Acupuncture expert Zhang Zhang-jin: Aims to promote closer integration of Chinese and western medicine

Professor Zhang Zhang-jin is the first Hospital Authority (HA) Board member to have a professional background in Chinese medicine. “My appointment reflects the commitment of the government, the medical sector, and the HA to the development of Chinese medicine, which greatly encourages me,” he reflects. Being a pioneer in the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine to treat psychiatric diseases, Professor Zhang has been dedicated to researching the integration of Chinese and western medicine for treating various brain disorders, in particular psychiatric diseases, since the 1990s. He has extensive experience in teaching, clinical practice, and research, and currently serves as a Professor and Coordinator of Chinese Medicine Service for Hospital and Development of the School of Chinese Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). He hopes to draw on his expertise to promote the integration of Chinese and western medicine practices within the HA and explore the possibility of establishing the speciality of Chinese medicine in public hospitals.

After completing his undergraduate studies at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Professor Zhang deepened his knowledge of western medicine by enrolling at the Xi’an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, specialising in neuroanatomy and neuroscience, where he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees. In 1995, he moved to the United States, focusing on research in psychopharmacology and clinical psychiatry. “I was exploring ways to use Chinese medicine to treat psychiatric diseases, including the application of a traditional Chinese medicine formula to treat depression, gradually integrating knowledge of Chinese and western medicine,” he recalls.

Professor Zhang came to the HKU to further develop his career in 2006. He recalls he already had some connections with the HA at that time. His first clinical trial after joining the university was a joint study with the Department of Psychiatry at Kowloon Hospital into a novel acupuncture method called dense cranial electroacupuncture stimulation, to treat patients with depressive disorder.

Harmonising medical and life philosophies

Professor Zhang hopes to promote a greater role for Chinese medicine within the healthcare system. “Acupuncture for pain management is an internationally recognised and extensively used therapy supported by medical scientific evidence,” he explains. “For instance, acupuncture is widely recognised to be effective in treating various pain disorders. It should be introduced into the HA public healthcare system. It not only provides an additional option for physicians and patients, but also will save medical cost for the public healthcare system.” Since joining the HA Board in April 2024, Professor Zhang has gained a deeper understanding of the HA’s operations and has looked into issues such as financial challenges, talent recruitment, and the integration of new technologies.

The philosophy of Chinese medicine is also deeply embedded in Professor Zhang’s approach to life. He quotes the ancient Chinese medicine text Huangdi Neijing which emphasises the importance of prevention in a passage stating: “The sage does not treat a disease that has already occurred but treats one that has yet to manifest.” He exercises at least twice a week to relieve stress and stay healthy and is a keen swimmer. “I remember once when the temperature was only six degrees Celsius – probably the coldest day of the year – I still went to the beach for a swim,” he recalls with a smile. He also enjoys running and takes part in the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon every year. Professor Zhang believes that maintaining an optimistic attitude is the key to physical and mental wellbeing. “No matter what I encounter, I always try to look at it from a positive perspective – just like the glass-half-full theory,” he said. “For me, the glass is already half full, rather than only half full.”

Profile of Professor Zhang Zhang-jin

• Professor and Coordinator of Chinese Medicine Service for Hospital and Development of the School of Chinese Medicine of HKU
• Chair of Department (COD), Department of Chinese Medicine, HKU-Shenzhen Hospital
• Chief of Service (COS), Department of Chinese Medicine in a private hospital
• Motto: Enjoy the process, regardless of the outcome.