Dr. John Xerri de Caro from the Department of Physiotherapy and Prof Charles Savona-Ventura as Director of the Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine were invited to attend the 2024 Traditional Chinese Medicine Workshop for Medical Practitioners from countries along the Belt and Road organised and hosted by the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM). This was held between the 21st October and the 8th November 2024. Dr Xerri de Caro coordinates a study-unit for 3rd year undergraduate students called ‘Traditional Chinese Medicine in Modern Physiotherapy’ in collaboration with tutors from SHUTCM and the TCM doctors present at the Centre for TCM within UM.

During the Workshop, Prof Savona-Ventura gave a lecture entitled ‘Traditional Medicine in a Central Mediterranean Island’ wherein the holistic principles encompassing TCM were demonstrated also in Traditional Maltese Medicine as illustrated by Maltese health folklore and traditional practices. He was also formally appointed Guest Professor at the International Education College of Shanghai University of TCM.

The Shanghai University of TCM is a leading university addressing integrative medical practice in the Peoples' Republic of China where traditional Chinese practices are integrated with contemporary medical thought. SHUTCM has a close collaboration with the University of Malta Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine providing educational and clinical services at the Health & Wellness Centre, and with the Department of Physiotherapy of the Faculty of Health Sciences.