The China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing announced on April 27 the dismissal of Xiao Fei, an associate chief physician in its thoracic surgery department, following allegations of professional misconduct and ethical violations. Reports accuse Xiao of engaging in extramarital affairs with multiple medical staff and abandoning a patient mid-surgery, triggering widespread public outcry.

The scandal has ignited heated online discussions, with netizens scrutinizing the backgrounds of those involved. Among them, Dong, a woman linked to Xiao, has faced particular scrutiny over her academic qualifications. Holding an undergraduate degree in economics, she reportedly earned her Ph.D. in medicine through Peking Union Medical College’s (PUMC) “4+4” Medical Doctor (MD) program — raising questions about the legitimacy of her credentials.

Launched in 2018, PUMC’s “4+4” MD program admits non-medical graduates from top global universities, aiming to diversify medical education by training students with interdisciplinary backgrounds. Candidates must:

•Hold a bachelor’s degree from a world top-50 university,

•Demonstrate English proficiency,

•Secure recommendations from two medical associate professors,

•Pass rigorous exams and interviews, and

•Complete 40 hours of medical volunteer work.

While the program is designed to attract high-caliber talent, the controversy has led some netizens to question its admissions transparency, with critics suggesting potential loopholes for favoritism or improper influence. (Li Dan)