Hospital head lauded for going extra mile

The 112th International Women's Day, which falls on March 8, is approaching. Amid the pandemic, the commitment of female medical workers around the world is gaining widespread attention and respect.

Liu Wei, director of Tianjin Children's Hospital, is among those being celebrated.

Her dedication to children with COVID-19 has been lauded, while her achievements in the fields of rare diseases and humane care, her management of the 141-year-old hospital, and her award-winning novels and poems have all garnered attention.

During the recent outbreak in the city in January, 96 medical workers from Tianjin Children's Hospital worked with designated hospitals to care for young COVID-19 patients aged below 15.

While treating her patients, Liu also wrote poems for her fellow medical workers, donated books on health and psychological healing and gave flowers and gifts to her young patients.

To date, all children have been discharged. "I want to give some sincere advice to these children, and congratulate them on winning a major battle in beating the virus. I also want to remind them to follow good habits, like wearing face masks, keeping their hands clean and maintaining 1 meter between themselves and other people," she said.

Liu also has higher hopes.

"Having gone through such a major experience, I hope my patients learn how to love others and themselves, discover their inner strength while dealing with sickness and learn the meaning of perseverance," she said.

"Doctors in different departments share the same challenges, including hard work, fatigue and a relatively low income," Liu added.

"I hope we can show our young patients how beautiful the world can be… and that when they smile at us doctors, they brighten up our day."

As a pediatrician, Liu is enchanted by children's inner power to heal and rebuild their bodies.

"It's important that pediatricians help patients have a more positive outlook on life and help resume their confidence," she said. "The influence and far-reaching potential of such actions are profound."

She thanks her husband and parents for supporting her work, which occupies most of her time.