Testimonial by Mr Yu, Shichao 

Mr.Yu, Shichao, a Ph.D. student at M.Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences


YU, Shichao 2nd from the right with his Main Supervisor Dr Te and other postgraduate students

YU, Shichao with Prof Choo Kong Bung and other postgraduate students of at M.Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

I'm Yu, Shichao, a Ph.D. student at M.Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) in UTAR. My supervisor is Dr. TE, Kian Keong and co-supervisor is YAP, Yau Pin. I enrolled in Doctor of Philosophy (Chinese Medicine) Programme

My research area is on Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA), a bone and joint disease that causes physical and mental pain resulting in economic loss to patients. KOA also has an increasingly important impact on public health and can burden the medical care systems. One of the solutions to combat KOA is acupuncture, a commonly used treatment method that is easily accepted by many people as it is simple to apply and has very minimal to zero side effects. Furthermore, there are many records and reports on the studies of acupuncture in treating KOA.

My research works include the study and analysis of the application of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy methods in the treatment of KOA in Malaysian TCM clinics, and comparing it with the situation in China; Explore and analyse the rules for acupoints selection and the features of acupoints used in the acupuncture during the clinical treatment of KOA based on literature analysis and data mining technology; Screen and summarise the top ten high-frequency acupoints for acupuncture treatment of KOA; and Explore and provide a new basic acupoint prescription for treatment of KOA so as to better guiding the clinical practice. I have also conducted a clinical trial to provide the validating scientific basis for the clinical effectiveness of the acupoint prescription and explored the possibility of using electro-acupuncture as a better method of treating KOA with better clinical efficacy.

Through the programme, I find my English ability in various aspects has improved tremendously. After studying in UTAR, my most intuitive feeling is that the environment here is all in English, which is very different from when I was in China. Although I also read English literature and guidebooks and participated in some international conferences when I was in China, I mainly focused on reading and writing. After coming here, I not only needed to listen but also have to communicate in English. I was a little nervous at the beginning, but with the help of Dr. Te and my course mates in the PG room, I gradually found the confidence to speak in English. I am glad that with the improvement in my English proficiency, I have broadened my knowledge and horizons as English is an international and learning language.

The Programme has also provided me with opportunities to improve my scientific research competency and nurture a positive attitude of continual learning. In UTAR, I had chances to take up courses such as laboratory safety, statistics, scientific research design, scientific research methodology, professional knowledge, etc., which expanded my knowledge and strengthened my scientific research foundation. During the process of direct reading and proposal defense, I have deeply felt the academic attitude and professionalism of the domain experts and professors who have provided me with constructive feedback and guidance. This has given me a deeper understanding of scientific research and improved my clinical research skills.

All “studies” and no play makes Jack a dull boy. I enjoy my campus life in UTAR and have gained friendships and unforgettable life experiences. I would like to thank my supervisors and course mates in the PG room as well as the staff and professors from various departments in UTAR. It is because of their encouragement, assistance, and support that I have the courage to face and overcome many challenges encountered during the Programme, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic period. These friendships are the most valuable assets which I gained in the past 3 years, and I will bring them forever in my life and wherever I go. I will always remember the laughter, outings, and sleepless nights which we had.