By Alex 
A scandal involving a surgeon at China-Japan Friendship Hospital has sparked widespread controversy over academic integrity and medical ethics. Dr. Xiao Fei, a deputy chief physician in the thoracic surgery department, has been accused by his wife of having affairs with multiple women, including a nurse and a resident doctor, Dong Mouying. The case has drawn significant public attention, not only due to the personal conduct of the doctor but also because it has raised questions about the integrity of the medical education system in China.
The Allegations Against Dr. Xiao Fei
Dr. Xiao Fei is accused of violating professional ethics and personal conduct norms. The most shocking allegation is that during a surgery in July 2024, Dr. Xiao Fei and Dong Mouying, who was involved in the surgery, left the operating room for 40 minutes, leaving the anesthetized patient unattended. This incident has raised serious concerns about patient safety and medical professionalism.
Dong Mouying’s Background Under Scrutiny
Dong Mouying, one of the individuals involved in the scandal, has become a focal point of public scrutiny. She graduated from Barnard College, an affiliate of Columbia University, with a degree in economics. She then entered the “4+4” program at Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), a unique medical education program that allows students with non-medical undergraduate degrees to pursue a medical doctorate. Dong Mouying completed her medical degree in just four years and is currently a resident physician in urology at the National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.
The rapid progression of Dong Mouying’s career and her academic achievements have raised eyebrows. According to reports, she has published 11 interdisciplinary papers in just three years, covering a wide range of fields from orthopedics to gynecology, radiology to urology. This prolific output has led to questions about the quality and authenticity of her academic work.
Public Outrage and Calls for Transparency
The public has expressed outrage over the perceived lack of transparency and potential favoritism in the medical education system. Many are questioning whether Dong Mouying’s background and connections played a role in her rapid advancement. Her father is a senior executive at China Metallurgical Group Corporation, and her mother is a deputy dean at a university. These connections have led to speculation about possible preferential treatment.
The case has also highlighted concerns about the “4+4” program at Peking Union Medical College. Critics argue that the program may be too lenient and could potentially become a shortcut for privileged individuals to enter the medical profession without sufficient preparation. There are calls for greater transparency in the admission process and stricter oversight of academic achievements.
Hospital and Regulatory Response
China-Japan Friendship Hospital has responded to the allegations by launching an investigation and taking disciplinary action against Dr. Xiao Fei. He has been expelled from the Communist Party and his employment contract has been terminated. The National Health Commission of China has also taken notice of the case and announced that it will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
As the investigation continues, the case has sparked a broader discussion about the need for reform in medical education and the importance of maintaining high standards of academic integrity and medical ethics. The public is demanding answers and reforms to ensure that the medical profession remains a field of excellence and fairness.