease. They instilled in me a rigorous scholarly attitude and a global perspective, essential for a modern surgeon navigating the complexities of cancer treatment in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
The topic most important to advancing the field of CT Surgery is:
To advance the field of CT surgery, three key principles are essential: internal cohesion and external collaboration; the parallel development of clinical practice and scientific research; and tailored education alongside steadfast innovation.
The most pressing issues impacting CT surgery are:
The most pressing issues impacting CT surgery include the integration of new technologies like robotic surgery and 3D printing into clinical practice, addressing the variability in patient outcomes, managing the rising costs of healthcare, and ensuring equitable access to advanced surgical treatments globally. Additionally, there is a continuous need for rigorous training and development to prepare the next generation of CT surgeons to handle the increasing complexity of procedures and patient care.
Advice for Trainees:
My advice for trainees in thoracic surgery is to cultivate a strong sense of responsibility and accountability. Do not merely view patients as tasks to be checked off; rather, embrace the concept of "us," where you, the patient, and your supervising physicians function as a cohesive unit fighting the disease together.