In Memoriam: Professor Zijiang Liu (1925–2003)

As a doctor, being away from patients is like being a fish out of water. As long as I have breath, I will do something for my patients. As a pioneer and founder of interventional radiology in China, Professor Zijiang Liu (1925–2003) paved new pathways for disciplinary construction and clinical practice in this field. Professor Liu brought hope to countless patients with his exceptional wisdom and outstanding dedication. Born in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, on 4 October 1925, Professor Liu was inspired to pursue a career in medicine after suffering from tuberculosis in his youth, enrolling in National Zhejiang University Medical School in 1947. In 1952, he was selected for Lingnan University Medical School in Guangzhou and attended radiology courses under renowned radiologist Professor Zhiguang Xie. After graduation in 1953, he voluntarily joined the Affiliated Hospital of Guiyang Medical College. In 1956, Professor Liu established the radiology department of the hospital and served as its first chairperson. During the 1960s, he led the implementation of several complex radiological examinations, including direct puncture carotid angiography, vertebral angiography, and air enema reduction for intussusception in children. This laid a solid foundation for radiological diagnosis. From the 1970s onwards, Professor Liu dedicated himself to investigating novel techniques in interventional radiology, exploring intravascular catheter methods. In 1979, his research findings were highly recognized at the annual conference of the Chinese Society of Radiology (CSR). From 1982, Professor Liu initiated the first session of the national training course of interventional radiology. The course ran for 18 years until his retirement, training over 500 professionals in the field. Professor Liu also actively promoted international academic exchanges. In 1983, he attended an academic conference and visited the Medical School of Lund University in Sweden. In the same year, he was invited to study and visit several universities in Japan. He frequently traveled abroad for academic exchanges and lectures throughout his career, and continued to participate in academic activities in his later years. Professor Liu published more than 90 papers and won six scientific research achievements. He made significant contributions to bronchial artery infusion chemotherapy, embolization therapy, and combined therapies, conducting in-depth research into interventional treatments for specific types of lung cancer. Professor Liu continued working until retirement, even after he developed lung cancer in 1995. He passed away on 8 May 2003. Professor Liu served as a standing committee member of the CSR of the Chinese Medical Association, as well as the head of the interventional group of the CSR. He was recognized as an advanced staff member of the National Civilized Health Construction by the Ministry of Health and received a special allowance from the State Council. In 2008, he was posthumously awarded the lifetime achievement award in interventional radiology by the CSR. Professor Liu led a life of hard work and scientific brilliance, and his relentless pursuit of knowledge provides a valuable model for us to learn from. This year, 2025, is the centennial of Professor Liu's birth. We should commemorate and continue his pioneering spirit, which forged new pathways and broke new ground through challenging times. His contributions to interventional radiology will forever be recorded in the history of radiology in China.