"The supplies in urgent need from 'Tongji' to 'Tongji' safeguards us front-line medical staff." LIU Huixiang, a teacher from Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science & Technology (HUST) located in Wuhan, posted in the WeChat group to express his gratitude to Tongji University in Shanghai.

LIU said, "this batch of materials was donated by Tongji University from Shanghai to Tongji Medical College of HUST in Wuhan."

What is the link between Tongji Medical College of HUST and Tongji University? According to LIU, the Tongji Medical College of HUST had its origin in German Medical School which was founded by German doctor Dr. Boleon in Shanghai in 1907. It was located on Baike Road (the current Fengyang Road) opposite Tongji Hospital. In 1908, German Medical School was renamed Tongji German Medical School, for Deutsch is pronounced similarly as “Tongji” in Shanghai dialect. In 1927, it became a national university and hence the name National Tongji University. In 1951, the Medical School of Tongji University was relocated in Wuhan. Therefore, Tongji Medical College of HUST and Tongji University share the same root and are bound by blood.

On January 28, 2020, during the coronavirus breakout in Wuhan, Tongji University Alumni Association issued a donation initiative to alumni from home and abroad. In just a few days, more than 1.3 million yuan was raised from a total of 860 people (including groups).

"The German Alumni Association of Tongji University contacted us when we were busy preparing emergency supplies in Germany. They gave us donations of 15,000 euros they raised for procurement of medical supplies and transported 2,000 pieces of biochemical protective clothing directly to Tongji Medical College. The epidemic has brought the two 'Tongji's closer.” YE Jiwen, chairman of the German Alumni Association of HUST, said.

Source: https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_6048623