As the Asian semester of emlyon business school's MSc in Health Management & Data Intelligence (HMDI) program unfolds, students have embarked on a series of immersive visits focusing on China's healthcare system and its digital transformation. Recently, the cohort traveled to Hangzhou, where they visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Zhejiang University First Hospital) and Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, gaining in-depth insights into digital practices, management innovation, and technological integration within China's healthcare landscape.  

Unveiling Smart Healthcare and Operational Models: A Visit to Zhejiang University First Hospital

As one of China's national flagship tertiary hospitals, Zhejiang University First Hospital ranks among the country's top medical institutions in disciplines, research capabilities, and clinical services. During the visit, HMDI students explored key departments, including the International Medical Center, Health Management Center, Outpatient and Emergency Building, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU), guided by hospital staff.  

Through on-site observations, the hospital team elaborated on patient service pathways, process optimization, and the application of healthcare data systems, offering students a deep understanding of how a leading public hospital leverages digital tools to enhance efficiency and patient experience.  

Notably, Zhejiang University First Hospital has extensively integrated IT systems and AI-assisted tools into clinical and administrative workflows. Examples include big data-driven patient triage systems, cloud-based multi-campus information integration, AI-aided diagnostic platforms, and remote health monitoring with real-time feedback mechanisms. These practical implementations provided students with authentic, scenario-based learning opportunities.  

During the Q&A session, hospital administrators addressed students' inquiries on topics such as China's healthcare system dynamics, resource allocation in public hospitals, and data security challenges in AI applications, fostering a thought-provoking and enlightening discussion.  

Decoding Collaborative Hospital Management and Digital Innovation: A Tour of Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital

Next, the group visited Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, another leading institution under Zhejiang University. As one of China's earliest Sino-foreign cooperative hospitals, it has maintained an international perspective and innovative spirit in its management and operational models since its inception.  

The tour covered multiple functional zones, where students examined the hospital's structural, procedural, and performance management distinctions compared to traditional public hospitals. Staff members illustrated, through case studies, how institutional design and process reengineering elevate operational efficiency and patient satisfaction.  

Moreover, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital has made significant strides in digital transformation, particularly in AI deployment. Students learned about its AI applications in medical imaging analysis, electronic medical record processing, and intelligent diagnostics. By deeply integrating AI with hospital information systems, the institution has not only improved diagnostic accuracy but also achieved refined resource management.  

This visit offered students a tangible case study of digital healthcare, deepening their understanding of the synergy between AI and health management.  

Immersive Learning Anchored in Global Healthcare Innovation

These two visits provided HMDI students with invaluable insights. Through direct engagement with frontline medical professionals and administrators, they expanded their knowledge of China's healthcare ecosystem while witnessing how digitalization and AI tangibly serve public health and hospital management objectives.  

As a key component of the HMDI program's Asian semester, the visits reflect emlyon's commitment to cross-cultural and interdisciplinary education. By immersing themselves in localized, real-world settings, students have broadened their global healthcare perspectives and established academic and professional connections across diverse medical practices.