Dr. Zhang Xiaoya's journey in pediatric heart surgery is defined by her unwavering commitment to helping patients and addressing heart disease in underserved communities. As the female cardiac surgeon at Tsinghua University, she has become a trusted figure in treating congenital heart conditions, making steady progress in her field.

"Heart surgery requires operating on a heart that is still beating, without blood in the surgical field. The procedures are incredibly complex, and even the smallest error can have a profound impact on the patient’s recovery and quality of life," Dr. Zhang explains. Heart surgery, particularly in pediatric cardiology, is a delicate and high-risk endeavor. Recently, Dr. Zhang successfully performed anatomical correction surgery on two adults with Ebstein's Anomaly (Type D) in collaboration with the Heart Center, under the guidance of her mentor, Professor Wu Qingyu. Professor Wu, a recognized authority in heart surgery and the inventor of the anatomical correction technique for Ebstein's malformation, has been instrumental in Dr. Zhang Xiaoya’s development as a surgeon. Both patients recovered well after the surgery and were discharged promptly.

Dr. Zhang's academic journey took her from the Clinical Medical Sciences at Tsinghua Medicine to Harvard Medical School, where she worked at Boston Children's Hospital and became a licensed physician in the U.S. Since returning to China from Massachusetts General Hospital two years ago, Dr. Zhang has participated in and performed over 2,500 surgeries, many of them independently. She made the bold decision to leave her surgical residency at a prestigious U.S. hospital to focus on improving healthcare for children in her home country, particularly in the treatment of congenital heart disease.

In addition to her work at the First Hospital of Tsinghua University, Dr. Zhang has been deeply committed to providing medical support to underserved regions of China. She has made 15 trips to remote areas like Xizang, Yunnan and Guizhou, where she has conducted screenings of over 6,000 children with congenital heart disease. "The stethoscope presses hard against my ears, and the journey is grueling. We endure severe altitude sickness when crossing uninhabited areas. The intensity of the exams is both physically and mentally taxing." Still, she remains committed to reaching children who otherwise might not have access to critical care.

Over the years, Dr. Zhang has faced countless critical moments in the operating room, where life-and-death decisions must be made. Despite these challenges, she continues her work with a focus on helping those who need it most.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Zhang has been involved in the transition of scientific research into clinical applications. She balances her clinical responsibilities with teaching and research, working tirelessly from early mornings in surgery to late nights in the lab. At APSAO 2024, Dr. Zhang presented her team’s ECMO strategies and treatment approaches for complex congenital heart disease cases post-surgery. She says, "China’s medical research has made significant progress, but the gap between research and clinical application remains. The key now is to bridge this gap, to ensure that research findings can be maximized and transformed into clinical treatments that benefit more patients, both within China and globally."

Through her efforts, Dr. Zhang has been able to provide care to hundreds of children, making a real difference in their lives. Her focus on both surgery and outreach to remote areas continues to be a cornerstone of her professional life, and she is dedicated to making pediatric heart care more accessible for all."