Dedication · Gratitude · Inheritance · Promotion

ATCMS Successfully Holds the 2026 Yisheng Cup Awards Ceremony and the Graduation and Opening Ceremonies of the International TCM Mentorship Program

Passing on the Torch and Opening a New Chapter for the Global Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine

By Shi Xiaolu, Class of 2026

On June 21, 2026, the American Traditional Chinese Medicine Society (ATCMS) successfully held the 2026 Yisheng Cup Awards Ceremony, together with the Graduation Ceremony for the 2026 International TCM Mentorship Program and the Opening Ceremony for the 2026 Class. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) experts, mentors, graduates, and new students from Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania gathered online to celebrate an important milestone in the inheritance and development of TCM overseas.

The ceremony was chaired by Prof. Shaobai Wang, President of ATCMS. Academician Jisheng Han of the Chinese Academy of Sciences delivered a video address, while Prof. Bangjiang Fang, President of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Prof. Baoyan Liu, President of the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies, and Dr. Yongming Li, Founding President of ATCMS, also delivered congratulatory remarks. Centered on the theme “Dedication, Gratitude, Inheritance, and Promotion,” the event featured the Yisheng Cup Selfless Dedication Awards, the graduation ceremony, the opening ceremony, and mentor-student exchanges. A total of 50 mentors, 53 graduates, and 24 new students participated, while the global live broadcast attracted more than 5,620 viewers.

Honoring Dedication

At the opening ceremony, Prof. Wang expressed appreciation to Academician Han and other distinguished guests for their long-standing support of overseas TCM development. He also paid tribute to his mentor, Prof. Jin Rui, emphasizing that ATCMS remains committed to the spirit of “great compassion and sincere medicine” while promoting innovative models of international TCM mentorship. A feature video highlighting Academician Han’s achievements was presented during the ceremony.

The Yisheng Cup Selfless Dedication Award was then presented to 50 mentors in recognition of their long-term commitment to overseas TCM education, clinical teaching, and talent cultivation.

Celebrating the Achievements of the Mentorship Program

After two years of systematic study, clinical training, and assessments, 53 students successfully completed the ATCMS International TCM Mentorship Program. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, they studied classical TCM literature, clinical expertise, and academic methodologies, enhancing both their professional competence and their understanding of the responsibilities of TCM practitioners.

Welcoming a New Generation

The 2026 class officially began its mentorship journey. On behalf of the mentors, Dr. Zengfu Peng encouraged the new students to study the classics diligently, integrate theory with clinical practice, respect their teachers, and pursue excellence in patient care, thereby contributing to the international promotion of TCM.

Looking Ahead

During the closing discussion, experts and mentors exchanged views on the future of TCM overseas. Prof. Baoyan Liu highly praised the dedication of the Yisheng Cup award recipients and affirmed ATCMS’s important role in international TCM education and mentorship. He expressed hope that ATCMS would continue expanding international collaboration so that the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine can benefit people around the world.

The two-hour online event concluded successfully. The awards honored dedication, the graduation celebrated achievement, and the opening ceremony marked the beginning of a new generation of TCM practitioners committed to carrying forward the legacy of Chinese medicine.

Screenshot from Academician Han Jisheng’s speech video