Penn Global Seminars What is Medicine, really? Healing Beyond the Border and The Body

PGS: Exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine

Fresh off an unforgettable week in Shanghai, I’m back at Penn, still reminiscing about the sights, flavors, and lessons that made this trip so special. From the moment I stepped off the plane, Shanghai captivated me with its vibrant energy, blending tradition and modernity in ways I’d never imagined. This journey wasn’t just about exploring a new city—it was about reshaping my understanding of healthcare, cultural connection, and my future as an healthcare provider.

What surprised me most about this experience was how deeply Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is interwoven into everyday life in Shanghai. At Longhua Hospital, I observed treatments like cupping, acupuncture, and scraping not as alternatives to Western medicine, but as essential components of a healthcare system focused on holistic healing. Seeing cancer patients celebrating milestones with hospital staff or participating in Tai Chi sessions daily highlighted how TCM prioritizes both mental and physical well-being. I was surprised by the strong sense of community within the ward. The smell of herbs in the pharmacy reminded me of my parents’ kitchen cabinets at home, filled with remedies passed down through generations. For the first time, I felt an intimate connection between the healthcare philosophies I was learning and the traditions that shaped my upbringing.

One of the most impactful moments was experiencing cupping and scraping firsthand. The immediate sense of relief and energy it provided gave me the strength to carry overweight backpacks for 20 more years! I was shocked at how immediate the effects of TCM were—and I have the lasting cupping marks to prove it. Moments like these reaffirmed my belief in the importance of exploring diverse healthcare systems to better connect with patients from all walks of life.

Beyond the hospital, Shanghai itself was a living classroom. Walking through the Yu Garden felt like stepping into a centuries-old painting, while the bright lights and massive billboards of Nanjing Pedestrian Road showcased the modern city. Trying xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at their source was a culinary dream come true, and visiting during Lunar New Year season made me feel more connected to my heritage than ever before. It was heartwarming to see the city adorned with festive decorations, a stark contrast to the quieter celebrations I’ve known in the U.S.

Looking back, I wish I had taken more initiative in practicing Mandarin and honing my negotiating skills for the tourist shops. My advice to future PGS students: download Google Translate and get a VPN. Despite knowing a few words in Mandarin, Google Translate became my lifeline, and the locals were more than happy to converse, even if it was through a phone. This past week felt so short yet so long, so be sure to make the most of your time there (I made a detailed itinerary of things to do and things to try for every day that we were there)! Every moment is an opportunity to learn, and the connections you make will stay with you long after the trip ends.

This journey was more than a chance to explore TCM—it was a step toward becoming the healthcare provider I aspire to be: someone who sees the person beyond the patient and values the cultural stories behind every treatment. Shanghai, thank you for the memories, tanghulu, and the inspiration to keep exploring.