CHEST Guidelines-PCCM-at-the-Battlefront-Against-COVID-19-in-Wuhan,

PCCM-at-the-Battlefront-Against-COVID-19-in-Wuhan,

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The COVID-19 outbreak posed a significant challenge to China's healthcare system, particularly in Wuhan, the epicenter of the epidemic. Pulmonary and critical care medicine (PCCM) specialists were at the forefront of the response, playing a crucial role due to the respiratory nature of the disease. This specialty, although developed based on a U.S. model, has been effectively integrated into China's medical framework.<br /><br />Following the 2003 SARS epidemic, Chinese medical leaders embraced the PCCM model to enhance their healthcare system’s resilience. This led to the establishment of the China-CHEST PCCM fellowship program in 2014, fostering professional training aligned with U.S. standards, which ironically prepared them well for the COVID-19 crisis. At the time of this writing, more than 900 PCCM fellows are actively involved in China, a testament to the program's success and the foresight of blending international collaboration with local needs.<br /><br />As COVID-19 spread rapidly, PCCM experts were integral in leading inspections, confirming the human-to-human transmission, and advocating for strict social distancing measures. They developed, implemented, and revised a management guideline crucial for handling the novel disease effectively. In addition to treating patients, PCCM specialists established Fang Cang shelter hospitals—large venues converted into medical facilities—to isolate and monitor patients, helping curb the outbreak significantly.<br /><br />The PCCM departments across China provided the essential backup to the healthcare workers in Wuhan while also collaborating with international allies, such as the American College of Chest Physicians. The unforeseen COVID-19 epidemic highlighted the well-preparedness and pivotal role of PCCM professionals in managing respiratory pandemics on both a national and global scale, demonstrating the power of strategic training and international partnerships in public health crises.

Keywords

COVID-19

China healthcare

Wuhan

Pulmonary and critical care medicine

PCCM fellowship

SARS epidemic

Fang Cang hospitals

human-to-human transmission

international collaboration

respiratory pandemics