On 19 October, 1955, at the time when the Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated with the Ministry of Health was established, the opening ceremony of the first Whole-time Training Class for Western Physicians Learning Systematically Traditional Chinese Medicine was also held. Altogether 84 new graduates from western medical colleges and skilled doctors of western medicine from all over the country were registered. During the 2.5 year term of training, the students learnt 16 professional courses and then practiced at the clinic, and graduated with gratifying results in July, 1958. On 11 October the same year, Chairman Mao made an important instruction to the report submitted by the Leading Party Group of the Ministry of Health,"A Report to the Party Central Committee about the situation, results and experience of Whole-time Training Class for Western Physicians Learning Traditional Chinese Medicine", by pointing out that"in the future, the Training Class for Western Physicians Learning Traditional Chinese Medicine should be held across the country hereafter. This is a top issue and is not to be ignored".

Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences; Western physicians learning traditional Chinese medicine