Wang Chengrong: Combining the Four TCM Examinations with Western Tests, TCM Pattern Differentiation with Western Disease Identification, and Selecting the Best of Both

Professor Wang Chengrong (1928- ), a native of Dujiangyan, Sichuan, was formerly chief physician and researcher of gynecology at the TCM Institute of Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and at the Second TCM Hospital of Sichuan Province. From September 1948 to August 1954 he studied in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Sichuan Medical College (now West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University). From July 1956 to May 1959, as one of the first group of Western physicians studying Chinese medicine, he attended the full-time TCM training class for Western physicians commissioned by the Ministry of Health and run by the Chengdu College of TCM (now Chengdu University of TCM), graduating with outstanding grades and receiving a gold medal for "carrying forward the legacy of our motherland's medicine." He spent 10 years in clinical teaching at the obstetrics and gynecology teaching and research group of West China Hospital, and 15 years in obstetrics and gynecology at the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM. In January 1980 he transferred to the Sichuan Provincial Institute of TCM to engage in clinical practice and research on integrated Chinese-Western treatment of gynecological diseases; from 1989 to 2005 he also served concurrently as a doctoral supervisor in gynecology at Chengdu University of TCM.

Professor Wang's integrated Chinese-Western educational background and work record were outstanding. Trained in both traditions, his profound knowledge and rich clinical experience broadened his vision and mind. Over a lifetime of clinical practice, he deeply felt that both TCM and Western medicine are medical arts that heal the sick and save lives, each with strengths and weaknesses; if one can borrow strengths to offset weaknesses, one can better serve patients.

Professor Wang held that clinical practice should not be confined to pure TCM or pure Western thinking; one should combine the four TCM examinations with Western diagnostic tests, and combine TCM pattern differentiation with Western disease identification. During the diagnostic workup, under the guidance of TCM theory one may use TCM diagnostic methods to gather the condition, while appropriately applying Western diagnostic technology to obtain internal or microscopic disease information not yet externally manifest, as a supplement to the four examinations, so as to grasp the condition comprehensively and aid TCM pattern differentiation. On this basis one chooses the best treatment plan, taking the strengths of each, complementing advantages, and collaborating Chinese and Western medicine to solve problems and improve clinical efficacy. He believed that doing so not only allows better rehabilitation strategies for patients but also, in the current medical environment, helps clinicians avoid professional risk.

Professor Wang also held that, on the premise of a clear Western diagnosis, and according to the different stages of the disease course, one should consider the patient's interests and wishes and first adopt TCM pattern-based treatment alone; if there are clear indications, then choose a single Western drug or surgery. Only when one method alone cannot fully resolve the problem should Chinese and Western medicine be appropriately combined. Even then, there should still be clear priorities, following the approach of TCM first and Western medicine later, using TCM where it suffices, respecting TCM while referencing Western medicine, and combining both. Professor Wang believed this helps improve clinical efficacy, reduce waste of medical resources and lower costs, and also helps reduce the risk of doctor-patient disputes and promote the academic development of TCM gynecology.

Professor Wang Chengrong's lifelong academic experience has been collected and published as Wang Chengrong Fuke Jingyan Ji (Collected Gynecological Experiences of Wang Chengrong). Readers who wish to understand his academic thought further may read this book.