Medicine in Rural China

Medicine in Rural China: A Personal Account provides a compelling narrative of Dr. C.C. Chen's six-decade journey in advancing rural health care and primary medicine in China. This memoir recounts Dr. Chen's pioneering efforts in the 1930s to bridge the gap between modern medical knowledge and its practical application in low-income, rural communities. Anchored in his work in Dingxian County, his systematic and community-oriented approach to public health laid the foundation for principles that continue to resonate globally, emphasizing sound health organization, integration of medical services with broader social reforms, and active participation by communities themselves. His work not only improved health outcomes but demonstrated the transformative potential of grassroots involvement in health care delivery.

This memoir also situates Dr. Chen's contributions within a broader historical and global context. It highlights the profound influence of his collaboration with international public health pioneers and his subsequent impact on the development of rural health systems worldwide. Despite disruptions like the Japanese invasion of China, the principles tested at Dingxian catalyzed significant progress in China's health indicators post-1950, showcasing the enduring relevance of his work. Written with the collaboration of Frederica M. Bunge, the narrative balances personal insights with historical framing, making it an invaluable resource for health professionals, educators, and policymakers seeking practical solutions for improving rural health care in diverse contexts.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1989.