[Future-Oriented High-Quality Development of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine]

Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine refers to a clinical diagnosis and treatment model that incorporates the essence of traditional Chinese medicine in regard to treatment decisions based on syndrome differentiation and a reliance on modern western medicine as the basis of diagnosis and treatment. It is an organic combination of the two, with each bringing its own strengths into full play and complementing those of the other. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the development of the integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine has been increasingly valued. The unique advantages of the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine have been continuously utilized, resulting in fruitful achievements in theoretical inheritance and innovation and in the prevention and treatment of major diseases. Furthermore, integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine has become a unique system of medicine of China. This article provides a review and elaboration of the entire process of the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine, including its significance, status of development, and achievements. It is suggested that, in the field of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, efforts should made to delve into classic theories, identify the right entry points for integration, reconstruct and improve the theoretical system of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine by combining the cutting-edge achievements of modern medicine, and focus on enhancing clinical efficacy.