Chinese doctors enjoying their Neopolitan experience

Hundreds of Chinese doctors are learning world-class robotics and other medical techniques in a special cultural and scientific exchange with Italy.

The program is being carried out at Cardarelli Hospital, in the UNESCO city of Naples.

Dr Fu Zheng is one of the doctors currently involved and he told CGTN that they received a warm reception.

"I am very honored to be here to study and learn, and my professor Dr. Fedelini and the hospital staff take very good care of me.

Dr Qiang Fu says the experience exceeded his expectations.

"My experience is very good in this beautiful city, especially in my work time, I learn a lot from the different doctors here," he explained.

Dr Paolo Fedelini is the head of the Urology Department and one of their mentors. He told CGTN that the hospital's Da Vinci surgical machines are a key part of the training program.

"At our hospital, we host a unique European reference centre equipped with state-of-the-art robotic systems provided by Intuitive, the American company that manufactures surgical robots."

However, cross-cultural learning extends beyond the hospital walls.

"My young specialists often go to dinner together, get a pizza and explore the city. So, the experience is very comprehensive and constructive."

Each year, 120 doctors with a range of specialties travel to Naples from more than 100 hospitals across China.

Lorenzo Scancamarra is the President of L'Era della Stella Polare, which facilitates the exchange.

"The doctors who are hosted here stay for three months and in that time, they create a strong bond, with the hospital, with the Italian doctors, and it becomes like a family", he told CGTN.

As part of the program, Italian doctors also travel to China. In May, a special delegation from Caldarelli visited seven hospitals across six different cities.

General Director, Dr Antonio D'Amore told CGTN that it was extremely rewarding to see first-hand how Italian practices are being adopted.

"From the large hospitals in cities such as Shanghai and Nanjing to smaller cities, we found great professionalism and a desire to learn. To see our Chinese colleagues talk about putting the methodologies at Cardarelli into practice is a source of incredible pride for us."

With the program set to expand in the years ahead, it's a relationship likely to only grow stronger.