Chinese doctor heals and forges bonds in Dominica

Wu Dexi said he had lived a busy but fruitful life in Dominica in the previous years.

"Every day I was very busy, as I not only saw patients in the outpatient department, but also participated in rescuing patients in the emergency department," said the senior cardiologist from the Guangzhou-based First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University on Wednesday.

In addition to his work in the hospital, many local Chinese called him when they needed medical help, he said.

Wu returned to the Guangdong provincial capital on Tuesday after having worked in Dominica for three years.

In Dominica, Wu helped to build a bridge of friendship between China and the Caribbean country, as he used his medical skills to cure local patients, making a contribution to deepening China-Dominica friendship, exchanges and cooperation.

Over the past three years, Wu saw and treated patients more than 5,000 times and helped train many local doctors and medical workers through on-the-spot teaching and lectures.

Wu planned to work abroad for a year but had to work in Dominica for three since he was repeatedly asked to stay by the local government and people, he said.

Wu has become a well-known figure in Dominica. Dominica has a relatively small population, and Wu always saw acquaintances who said hello to him when he went out, he said.

Wu said one of the things he improved working abroad for three years is his English, as it is the official language in Dominica.

When Wu received praise from the Dominica government, his foreign colleagues and local residents, he always said he was only doing what a Chinese doctor abroad should.

Tang Xuting contributed to this story.