June 8, 2025 — The American TCM Society (ATCMS) celebrated three landmark events in a combined ceremony: the prestigious Medical Sage Cup Awards, the 2025 Mentorship Program Graduation, and the Induction Ceremony for the new 2025 cohort. The hybrid event was conducted via Zoom and streamed globally through the Qihuang Network, drawing over 1,600 participants from around the world.
In a highlight of the ceremony, ATCMS conferred its inaugural Medical Sage Cup Gold Award upon Professor Han Jisheng, esteemed Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Honorary Chairman of the Mentorship Expert Committee. The highest honor granted by the Society, this award recognizes Professor Han’s lifelong dedication to advancing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and his pivotal role in supporting ATCMS initiatives, especially its Mentorship Program. In tribute to his trailblazing contributions to the globalization of TCM, the Society also honored him with a special floral presentation.
The ATCMS TCM Mentorship Program, established in 2023, has thrived thanks to the dedicated service of highly qualified mentors who selflessly impart their knowledge to the next generation of practitioners. These mentors embody the noblest traditions of Chinese medicine, prioritizing the cultivation of talent over personal gain or recognition.
Throughout the ceremony, heartfelt exchanges between mentors and students underscored the deep connections fostered within the program. Seasoned practitioners offered words of wisdom and encouragement, while graduating and incoming students expressed profound gratitude for their mentors’ guidance. A particularly moving moment came when new students recited classical texts — the Preface to Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders and On the Absolute Sincerity of Great Physicians — a symbolic affirmation of their commitment to upholding the dual pillars of TCM practice: technical mastery and compassionate care.
In concluding remarks, Dr. Liu Baoyan, President of the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS), commended the ATCMS for its leadership in promoting TCM internationally. He emphasized the vital principle of “Inheriting the Essence While Innovating with Integrity” as the foundation for ensuring the continued growth, recognition, and global influence of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
