On September 26, 2023, the 6th National Renowned Physicians Awarding Ceremony was held in Beijing. Liu Zuguo, President of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, was honored with the “6th National Renowned Physicians•Outstanding Achievements” award in recognition of his pioneering workoutstanding contributions in the field of dry eye disease in Chinabeyond.
Professor Liu is serving as President of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South ChinaDirector-general of Xiamen University’s Eye Institute. He is a Distinguished Professor of the Chang Jiang Scholars Program of the Ministry of Education, a recipient of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars,the Chief Scientist of a National Key R&D Program. He has been selected for the National “New Century Talents Project”recognized as a YoungMiddle-aged Expert with Outstanding Contributions by the Ministry of Health. He also receives a special government allowance from the State Council.
As the founder of China’s clinical diagnosistreatment system for dry eye disease, Professor Liu has established the world’s largest dry eye researchclinical team, with the highest patient volume globally. He systematically defined the concept of dry eye in China, formulated classification principles, diagnostic criteria,treatment strategies, providing a clearstandardized clinical diagnosistreatment framework for dry eye management in the country. These standards have been incorporatedChina’s national dry eye consensus documentsclinical guidelines, as well as ophthalmology textbooks for 5-, 7-,8-year medical programs.
Professor Liu has led the development of 10 national guidelinesexpert consensus documents on dry eye in China, systematically building a standardized clinical diagnosistreatment system for the condition. His efforts have elevated China’s dry eye diagnosistreatment from a lagging position more than two decades ago to the forefront of international practice. His discovery of dry eye-related visual changes has been included in the international definition of dry eye,he has proposed a new international classification system for the disease. Six of his research findings have been incorporatedinternational dry eye guidelines, consensus statements, ophthalmology textbooks,monographs, establishing his significant influence in the global dry eye field.
The “National Renowned Physicians Award Ceremony,” organized annually by the People’s Daily Health Client, is a premier academic event for physicians in China. Upholding the principles of being “authoritative, objective,fair”, the event is themed “Promoting Role Models in Medicine, Shaping Positive Public Perception,Advancing Public Health.” By recognizing exemplary physicians—those who demonstrate outstanding clinical expertise, significant scientific contributions,strong patient reputations—the ceremony highlights the excellence of China’s medical professionals. Through this platform, it seeks to foster a supportive policy, institutional, public opinion, academic,social environment that nurtures the growth of top-tier physicians, inspires doctors to pursue professional excellence,enhances the prestige of the medical profession, thereby contributing to the Healthy China initiative.