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When I first began studying medicine, my father had already lost his sight, but his memory was very strong. Based on his own experiences, he formulated a study schedule for me, specifying which books to read and how to read them. The list is as follows (omitted here).

Following my father's arrangement, from July 1934 until the autumn of 1939, I studied medicine for a full five years. During the first year and a half, except for spending little time participating in the preparation of medicines and occasionally visiting the consulting room when serious cases arose, most of my time was devoted to reading. My study was located right next to my father's consulting room. During his free time between outpatient consultations or house calls, he often came to my study to listen to me read. Whenever I started reading a new book, my father would always give me a general introduction to its characteristics and main content, and set requirements and progress goals. I remember that when I began studying *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), he pointed out: "Beginners should start with *Huangdi Neijing*, but only learn its outline; do not delve too deeply, because its language is profound and its meanings are abstruse, making it difficult for beginners to fully understand." Similarly, when I was learning about Warm Diseases (Wenbing), he advised: "Shanghan (Cold Damage) is Shanghan, and Wenbing (Warm Disease) is Wenbing; they must not be confused. For all Warm Diseases, one must take the theories of Warm Disease studies as the standard, otherwise clinical practice will inevitably lead to errors." Every night, my father listened to me read for one or two hours, sometimes explaining and sometimes questioning, supervising me strictly.

From the spring of 1936 to the autumn of 1939, my days were mainly spent on clinical consultations or acting as a substitute physician, while mornings and evenings were still seized for reading. Whenever my father explained reduction techniques for fractures and dislocations, splinting methods, and surgical operations to his senior disciples, I would always stand by and listen, absorbing these skills through osmosis, leaving a deep impression. Consequently, when I began my own clinical practice, I could quickly master trauma and surgical procedures. Moreover, due to my father's blindness, the trauma and surgical outpatient clinics and house calls were soon taken over by me. Upon returning from house calls, I would report the situation and treatment process to him, and he would provide timely guidance. In case of critical patients, he would accompany me for follow-up visits. In the evenings, my father often asked me to read aloud from books needed for treating daytime cases, and sometimes discussed pathological mechanisms with me in conjunction with specific cases. All this laid a solid foundation for my independent clinical practice.

(II) Studying to Improve Clinical Efficacy: When I opened my private practice in Shanghai in the autumn of 1939, my father instructed me: "The books you have read so far only give you a general idea; the diseases you can treat are limited to common patterns. From now on, while practicing medicine, you must repeatedly study the books you have read, combine them with clinical practice, and comprehend them deeply. After persisting for a few years, you will surely achieve mastery and integration. Whenever you encounter difficult-to-treat cases or treatments that fail, you must immediately consult literature, think repeatedly, and find better treatment methods. If you encounter a disease that you cannot cure, but others can, it indicates your academic insufficiency, and you should feel ashamed!" I kept my father's lessons firmly in mind. At that time, during the War of Resistance against Japan, the population in the Shanghai International Settlement surged, sanitary conditions were poor, and epidemic diseases were prevalent. Since antibiotics had not yet been invented, most patients presented with severe and dangerous symptoms. I knew well that as a young Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, if I could not effectively master the treatment of epidemic diseases, I would struggle to survive. Therefore, whenever I encountered such patients (including encephalitis, measles, smallpox, cholera, etc.), while carefully diagnosing and treating them, I repeatedly read several books on seasonal diseases I had previously studied and *Compilation of Verified Cases by Famous Doctors Nationwide (Main Volume)*, carefully analyzing the transmission patterns of these diseases and rescue methods for critical conditions, gradually mastering treatment laws and emergency measures. I recall encountering a female patient in her fifties suffering from typhus in 1943. Her illness had lasted more than twenty days. Initially, she suffered from high fever, irritability, and thirst. Ten days later, red macules appeared all over her body, followed by the emergence of white papules (Bai Fu). Two days prior, she suddenly developed black loose stools, three to four times a day, with lethargy. The previous doctor prescribed Yijia Fumai Tang (One-Hornet Pulse-Recovery Decoction) without effect. Current symptoms included fever with spontaneous sweating, dry lips and dental plaque, apathetic expression, twitching fingers, persistent loose stools, no abdominal pain, scanty dark-red urination, incomplete fading of red macules, and dry, lusterless white papules. The pulse was slippery and rapid on the right side, with strength remaining at the Guan position upon heavy pressure; fine and rapid on the left three positions. The tongue coating was scorched black, and the tongue body was crimson. The syndrome belonged to warm pathogens entering the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner), burning up true Yin fluids, with lingering pathogenic heat in the Ying (Nutritive) Level, causing significant damage to Zheng Qi (Upright Qi). Unless bleeding was stopped urgently, collapse was imminent. However, since the pathogenic heat had not dissipated, tonification was inappropriate at this time. Emulating the ancient method of using Jin Yin Hua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, Honeysuckle Flower) and Di Yu (Sanguisorbae Radix, Great Burnet Root) to treat bloody dysentery, I employed sweet-cold methods to preserve fluids and clear the Ying Level to stop bleeding. Prescription: Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 4.5g, Xian Sha Shen (Glehniae Radix, Fresh) 24g, Xian Tiepi Shihu (Dendrobii Officinalis Caulis, Fresh) 15g, Xian Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix, Fresh) 30g, Chao Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex, Stir-fried), Chao Chi Shao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra, Stir-fried), Lao Zi Cao (Arnebiae Radix seu Lithospermi Radix, Old) each 9g, Yin Hua Tan (Charred Lonicerae Japonicae Flos) 30g, Di Yu Tan (Charred Sanguisorbae Radix), Jiao Shan Zhi (Charred Gardeniae Fructus), Chi Fu Ling (Red Poria) each 9g, Yan Chen Pi (Salt-processed Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 4.5g, Xian Mao Gen (Imperatae Rhizoma, Fresh) 30g. After one dose, loose stools decreased; after continuing for another dose, loose stools stopped, white papules became dense and lustrous, turning danger into safety; after a week of regulation and treatment, gradual recovery ensued. Similar severe cases numbered dozens per year. By combining clinical practice with continuous review of relevant books, efficacy improved, and experience accumulated. Recalling my father's teachings at this time, I gained a deeper understanding.

During this stage, another avenue of my learning was seeking advice from teachers and friends. Since my uncle also practiced in Shanghai, I sometimes consulted him. Once, I treated a patient with a Ding Chuang (Furuncle/Carbuncle) located at the right temple near the Ear Gate (Er Men). Previous treatments failed, and the condition worsened daily. Upon my examination, the sore head was dry and sunken without pus, swelling extended to the top of the head and down to the mandible, the right eye was tightly shut due to swelling, and the entire right facial area was hard as stone, accompanied by more than ten soft spots the size of soybeans; consciousness was clear, fever fluctuated, and the course had lasted over ten days. The previous doctor initially used Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin (Five-Ingredient Decoction to Eliminate Toxins) and Hua Nei Xiao San (Internal Dissipation Powder) with modifications, and finally combined Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang (Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction) with Jie Du Da Qing Tang (Detoxifying and Indigo Decoction) plus Zi Xue Dan (Purple Snow Pellet). Reflecting on the previous treatments, all complied with the principle of "avoiding exterior-releasing methods for Ding Chuang," yet why they failed remained puzzling; given the critical state, changing the previous method was inconvenient. Thus, I invited my uncle for a consultation. After examining the patient, my uncle believed the disease originated in the Shaoyang Channel (Lesser Yang). With a course of over ten days and such severe local manifestations but no signs of Zou Huang (Spreading Poison leading to coma), it indicated a Wind-Heat Syndrome rather than a Fire-Toxin Syndrome. Exterior-releasing and toxin-expelling methods should be used to save the patient. He prescribed Jing Fang Bai Du San (Schizonepeta and Saposhnikovia Decoction to Overcome Pathogenic Factors) removing Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) and Du Huo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix), adding Zao Jiao (Gleditsiae Sinensis Fructus Spina) and Duan Shi Gao (Calcined Gypsum). After one dose, pus appeared; after two doses, abundant pus drained, surrounding soft spots broke and discharged pus, swelling reduced significantly, and fever subsided. After approximately one month of internal and external treatment, the patient recovered. This consultation with a senior not only enhanced my ability to distinguish between Wind-Heat and Fire-Toxin but also made me realize that the valuable clinical experience of seniors is often unlearnable from books alone.

During this period, I read Zhang Xichun's *Yixue Zhongzhong Canxi Lu* (Records of TCM Integrated with Western Medicine) and Chen Lianfang's *Nüke Mijue Daquan* (Complete Secrets of Gynecology) along with medical cases, and browsed modern anatomy and general surgery texts to absorb modern knowledge related to trauma and surgery. In short, the learning in this stage was aimed at curing diseases and becoming a good doctor. Practice proved that by combining clinical practice with multi-faceted learning, diseases were eventually cured. Patient testimonials were the strongest promotion. By the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, my caseload had gradually increased from three or four patients per day to around thirty. I could be said to have initially established myself in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai.

(III) Studying to Improve Traumatology Expertise: When I first opened my private practice in Shanghai, I treated Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Traumatology. However, since our Shi family's ancestral traumatology had long enjoyed a reputation, my traumatology patients gradually increased to nearly a hundred per day, inadvertently making me a specialist in traumatology.

At this time, I could diagnose and treat most injury-related disorders and had a clear grasp of their prognosis. However, as times advanced and modern medicine developed, comparing my personal TCM traumatology expertise, although possessing advantages, I had to admit certain limitations. For example, poor alignment of some fracture ends or unsatisfactory functional recovery. My predecessors generally considered this "unavoidable," but I felt that as a professional traumatologist, one must never be satisfied with the status quo and should strive to improve and advance by addressing existing shortcomings.

First, I began exploring traumatology theory. Looking back at my past studies, I focused on identifying which部位 corresponded to which diseases, which channels they belonged to, and memorizing major formulas from *Zhenggu Xinfa* (Core Methods of Bone Setting) and *Shangke Buyao* (Supplements to Traumatology). I then believed that once theory was clear, traumatology would be easy, and familiarity would come with clinical practice. Undeniably, mastering basic TCM theory is a prerequisite for grasping traumatology; however, merely understanding basic theory is insufficient for being a good traumatologist; deep specialization is necessary. Thus, starting from *Huangdi Neijing*, I concentrated on reading most historical medical texts, including discussions and formulas related to traumatology in collected works and formula books. This gave me a systematic understanding of the origins of traumatology and the development of manual techniques, splinting, and internal/external medicinal treatments. Meanwhile, based on clinical experience, I compared and pondered the use of herbs in traumatology versus internal and surgical medicine. I deeply felt that fractures in traumatology result from external injuries occurring suddenly, and their entire course resembles internal seasonal diseases and acute surgical diseases, involving a process of transmission. Therefore, the treatment of fractures should ideally follow a staged therapeutic law. Referencing ancient principles, the general approach was aggressive treatment in the early stage and tonification in the late stage, with herbal prescriptions varying by individual preference. Personally, I believe there should be a transitional stage between aggressive treatment and tonification in fracture therapy. Inspired by Zhang Jiabin's *Xin Fang Ba Zhen* (New Formulas of Eight Arrays): "For those with deficiency, tonify and harmonize; for those with stagnation, move and harmonize," alternating among aggressive, harmonizing, and tonifying methods, I proposed the concept of "Three-Stage Differential Treatment for Closed Limb Fractures" as follows:

Early Stage of Fracture: After a fracture, meridians are simultaneously injured, Qi and Blood leave their vessels, coagulate into stasis, causing swelling and pain. Treatment should primarily focus on invigorating Blood and resolving stasis, moving Qi, and relieving pain.

Middle Stage of Fracture: Generally one to ten weeks after fracture, swelling has mostly subsided, and blood stasis has largely dissipated. At this point, fracture ends are growing and connecting. Although tonifying Liver and Kidney and nourishing Qi and Blood should promote early healing, just as embers may remain hidden in extinguished ashes, sudden tonification risks stagnating stasis, and continuing aggressive stasis-resolving methods may damage Zheng Qi. Treatment should primarily focus on harmonizing Ying, knitting bone, relaxing sinews, and unblocking collaterals.

Late Stage of Fracture: Fracture ends have initially connected. Generally, delayed functional recovery of the affected limb, local swelling, muscle atrophy, cold skin temperature, pale tongue coating, and weak pulse may appear. These indicate Liver and Kidney deficiency and Qi and Blood insufficiency due to prolonged illness. Treatment should primarily focus on supplementing Qi and nourishing Blood, warming and tonifying Liver and Kidney, strengthening sinews, and consolidating bones.

This viewpoint was presented in lectures at the TCM Traumatology Refresher Course hosted by the Shanghai Association of TCM and in academic reports on "Diagnosis and Treatment of Fractures" organized by the Shanghai Association of TCM and the Shanghai Branch of the Chinese Medical Association between 1958 and 1959. Practiced by colleagues in traumatology, it is generally believed that this viewpoint helps appropriately manage the progression of fracture treatment.

While exploring traumatology theory, I absorbed modern reduction principles and techniques, further contemplating how to improve certain TCM splinting methods based on the principle of plaster fixation. I focused on periarticular fractures such as Colles' fracture, supracondylar humerus fracture, and patellar fracture. I found that ancestral methods and those commonly used by traumatology colleagues generally allowed for acceptable joint function recovery but often resulted in malunion. While plaster fixation reduces malunion, it often causes joint stiffness. Accordingly, I adopted strengths to offset weaknesses and gradually improved TCM reduction techniques and splinting methods. Simultaneously, I acquired human skeletal models, carefully studying the position, morphology, and surface landmarks of all bones, and collaborated with radiologists to perform X-rays for fracture cases in my clinic, aiding diagnosis and follow-up. This played a role in弥补 deficiencies in TCM traumatology and improving efficacy.

(IV) Studying to Inherit and Promote the Heritage of Chinese Medicine: In 1958, under the radiant guidance of the Party's TCM policies, I responded to the Party's call, ended my private practice, and entered Luwan District Central Hospital as Deputy Director of the TCM Department. This transition filled me with honor and satisfaction, and I resolved to make inheriting and promoting the heritage of Chinese medicine my mission. At that time, in the prime of life, working day and night without fatigue, I focused my learning efforts on further excavating and organizing TCM traumatology theory.

After joining the hospital, equipment conditions were complete. Handling fracture patients shifted from relying solely on tactile sensation ("hand-touching and heart-understanding") to performing manual reduction under X-ray guidance, greatly improving efficacy and gradually revealing my technical shortcomings. In the spring of 1962, our hospital opened a traumatology emergency room and ward, significantly increasing the variety and severity of cases. Facing this new situation, I recognized it as an excellent opportunity to excavate and organize TCM traumatology medicine, yet felt my knowledge was inadequate for the new demands. Therefore, besides seizing opportunities for academic exchanges and reading journal articles to enrich my knowledge, I successively studied Watson-Jones' *Fractures and Joint Injuries* translated by Guo Bangfu, Demarchi's *Illustrated Guide to the Management of Fractures and Dislocations*, Liu Runtian's *Illustrated Guide to the Treatment of Fractures and Dislocations*, and the fracture sections of *Special Surgery* edited by Huang Jiasi. I focused on carefully reading chapters on fracture repair, delayed union and non-union, adhesions and joint stiffness, myositis ossificans and traumatic ossification, avascular necrosis of bone, and various reduction and fixation methods. Meanwhile, we applied TCM theory to key problems universally regarded as difficult in modern orthopedic clinical practice, gradually proposing new perspectives on the following topics:

1. Addressing the modern medical theory that fractures in areas with poor blood supply are difficult to heal, guided by the TCM principle that sinews and bones rely on the essence-Qi of Liver and Kidney and the nourishment of Qi and Blood, I proposed the treatment principle of seizing the opportunity to tonify Liver and Kidney and nourish Qi and Blood early to promote growth and connection of fracture ends. Through internal treatment of fractures in hypoperfused areas such as the femoral neck capsule, scaphoid, navicular, and lower 1/3 of tibia/fibula, adopting tonification early shortened the healing period. I summarized and published the paper *TCM Treatment of Intracapsular Femoral Neck Fractures*.

2. Regarding post-plaster-removal limb swelling, research showed it was mainly due to long-term plaster fixation without using blood-invigorating and stasis-resolving herbs, compounded by the cold nature of plaster, leading to Cold-Dampness clumping with stasis. Using methods to dispel Cold and invigorate Blood consistently achieved rapid resolution of swelling.

3. Concerning the frequent sequelae of post-traumatic arthritis in articular surface fractures, inspired by *Xian Shou Li Shang Xu Duan Mi Fang* (Secret Formula of Xian Shou for Treating Injuries and Knitting Bones): "Injuries that do not heal for a long time are caused by Wind damage," we advocated that for treating fractures of articular surfaces, besides striving for smooth reduction, the early stage must invigorate Blood and resolve stasis to ensure complete dissipation, and the late stage should tonify Liver and Kidney and nourish Qi and Blood to strengthen Zheng Qi and prevent pathogenic invasion, thereby avoiding post-traumatic arthritis. Clinical treatment of many such cases achieved remarkable effects through timely stasis-resolution and Zheng-tonification. Moreover, practice proved that even if articular surface reduction is not perfectly smooth, timely medication can avoid sequelae.

After the downfall of the "Gang of Four," I was appointed Vice President of the hospital and Director of the TCM Outpatient Department, and elected Chairman of the Traumatology Society of the Shanghai Association of TCM. Professionally, I focused on exploring topics such as sequelae of cerebral concussion and lumbar-leg soft tissue injuries.

Regarding sequelae of cerebral concussion, modern medicine considers symptomatic treatment as the only option, lacking specific effective methods. Targeting main symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, and belching, I consulted historical literature records. Based on pathological mechanisms such as internal accumulation of Blood Stasis, failure of Blood returning to the Liver, loss of Liver's free flow, Wood insulting Earth affecting the Stomach, Stomach failing to descend, and internal Wind disturbing upwards, I adopted a treatment method primarily focusing on pacifying the Liver and extinguishing Wind, regulating Qi and harmonizing the Stomach internally, and invigorating Blood and resolving stasis externally. This preliminarily cured some severe cases suffering for many years, and exploration continues.