Renji Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
A Legacy Spanning 180 Years
Founded in 1844, Shanghai Renji Hospital holds the distinguished honor of being the first Western-style hospital established after Shanghai opened its ports to international trade. Today, as part of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, this institution has evolved into one of China's premier medical centers, seamlessly blending nearly two centuries of medical heritage with cutting-edge contemporary healthcare practices. In 2024, the hospital celebrated its 180th anniversary, marking a milestone that reflects its enduring commitment to the principle of "Benevolent Medicine Saving the World."
Hospital Classification and Operational Structure
Renji Hospital operates as a comprehensive Grade 3A (三级甲等) public hospital—the highest classification within China's hospital rating system. This designation signifies exceptional capabilities across medical treatment, teaching, and scientific research. The hospital functions under state ownership, serving as a designated medical insurance provider for Shanghai residents while simultaneously catering to a growing international patient population.
The institution comprises four distinct campuses strategically positioned throughout Shanghai, complemented by the Shanghai Cancer Institute. This multi-campus model enables the hospital to serve diverse communities while maintaining standardized quality of care across all locations.
| Campus | Location | Established |
|---|---|---|
| East Campus | Pudong Lujiazui Financial Trade Zone | 1999 |
| West Campus | Huangpu District, near the Bund | Original Site |
| South Campus | Minhang District, Pujiang Town | 2012 |
| North Campus | Pudong New Area, Lingshan Road | 2013 |
Accreditation and Quality Certifications
The hospital has earned numerous accolades that underscore its commitment to excellence. Renji Hospital has been recognized as a "National Civilized Unit" for four consecutive terms and has achieved Grade A performance in the Shanghai ShenKang Hospital Development Center's annual leadership assessment for 18 consecutive years. These achievements reflect consistent excellence in hospital management, patient safety, and service quality.
The International Medical Department, established two decades ago, represents the hospital's dedication to meeting global healthcare standards. In December 2025, Renji Hospital launched the English version of its internet hospital platform globally, marking a significant step toward standardized international telemedicine services.
Department Structure and Medical Specialties
With 61 departments, including 54 clinical specialties, Renji Hospital offers comprehensive medical coverage. The institution employs over 4,800 staff members, among whom 776 hold senior professional titles. This depth of expertise enables the hospital to handle complex cases across virtually all medical disciplines.
Flagship Departments:
- Gastroenterology – Ranked 1st nationally in the Fudan University Hospital Rankings
- Rheumatology and Immunology – Ranked 3rd nationally
- Urology – Consistently recognized among China's top programs
- Hepatic Surgery – Internationally renowned for liver transplantation
- Obstetrics and Gynecology – A cornerstone department since the hospital's founding
- Cardiovascular Medicine – Advanced interventional and surgical capabilities
Additional specialties include dermatology, endocrinology, neurology, nephrology, orthopedics, oncology, and psychological medicine, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care under one institutional umbrella.
Facilities and Patient Environment
The hospital's four campuses collectively occupy over 200,000 square meters, with more than 3,000 open beds. Annual statistics reveal the scale of operations: over 4 million outpatient and emergency visits, more than 100,000 hospital admissions, and approximately 80,000 surgical procedures.
The East Campus, situated in Pudong's financial district, spans 86,875 square meters with a construction area exceeding 293,000 square meters. This campus alone handled 2.03 million outpatient visits and 132,300 discharges in 2023, demonstrating its capacity to serve both local and international communities.
Modern medical equipment, including 22 imported dermatological devices for specialized treatments, ensures patients receive care utilizing the latest technological advances. The hospital maintains homogeneous service standards across all campuses, meaning patients receive consistent quality regardless of which location they visit.
International Patient Services
Contact Information
International patients can reach Renji Hospital through multiple channels:
- Main Telephone: +86-21-5875-2345
- East Campus Consultation: +86-21-6838-3204
- Email: xck@renji.com
Appointment Booking Methods
The hospital offers several convenient booking options for international patients:
- Online Platforms: WeChat official account, Alipay mini-program
- Telephone Hotlines: 96886 or 400-820-3137
- Medical Alliance Platform: https://yuyue.shdc.org.cn
- 114 Physician Navigation: Dial 114 for appointment assistance
- On-site Registration: Self-service kiosks available at all campuses
Appointments can be made up to two weeks in advance, with new slots released at 3:00 PM daily.
Insurance and Payment
Renji Hospital has established direct billing agreements with 35 international insurance companies, enabling seamless payment processing for insured patients. The hospital's insurance network continues to expand, and patients with coverage from companies not currently in the network are encouraged to inquire about potential arrangements. Self-pay options are also available for those without international health insurance.
Distinguished Medical Experts
The hospital's leadership includes prominent figures in Chinese medicine:
- Professor Xia Qiang – Hospital President and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, renowned for hepatic surgery and liver transplantation
- Professor Mou Shan – Hospital Party Secretary
- Professor Wang You – National-level talent and Chief Scientist of the 13th Five-Year National Key R&D Program, specializing in joint surgery
- Professor Wang Weili – Distinguished expert in joint surgery
The institution attracts international medical professionals as well. Since 2017, Renji Hospital has welcomed foreign physicians, including Dr. Frank Ernest Lorch IV from the Carolina Medical Center in North Carolina (Sports Medicine) and Professor Jacques Bradwejn, former Dean of the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine (Psychiatry).
Specialized Treatments and Technical Advantages
Renji Hospital has developed 13 flagship medical service disciplines that demonstrate core competitiveness in clinical technology innovation. These specialties attract patients from around the world:
Liver Transplantation: The hospital's hepatic surgery department has performed numerous successful liver transplants for international patients. A notable case involves a Malaysian child who received a life-saving transplant in 2014 and returned for the hospital's 20th International Medical Department anniversary celebration in December 2025.
Digestive Diseases: With nationally ranked gastroenterology services, the hospital offers advanced endoscopic procedures, inflammatory bowel disease management, and hepatobiliary treatments.
Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine: The orthopedic department provides comprehensive care for joint diseases, sports injuries, and rehabilitation services across multiple subspecialties.
Reproductive Medicine: Advanced fertility treatments and reproductive health services cater to both domestic and international patients.
Oncology: Integrated cancer care combining surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and emerging treatments like Yttrium-90 selective internal radiation therapy.
International Patient Journey
Step-by-Step Guide
Before Arrival:
- Contact the International Medical Department via phone or email
- Provide medical records and history for preliminary assessment
- Confirm insurance coverage and payment arrangements
- Schedule an appointment based on the specialist's availability
Upon Arrival:
- Check in at the International Medical Department reception
- Complete registration with passport and insurance documentation
- Receive assistance from multilingual staff members
- Access dedicated green channels for registration, payment, and pharmacy services
During Treatment:
- Consult with assigned specialists
- Undergo necessary diagnostic procedures
- Receive treatment plans with interpreter support if needed
- Access follow-up care coordination
After Treatment:
- Obtain comprehensive medical reports in English
- Arrange telemedicine follow-up consultations through the English internet hospital platform
- Coordinate with home country physicians for continued care
Language Services
The hospital provides multilingual support to accommodate international patients. Staff members proficient in English and other languages assist throughout the patient journey, from appointment scheduling to discharge planning.
Patient Testimonials and International Recognition
Over two decades of international medical service have generated numerous success stories. The December 2025 anniversary event brought together former international patients, including the Malaysian liver transplant recipient whose case exemplifies the hospital's global impact. These patients traveled thousands of kilometers to receive care that was unavailable in their home countries.
The hospital's international medical pathway has evolved from simply "exporting medical technology" to "sharing healthcare service systems." Partnerships with international charitable organizations and cross-border medical platforms have expanded access for patients worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions for International Patients
Q: Do I need to speak Chinese to receive treatment?
A: No. The International Medical Department provides multilingual support, and English-language services are available throughout your visit.
Q: Can I use my international health insurance?
A: Renji Hospital has direct billing agreements with 35 international insurance companies. Contact the hospital to verify whether your provider is included in the network.
Q: How far in advance should I book an appointment?
A: Appointments can be made up to two weeks ahead. For complex cases requiring specific specialists, earlier booking is recommended.
Q: Will I receive medical reports in English?
A: Yes. Comprehensive medical documentation, including diagnostic results and treatment summaries, can be provided in English.
Q: Is follow-up care available after I return home?
A: The hospital's English internet hospital platform enables telemedicine consultations for international follow-up care.
Q: Which campus should I visit?
A: All four campuses maintain homogeneous service standards. The International Medical Department can recommend the most convenient location based on your accommodation and required specialties.
Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: The hospital accepts international credit cards, direct insurance billing, and self-pay options. Payment arrangements should be confirmed before treatment begins.
Looking Forward
As Renji Hospital enters its third century of service, it continues to pursue international excellence standards while maintaining its founding mission of compassionate care. The hospital's integration of traditional medical values with innovative practices positions it as a model for modern healthcare in China and beyond.
For international patients seeking world-class medical care in Shanghai, Renji Hospital offers a compelling combination of historical prestige, contemporary expertise, and patient-centered services. The institution's commitment to bridging cultural and linguistic barriers ensures that patients from any country can access the same high-quality care that has made Renji Hospital a trusted name in Chinese medicine for 180 years.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit or contact the International Medical Department at +86-21-5875-2345.
Document dated 2026-03-25 11:39 Modify