Wu Jieping: Physician, Politician, and Witness to History

Dr. Wu Jieping (1917-2011) was a towering figure in 20th-century China, renowned not only for his groundbreaking contributions to medicine but also for his unique position as a personal physician to the nation's top leaders, including Premier Zhou Enlai and Chairman Mao Zedong. His life, a testament to resilience and dedication, spanned a period of immense upheaval and transformation in China. Accounts from both English and Chinese sources illuminate the multifaceted career of this extraordinary individual.

Early Life and Distinguished Medical Career

Born Wu Tairan in Jiangsu Province in 1917, Wu Jieping hailed from a family that valued public service, with all four sons pursuing careers in medicine. He embarked on his medical journey at the prestigious Peking Union Medical College, graduating in 1942. His pursuit of excellence led him to the United States, where he undertook postgraduate studies in urological surgery at the University of Chicago under the tutelage of Nobel laureate Charles Huggins. Despite an offer to remain in the U.S., Wu chose to return to China in 1949, driven by a deep sense of patriotism and a desire to contribute to his homeland.

Upon his return, Dr. Wu quickly established himself as a leading urologist. He was instrumental in developing the field of urology in China, setting up one of the country's first urology departments and pioneering numerous surgical techniques. His innovations included the development of a special urethral catheter for prostate hyperplasia surgery, which became known as the "Wu catheter." He also led the team that performed China's first successful cadaveric kidney transplant in 1960. Beyond surgery, his research interests spanned areas such as renal tuberculosis and vas sterilization. Wu Jieping was also a progressive advocate for public health, notably editing the first Chinese book on sexual medicine in the early 1980s, a revolutionary step in a then-conservative society.

"Zhongnanhai's Doctor": A Unique Vantage Point

Perhaps what sets Dr. Wu Jieping apart is his role as the personal physician to China's most powerful figures. Selected by Premier Zhou Enlai, he served a range of top leaders, including Zhou himself, Mao Zedong, and Liu Shaoqi. His medical expertise also extended to foreign heads of state, such as Indonesian President Sukarno (who awarded him the "Great Citizen" medal) and North Korean President Kim Il Sung.

This position, while prestigious, placed Dr. Wu on a "tightrope," as described in Olivia Cox-Fill's book, "Walking a Tightrope: Memories of Wu Jieping, Personal Physician to China's Leaders." Through his close proximity, he gained a unique, often perilous, insight into the lives, health struggles, and political machinations within the highest echelons of power. Cox-Fill's account, based on Dr. Wu's confidential recollections shared after the passing of Zhou Enlai and the imprisonment of Jiang Qing, reveals the stark contrast between the lavish lifestyles of some leaders and the dire conditions faced by the general populace during turbulent times like the Cultural Revolution. It also highlights the immense pressure and political maneuvering he had to navigate to survive and continue his medical work.

A poignant example of his deep bond with his patients is Premier Zhou Enlai's last words to him on his deathbed: "Doctor Wu, you can leave me alone now. There are other people who need you. Please go to them." This anecdote, widely cited in both English and Chinese accounts, underscores the profound trust and respect he earned from those he served.

Political Leadership and Enduring Legacy

Beyond his medical practice, Wu Jieping transitioned into a significant political role, serving as a Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (China's top legislature) from 1993 to 2003. He also chaired the Central Committee of the Jiu San Society, a political party primarily composed of intellectuals in science and technology. In these capacities, he continued to advocate for scientific development and public welfare.

Dr. Wu Jieping's legacy extends far beyond his individual medical achievements. He is remembered as a medical pioneer who modernized urology in China, a humanitarian dedicated to improving public health, and a courageous intellectual who navigated immense political challenges. In 2000, the Wu Jieping Medical Foundation was established in Beijing in his honor, continuing his commitment to advancing medical research, education, and public health initiatives. His life story, as told through various narratives, offers invaluable insights into the intersection of medicine, politics, and personal resilience in modern Chinese history.