Published October 9, 2012, last updated on February 18, 2013
Ralph Corey, physician at the Duke University Medical Center and director of the Duke Hubert-Yeargan Center for Global Health (HYC), was recognized for his work with Chinese physicians as one of this year’s recipients of the National Friendship Award. This is the Chinese government’s highest honor for foreigners who have made exceptional contributions to China.
For the past 25 years, Corey has worked with Chinese Professor Zhou Sanjue and his successors to pioneer and lead a medical training exchange program between Duke University Medical Center and Beijing Hospital. The partnership sends young American and Chinese physicians and faculty members to the partnering institution for up to a year of advanced clinical training.
In addition to China, the Duke Hubert-Yeargan Center and Duke University Medical Center offer international rotations in locations such as Kenya, Tanzania, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
To date, more than 20 Chinese physicians have trained at Duke, and more than 30 Duke medical residents have trained in China.
“I could never imagine that Professor Zhou Sanjue and I would develop an educational track that would change the lives and careers of more than 50 Chinese and U.S. physicians. Their hard work, collegiality and friendship have made this program one of the most rewarding of my career,” said Corey. “This award honors the trainees whose dedication has changed, in no small way, the relationship between physicians in America and China.”
Corey received a medal and plaque at the award ceremony in Beijing, which was held on October 1, the National Day of China, in the Great Hall of the People. Award recipients also met with Chinese party and state leaders, including Premier Wen, and participated in National Day festivities.
Hosted annually by the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, the award commends foreign experts for their contributions to China’s development and construction in the fields of education, technology, economics, culture and personnel cultivation.
