Aging society poses problem for nation's older doctors

Recruitment issues

"Recruiting new staff members is hard work," Cao said.

One of the biggest draws is Xi'an, which is just an hour's drive away but boasts average pay of more than 9,000 yuan a month, according to a 2022 report by recruitment website Zhaopin. Working there also means many noncash benefits such as access to local public services, which is more than Xingping, a county-level jurisdiction, can offer.

Most importantly, Xi'an ranks among the top medical hubs nationwide, with around 50 grade 3 hospitals, the highest-level health institutions with strong research capabilities. Practicing medicine in the city means greater access to patients with rare conditions, which can boost a doctor's clinical credentials and academic research. That's a major consideration in obtaining promotions and pay raises.

"The number of patients at our hospital is small, and therefore it is hard for young doctors to hone their skills here," Cao said.

In 1988, Cao graduated from middle school with outstanding scores. Following the practice among well-performing students at the time, she chose to study medicine at a health college in Hanzhong, a major city in the south of Shaanxi.

She spent four years there majoring in oral medicine, taking courses as varied as anatomy and pharmacology. Upon graduation, she returned to her home county and became a doctor with her current employer.