As the sun peeks over Hangzhou's skyline, casting a golden glow on tranquil West Lake, a new day unfolds at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital affiliated with Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SRRSH). Dr. Mudita Malhotra from the US, equipped with her stethoscope and a warm smile, prepares to care for her patients with professional dedication.

Dr. Malhotra grew up in a family of doctors in India, where her grandfather, father, and mother were all practicing physicians. In her hometown, she saw firsthand how they used their knowledge to bring health and happiness to the community. This strong influence inspired her journey into medicine. After completing her foundational medical education in India, she pursued postgraduate studies in the United States, moving there in 1994. Her medical journey has been one of knowledge across borders. "I just wanted to help everyone -- children, adults, elderly people -- no matter their concerns," she recalls with determination.

She has practiced general medicine for over 20 years, holding positions at prestigious institutions such as Henry Ford Health System, George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates, and Johns Hopkins Medicine. Now she takes on a new role as a full-time Attending Physician in the General Practice Department at Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital.

What brought Dr. Malhotra to Hangzhou was her husband's work assignment and the hospital's international reputation. "SRRSH is internationally recognized as a high-quality health center," she explains proudly. "Its international collaborations, like with Mayo Clinic, were very important to me." With a dedicated international health center and bilingual staff, SRRSH provides her the ideal platform to care for foreign families, a role she embraces wholeheartedly.

In her consulting room, Dr. Malhotra is fully absorbed in her work. As she listens intently to a patient's symptoms, she asks questions gently, and her patient feels truly heard. "Dr. Malhotra's medical skills are exceptional, but more importantly, she is warm and trustworthy," says a Chinese patient who found significant improvement in his health under her care.

"You may wonder about the language barrier," Dr. Malhotra says, "The fact that the physician can comfort a patient does not have any language. As you know a warm smile and patience are universal." She adds, "I also have my general practice resident to help with translations, and occasionally, I use phone translation apps."

Dr. Malhotra extends her care beyond hospital walls, offering advice to international patients who may feel overwhelmed in a foreign healthcare system. "Know the setup, ensure your insurance covers the hospital, prepare for language barriers, and bring your medical history. Last but not least, most public hospitals in China have high patient volumes, so it's advised to make an appointment."

She also shares practical advice on common health issues faced by foreigners. "For those with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies, it's important to monitor air quality, especially in winter, and to wear masks or limit outdoor activities when pollution levels are high." Regarding mental health challenges that may arise from living in a new country, she suggests: "Building a social support network by joining communities or making local friends can alleviate stress, anxiety, and loneliness. Regular exercise, meditation, yoga, and good sleep are also beneficial for managing stress.”

In her free time, Dr. Malhotra is an enthusiastic explorer of Chinese culture. She and her husband have traveled to Chinese cities, visiting places like the Summer Palace, experiencing the Mid-Autumn Festival, and trying mooncakes. "I'm also a big tea drinker, and China's tea culture is impressive." Her love for tea has led her to visit Longjing tea plantations and the China National Tea Museum. "China's tea culture has been an eye-opener for me," she says, "black tea and oolong are my favorites."

As Dr. Malhotra continues her work at SRRSH, her journey is not just about healing but also about building cultural bridges through each smile, diagnosis, and warm interaction. Through her work, she leaves a lasting impact, proving that a doctor's heart knows no boundaries.