Chinese doctor hailed by Dominican people

Wu Dexi, a senior cardiologist from the Guangzhou-based First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, was once a member of a Chinese medical team to the Commonwealth of Dominica, a Caribbean island nation. 

Members of such medical teams usually work abroad in rotation, but Wu was an exception. He had planned to work there for one year but was repeatedly asked to stay by the local government and people, because of his excellent skills and moral integrity.

Wu Dexi (C) gives on-the-spot instructions to resident doctors.

During his work at the China-Dominica Friendship Hospital, in the country's capital Roseau, he cured numerous patients, helped train many local medical practitioners through on-the-spot teaching and lectures, with some local doctors having grown into experts in the field.

Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit celebrates the establishment of his country's first cardiology department on his social media account.

Initiated by Wu, a cardiology department was established in the hospital in May 2021, the first of its kind in Dominica. He also proposed to set up a cardiovascular imaging center, which has gained great support from relevant authorities in China as well as local governments, and entered the preliminary preparation stage. 

His contributions have been highly praised by Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Minister of Health Irving McIntyre.

Wu Dexi (L) conducts the first temporary pacemaker implantation in Dominica.

Wu has also promoted advanced techniques, such as temporary pacemaker implantation and selective electro-cardioversion therapy, in Dominica, which has greatly improved local medical diagnosis and treatment.

He conducted the first Holter monitoring of  dynamic electrocardiogram and the first ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and formulated the standard rescue process for thrombolysis of acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, which has enabled local residents to avoid tedious overseas medical treatment and ensuing high costs.

After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wu transferred the English-language version of China's COVID-19 control and treatment protocol and personal protective equipment (PPE) safety training videos to the Dominican prime minister and health minister. Wu has saved many severely and critically ill patients during his extended stays in the country. 

His brave deeds have been recognized by the Dominican government, his foreign colleagues and local residents.