A Historical Review of George Y. Char, the Pioneer of Urology in Modern China (1887-1951)

The Chinese Urological Association regards Dr. George Y. Char (also known as Xie Yuan-fü, 谢元甫 in Chinese, 1887-1951) as the founder of the urology specialty in surgery. Peking University First Hospital also considers the three beds for urology patients established by him and Dr. Chieh Ping Wu (吴阶平, 1917-2011) in 1946 as the starting point of the urology specialty at Peking Union Medical College. However, Chinese general histories and biographies of urology only emphasize Dr. Char's pioneering work after his return to Peking Union Medical College in 1926, or provide a brief overview of his life, lacking a thorough examination of Dr. Char's academic and professional growth. This study, using RAC archival materials, combined with journal articles published during the Republic of China period (1912-1949) as well as existing domestic research on the history of urology, carefully examines Dr. Char's early life, his medical education, and the transition from surgery to urology during his three overseas fellowships. Furthermore, this study elaborates on Dr. Char's foundational role in modern Chinese urology from three perspectives: publications, educational contributions, and the development of the principles of urology.