Dr. Cui Xingang (Meet Top Urologist in China)
Dr. Cui Xingang
Director of the Department of Urology at the Shanghai Xinhua Hospital Affiliated with the School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Chief Physician, Professor, and Doctoral Supervisor.
Vice-Chairman of the Young Committee of the Chinese Medical Association Urology Branch; Member of the Minimally Invasive and Robot Surgery Groups of the Chinese Medical Association Urology Branch; Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association Endoscopy Physicians Branch; Secretary-General of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association Endoscopy Physicians Branch Urological Endoscopy Committee; Member of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association Residency Training Committee for Surgery (Urology); Standing Member of the Chinese Integrated Medicine Association Urology Committee; Member of the Shanghai Medical Association Urology Branch; Member of the Shanghai Medical Association Andrology Branch.
Recipient of the Shanghai “Outstanding Academic Leader” award, “Outstanding Youth” of Shanghai Medical Garden, the Shanghai Medical Association Urology and Andrology “Figure of the Year” award, and the “Outstanding Specialty Physician Nomination Award” for “Renxin Yizhe”. Standing editor of the Chinese Journal of Urology. He has published 60 SCI papers as the first or corresponding author, with the highest impact factor being 18.9, and has led four National Natural Science Foundation projects and 17 research projects under the Shanghai “Science and Technology Innovation Program”. He holds 15 patents.
Specialized in laparoscopic and robotic surgery for urological tumors, especially renal and prostate cancer, and comprehensive treatment. Performed more than one hundred surgical demonstrations at the Asian Urological Association Annual Meeting, various domestic large conferences, and training courses.
Interview with Dr. Cui Xingang
1.Yuewen Renyi: What is the current trend in the incidence of kidney tumors?
Cui Xingang: Kidney tumors rank third among urological cancers, and their incidence is increasing year by year. The five-year survival rate is around 80%, but the prognosis for advanced patients is generally poor. With the increasing use of targeted drugs and the popularization of health check-ups, the early detection rate of kidney tumors is gradually rising, and more kidney-sparing surgeries are being performed. Generally, the incidence of kidney tumors is higher in men than in women and higher in urban areas than in rural areas. Factors such as smoking, dyeing, textile work, and heredity also play a role. Unlike other cancers, kidney tumors do not have a specific tumor marker, so regular health check-ups and ultrasonography are crucial for detecting even very small nodules.
2. Yuewen Renyi: Given the differences among individual patients, each surgery may require a significant amount of detailed work and precise evaluation. For patients, what is the best surgical approach? How does your care as a surgeon manifest itself?
Cui Xingang: Today, we emphasize targeted individualized treatment, tailoring surgical plans based on each patient’s specific condition. For example, in the case of renal cancer, we choose the appropriate method based on the size and location of the tumor. If one kidney is functioning well and the affected kidney has a tumor, we may recommend a nephrectomy based on the condition. If the other kidney is compromised and a nephrectomy would lead to dialysis, we strive to perform kidney-sparing surgery. From experience, very large tumors are extremely difficult to treat with kidney-sparing surgery, and there is a risk of incomplete tumor removal.
3. Yuewen Renyi: Currently, where does China stand internationally in the field you specialize in? How has the situation evolved?
Cui Xingang: In many areas, we are on par with international standards, but in aspects like basic research and multi-center studies, we still need to forge our own path.
4. Yuewen Renyi: Can you discuss the application of surgical robots in urology and their future development trends?
Cui Xingang: Many people believe that laparoscopic surgery is already perfect, and that robot-assisted surgery is time-consuming, complex, and expensive, making it unnecessary. However, I believe that we should boldly embrace new technologies. New technologies represent the future, and those who reject surgical robots are essentially giving up on the future of academic research. We must keep up with the times and not fear experimentation; only then can our field continue to advance. Currently, about three or four experts in our team are proficient in robot-assisted surgery. Since joining Xinhua Hospital, one of our priorities has been to vigorously develop and refine robot-assisted surgery, striving for excellence in these cutting-edge procedures.
5. Yuewen Renyi: As a doctoral supervisor, you must have a wealth of teaching experience. Could you share some insights into your teaching life and how you guide these young medical students on their journey?
Cui Xingang: There is a good saying: “If you have the ability to score 100 points but only use 80, it is not commendable; if you have the ability to score 60 points but use 70, it is commendable.” The level of one’s ability is not the issue; attitude is key. In our team, I strive to achieve this: you get what you give to the team. Treat the team’s honor as your own responsibility, and you are sure to receive a corresponding return. For young people, the focus should be on the effort rather than the results, and the effort should be matched by the results. The process of hard work is a preparation for future success. When making major decisions, “carefully plan and then act”; when dealing with specific tasks, everyone should immediately take action and complete tasks within the set time frame. Give each person the opportunity to take the initiative and trust everyone fully.
6. Yuewen Renyi: You have published many papers and received numerous awards. Based on your experience, what qualities does a doctor need to move from wearing the white coat to achieving excellence?
Cui Xingang: Rigor. Doctors deal with life, and the trust placed in us is absolute. Therefore, we cannot be too rigorous in our practice. We must be meticulous in patient care, and every surgery should be as precise as a work of art. From the moment we step into the operating room, the lives of the patients and the doctors are intertwined. The principle of “rigor” must be a part of every doctor’s creed. Innovation is not the goal; saving lives and curing diseases is the ultimate purpose.
7. Yuewen Renyi: What are some management practices you can share, especially now that you are at Xinhua Hospital? What do you see as the main differences between this platform and your previous experiences? What are your plans and aspirations for the future?
Cui Xingang: The Department of Urology at Xinhua Hospital has a long and glorious history, and it is a platform of the School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, consistently ranking among the top in the country. During the open surgery era, the open surgeries performed at Xinhua Hospital’s Department of Urology were renowned, and it has served as a national training base for minimally invasive prostate surgery, with a solid foundation. This larger stage offers me better support and opportunities for showcasing my skills.
8. Yuewen Renyi: As a doctor, do you ever feel regret or anxiety? How satisfied are you with your current life on a scale of 10? If you could choose again, would you still pursue a career in medicine?
Cui Xingang: I would give it a 9. I am very satisfied with my current life and consider myself fortunate. Throughout my journey, I have received much guidance and support from many teachers and seniors. Some have imparted knowledge, others have improved my character, and still others have opened my eyes to the world. I have experienced a lot and grown a lot. At 33, I became the deputy director of the Department of Urology at Changzheng Hospital. At 39, I took over as the director of the Department of Urology at Dongfang Hospital of Hepatobiliary Surgery, and at 45, I became the director of the Department of Urology at Xinhua Hospital. My current state can be described as: “Though the road ahead is long and arduous, I will start anew with determination.”
9. Yuewen Renyi: What hobbies do you have outside of work?
Cui Xingang: When I was in school, I enjoyed playing table tennis, badminton, and basketball. I liked all kinds of ball sports. After starting work, I used to exercise regularly. In recent years, however, due to constant surgeries and meetings, I have become a bit lazy. I need to improve my physical fitness and maintain a healthy body.