After Zheng's tour of duty ended this year, with the persuasion of local people and her own wish to complete some unfinished work, she applied to stay for another term.

According to Jigme Dobje, another director of the pediatrics department of Nagchu People's Hospital, Zheng is easygoing and extremely hardworking. "Since she came here, she has done many things, including giving lectures and organizing instructive ward rounds, to help us improve our ability to treat patients. She has brought many new treatment methods, and manages our department well when I am off duty."

Zheng says, "Three years is neither long nor short. The local people are good, and local children are pure and innocent. Staying with them makes me feel peaceful. I feel grateful for this experience, which is totally different from what I have experienced in the past 30-odd years."