Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s Vision for Humanistic Medical Education Recognized Tzu Chi University Honored with the 2024 National Quality Award

In 1995, Dharma Master Cheng Yen urged monastics at the Jing Si Abode and Tzu Chi volunteers to embrace the philosophy of transforming loss into great purpose, by donating their bodies after passing, to serve as Silent Mentors in medical education.

This altruistic act, complemented by solemn humanistic rituals and ceremonies, laid the foundation for a compassionate and professional approach to medical humaneness. As a result, Tzu Chi University has been honored with the 2024 National Quality Award in the category of Public Service, under the theme

“The True, the Good, and the Beautiful in Holistic Healthcare: Cultivating Medical Humanities and Professionalism through Selfless Giving.”

This recognition is a testament to Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s visionary leadership, the giving of countless Tzu Chi volunteers, and Tzu Chi University’s dedication to advancing humanistic medical education.

Pioneering a Unique Medical Education Model

Guided by the spirit of the Silent Mentors, Tzu Chi University has established the world’s only Integrated Simulation Surgery Room, blending humanistic care with cutting-edge technology. By incorporating rapid body freezing technology, this facility provides an unparalleled learning environment for medical students and clinical professionals—one that fosters both technical excellence and deep empathy.

Since 2002, Tzu Chi University has been a pioneer in holistic simulated medical education, offering training that spans from basic to advanced surgical simulation. These efforts extend beyond academic settings, supporting emergency medical response training for firefighters and trauma surgery training for military medical professionals. These programs are provided free of charge. As of the certification application deadline, over 12,000 individuals have received training through this initiative.

Expanding Global Impact

Between 2002 and July 2024, a total of 1,799 faculty members and students from 16 countries and 41 institutions have participated in the foundational holistic simulation surgery courses at Tzu Chi University. Meanwhile, the advanced training courses have attracted 3,346 participants from 36 medical education institutions worldwide.

Additionally, since 2010, Tzu Chi University has collaborated with 40 medical associations to conduct 190 simulation surgery training sessions, benefiting 6,430 participants. The trauma surgery training program, developed for the Ministry of National Defense, has equipped 166 military physicians with lifesaving skills for managing critical injuries.

These programs go beyond technical training—they integrate the life stories of Silent Mentors, nurturing compassion and altruism among trainees. By fostering a deep sense of social responsibility and patient-centered care, Tzu Chi’s educational model has set a new global standard, drawing international scholars and medical professionals to learn from its example.

A Legacy of Love and Service

Professor Guo-Fang Tseng, Director of the Tzu Chi University Medical Simulation Center, emphasizes that these simulation courses allow physicians to refine their invasive clinical skills in an environment that closely mimics real-life patient care—without the ethical concerns of traditional hands-on training on living patients. This approach not only enhances technical proficiency; it also instills a profound awareness of the Silent Mentors’ selfless dedication, reminding physicians of their responsibility to serve with both skill and heart.

By providing this comprehensive simulation training platform free of charge, Tzu Chi University embodies the values of great love and selfless giving, making it the world’s only public-interest surgical simulation training center. With an unwavering commitment to service, Tzu Chi continues to create profound societal value and global impact.

A Grateful Acknowledgment

Tzu Chi University President Ingrid Y. Liu expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating:

“In a world filled with noise, we deeply appreciate recognition from the National Quality Award review committee. None of this would have been possible without the wisdom and compassion of our founder, Dharma Master Cheng Yen. Without her guidance, there would not be so many Silent Mentors willing to give selflessly, nor would we have this unique and invaluable simulated surgery platform in the history of medical education. This honor belongs to Dharma Master Cheng Yen and to all of those who uphold the vision of holistic healthcare—our Silent Mentors, their families, Tzu Chi volunteers, dedicated instructors, and all the kind-hearted individuals who have supported this noble cause.”