Penn Global Seminars Hi There, Shanghai!

PGS: Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine

As I sit here in the world’s prettiest airport, surrounded by an indoor tropical botanical garden, it’s hard to believe that in less than 12 hours, I’ll be in Shanghai, China! The first leg of our journey was a 12 hour flight from New York to Doha, currently leaving me here in Qatar’s famous Hamad International Airport awaiting my next flight. I’ve always dreamed of visiting this airport in person with its waterfall centerpiece and massive modern art installations. I’m glad to say that it’s even more luxurious in person and arriving at this time of year, the garden was beautifully decorated with Christmas lights! It already feels like the adventure has begun, and it’s just the first stop before arriving in Shanghai. Our first night there will kick off with a welcome dinner at the Bund, followed by a day packed with sightseeing and diving into the rich culture Shanghai has to offer.

The night before my flight, I was overwhelmed with decisions about what not to bring. Alongside my own packing essentials, our class received an extensive list that included travel adapters, masks, napkins, and even medication for traveler’s diarrhea… With a checked bag, carry-on, and personal item allowance, I made sure to leave plenty of room in my suitcase to bring back a little bit of Shanghai to my friends and family. My parents are from the rural part of China, so this trip to Shanghai is the first time I’ll be visiting the city! I’m beyond excited to explore Nanjing Road for its vibrant nightlife and dazzling lights, try authentic xiaolongbao, and maybe even take a canal ride in the Suzhou Water Town (as long as the water isn’t freezing).

Throughout the fall semester, we took many local field trips like to the Penn Museum to practice Tai Chi on the gardens and even shadowing an acupuncture clinic in Chinatown. In our biweekly classes, we learned through peer presentations on new meridians and lectures from outside practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)! At our last class of the semester, we presented our own research posters where we analyzed a specific TCM modality in the context of a modern Western health issue. For my paper, we conducted a literature review on the effects of qigong on irritable bowel syndrome.

As an aspiring dentist, I’ve often thought about how to become the best provider for patients with diverse stories and needs. This course has taught me a unique lens to understand a form of medicine that prioritizes the mind and body as pathways to healing. It’s an opportunity to look beyond the clinical efficiency of Western medicine and learn from a system that views health through an interconnected and holistic perspective.

I can’t wait to see the TCM in action at Longhua Hospital and, hopefully, sneak in a free massage session for myself! For now, I’ll settle into my middle seat for the next 8 hour flight… Shanghai, I’ll see you soon!