Prof. Nan-shan Zhong

Prof. Zhong received his bachelor's degree from Peking University, and began his career in the early 1970s at The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, majoring in the research of Chronic Bronchitis. He pursued his fellowship at the Royal Infirmary, University of Edinburgh and St Bartholomew's Hospital, University of London. After returning to China in 1981, he developed the hand-squeezed atomizer for bronchial provocation tests available in the community setting and firstly defined "asymptomatic asthma" (Thorax. 1990, Chest 1992).

The greatest contribution of Prof. Zhong was his endeavours to manage the most critically-ill patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and established the highest survival rate in the world (Lancet. 2003; Nat Med. 2005). He was one of the leaders combating the emerging infectious diseases including H7N9, H5N6 (N Engl J Med. 2013/2016). Later, he led a series of important research on COPD, including: 1) The largest epidemiologic survey that indicated a high prevalence (8.2%) of COPD in China (Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2007); 2) Incomplete combustion of biomass fuels was the probable risk factor for COPD in non-smokers in rural China (Thorax. 2007); 3) Installation of ventilation devices plus introduction of clean fuels could collectively slow down the annual decline in lung function and reduce the incidence of COPD in community settings (Plos Med. 2014); 4) Sulfhydri-compounds; i.e., carbocisteine and high-dose N-acetylcysteine, could effectively prevent the exacerbation of COPD (Lancet. 2008; Lancet Respir Med. 2014); and 5) A large-scale clinical trial proving that tiotropium inhalation could slow down the annual decline in lung function in early-stage COPD (N Engl J Med. 2017). He has also been proactively advocating a greater awareness on improving the quality of atmospheric and household air in China (Lancet. 2016; Lancet Respir Med. 2016; Lancet Planet Health. 2017).

He was awarded as "Giant of Respiratory Medicine" by the ACCP in 2017.