Dr. Fan JIANG, recently appointed Chair of the Deans Council of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, has devoted her career to studying the development of children and adolescents. A developmental and behavioral pediatrician whose research focuses on social determinants on child health and early development, she has served as vice dean of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine since February 2018. Dr. JIANG is a Senior Fellow of CMB’s Equity Initiative and is directing the China team of the “For Our Children” project, supported by CMB.

“For Our Children” is a partnership between Chinese and U.S. pediatricians, co-led by Dr. JIANG and the U.S. leads, Drs. Judith Palfrey and Christiana Russ (Harvard Medical School/Boston Children’s Hospital). The project is designed as a dialogue between pediatricians from China and the United States, representing expertise in clinical care, education, and research, who are working with the guidance of Commissioners from each country. The goal of the project is to work together to make recommendations about child health education and workforce development that will meet the current health needs of children in China and United States. Dr. JIANG has assembled a stellar team of epidemiologists and pediatric educational specialists to carry out this project. Under her leadership, the Chinese team has provided detailed information on child health outcomes and on the present and changing status of the pediatric workforce as well as an in-depth analysis of the challenges facing pediatricians in China. The two teams and Commissioners are tailoring recommendations to address pediatric workforce shortages as well as to meet the challenges of 21^st century health conditions – including, obesity, environmentally induced respiratory conditions, mental and behavioral health concerns, and disabilities. The “For Our Children” team hopes to release their recommendations in the fall of 2021.         

Noteworthy as well is Dr. JIANG’s commitment to health equity, evidenced through her participation in CMB’s Equity Initiative and her previous research on early childhood development in rural areas of China. She has called attention to the impact of COVID-19 on children. An article she co-authored in The Lancet suggests prolonged school closure and home confinement may have negative effects on children’s physical and mental health. As a physician, researcher, and educator, promoting the healthy development of children and adolescents has been the driving force of Dr. JIANG ’s career. Please join CMB in congratulating Dr. JIANG on her new role.

Barbara J. Stoll
CMB President