Prof. Dr Donglin Ren | Medical Application | Best Researcher Award

Professor, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, China

Professor Dong-Lin Ren is a renowned expert in colorectal surgery, specializing in the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine for anorectal and pelvic floor disorders. He holds multiple esteemed positions, including Chief Consultant at the Department of Colorectal Surgery at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. As a professor at Sun Yat-sen University and a mentor to doctoral and postdoctoral candidates, he has made significant contributions to both clinical practice and medical education. With over 250 peer-reviewed publications and more than 20 patents, his work spans innovative surgical techniques, minimally invasive treatments for colorectal tumors, and reconstructive surgeries. Professor Ren’s leadership in professional societies and his pioneering work in complex anorectal disease management have earned him national recognition as a leading medical talent. His dedication to advancing healthcare makes him a key figure in both the medical and academic communities.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

1. Extensive Academic and Research Contributions:
   • Publications: Professor Ren has published over 250 peer-reviewed articles, including over 50 in high-impact SCI journals. His work contributes significantly to the fields of colorectal surgery, anorectal diseases, and the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western Medicine.
   • Research Leadership: He has led or participated in more than 10 national or provincial research projects, showcasing his leadership and dedication to advancing medical research.
   • Innovative Patents: Professor Ren holds over 20 national invention and utility model patents, underlining his commitment to creating new solutions in the medical field.
2. Clinical Expertise:
   • His clinical work on complex colorectal and anal diseases, including advanced techniques like NOSES for low rectal cancer and minimally invasive treatments for anorectal disorders, has set new standards in the field. This directly influences his research on treatment outcomes and surgical innovations.
3. Multidisciplinary Approach:
   • Professor Ren’s integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine is a unique approach that enriches his research perspective. This not only brings innovation but also opens up new research avenues in integrative medicine.
4. Teaching and Mentorship:
   • As a professor and doctoral/postdoctoral supervisor, his impact on the next generation of researchers is substantial. His role in educating and mentoring budding medical professionals enhances the depth and longevity of his contributions to the medical field.
5. Recognition and Influence:
   • Professor Ren has received notable awards, including the title of Leading Medical Talent in Guangdong Province and China’s National Famous Doctor award. These recognitions underscore his esteemed position within the medical community.
   • His leadership roles in major professional societies and committees further establish him as a key figure in shaping the future of colorectal and pelvic floor surgery.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader International Visibility:
   • While Professor Ren is highly influential within China, his international visibility could be expanded. Greater engagement in global collaborations and international research networks would amplify the global impact of his work.
2. Public Outreach of Research Findings:
   • Although Professor Ren has published numerous articles, more efforts could be made to translate his findings into practical guidelines for healthcare professionals globally. This would help to disseminate his innovative approaches to a broader audience.
3. Focus on Translational Research:
   • While his work is highly clinical, more focus on the translational aspects (such as moving research from the bench to bedside more rapidly) could make his contributions even more impactful.

Education

Professor Dong-Lin Ren earned his medical degree from Sun Yat-sen University, where he further advanced his studies, eventually becoming a Professor of Surgery at the institution. His academic journey is marked by a deep commitment to integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western surgical techniques. Throughout his education, Professor Ren specialized in colorectal surgery, gaining extensive clinical experience in proctology, pelvic floor disorders, and colorectal oncology. He trained under esteemed mentors in both Western and Chinese medicine fields, giving him a unique perspective on patient care. His postdoctoral work focused on minimally invasive procedures for colorectal cancer and complex anal diseases. Additionally, Professor Ren has trained and mentored numerous doctoral and postdoctoral candidates in surgical research, integrating his knowledge of both Eastern and Western medicine. His continuous pursuit of higher education and research excellence has positioned him as a leading figure in his field, influencing medical practices globally.

Experience

Professor Dong-Lin Ren has an extensive career in both clinical practice and academia. He is the Chief Consultant and Director at the Department of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Anorectal Surgery, and Pelvic Floor Center at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. In addition to his clinical expertise, he served as Vice President and Operation Director at the hospital, and is the Dean of the School of Pelvic Floor Anorectal Surgery. His experience spans advanced surgical procedures, including minimally invasive treatments for colorectal cancer and the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Western approaches. Professor Ren also leads a team performing the largest number of anorectal procedures in China, specializing in managing complex conditions like recurrent anal fistulas and rectal prolapse. He has guided and mentored numerous doctors, shaping the future of colorectal surgery both domestically and internationally.

Awards and Honors

Professor Dong-Lin Ren has received numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his career. He is recognized as a Leading Medical Talent in Guangdong Province and was the third recipient of China’s National Famous Doctors award, a testament to his excellence in both clinical practice and medical research. His contributions to the field of colorectal surgery have earned him leadership roles in various professional societies. Professor Ren is the Chairman of the Asia Alliance of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disorders and holds significant positions in other medical organizations, such as the China Geriatric Health Care Association and the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association. He is also honored with several honorary chairman and vice chairman roles in prominent Chinese medical committees. His work has been pivotal in advancing colorectal and pelvic floor medicine, and these recognitions affirm his status as a leading figure in the field.

Research Focus

Professor Dong-Lin Ren’s research focuses on the integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine to develop innovative treatments for colorectal and anorectal diseases. He specializes in the minimally invasive treatment of low rectal cancer, using anus-preserving technologies and NOSES techniques to avoid abdominal and pelvic incisions. His research includes complex conditions like anal fistulas, chronic constipation, rectovaginal fistulas, and recurrent rectal cancer. He has led or participated in multiple national research projects, contributing to the development of MRI-based deep learning classifiers and other diagnostic tools. Additionally, his work on single-cell RNA sequencing and the effects of astragaloside IV in colorectal cancer treatment has made significant advancements in understanding cellular dynamics and therapeutic interventions. Professor Ren’s research efforts aim to improve both patient outcomes and the effectiveness of surgical and non-surgical treatments in colorectal diseases.

Publication Top Notes

1. “Development and validation of the MRI-based deep learning classifier for distinguishing perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease from cryptoglandular fistula: a multicenter cohort study” 🧠📚
2. “Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals immunosuppressive landscape in overweight and obese colorectal cancer” 🧬⚖️
3. “Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals cellular dynamics and therapeutic effects of astragaloside IV in slow transit constipation” 🧬💊
4. “Evaluation of transrectal ultrasound-guided tru-cut biopsy as a complementary method for predicting pathological complete response in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant treatment” 🔬📈
5. “Stapled transperineal rectovaginal fistula repair for low- and mid-level rectovaginal fistulas: A comparison study with rectal mucosal advancement flap repair” 🔪🩺
6. “Preoperative assessment of fistula-in-ano using SonoVue enhancement during three-dimensional transperineal ultrasound” 🔬📸
7. “A magnetic resonance imaging-based decision-making tool for predicting complex anal fistulas healing in the early postoperative period” 🧠💡
8. “Cancer-associated fibroblasts undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy suppress rectal cancer revealed by single-cell and spatial transcriptomics” 🧬💔
9. “Unraveling dynamic interactions between tumor-associated macrophages and consensus molecular subtypes in colorectal cancer: An integrative analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA transcriptome” 🔬🦠
10. “Should the diverting enterostomy for refractory anorectal Crohn’s disease be considered in advance?” 💡🌱

Conclusion

Professor Dong-Lin Ren is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to both clinical practice and research are substantial and have led to groundbreaking advancements in colorectal and anorectal surgery. His leadership in integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western practices provides a unique and innovative approach that benefits both patient care and medical research. With his continued impact on the medical community through teaching, research, and clinical excellence, Professor Ren’s work is deserving of recognition on an international level. Expanding his global research network and increasing public outreach could further solidify his standing as a leader in medical research.