Prof. Zhigang Li: combination of tradition with innovation leads to the diversification of esophageal surgery

When we reached the room we had pre-arranged with Prof. Zhigang Li (Figure 1) in Shanghai Chest Hospital SCH, the headnurse told us Prof. Li was still consulting his patients in the outpatient office. A few moments later, Prof. Li hurried to come to the room and shared with us his insights on the past, present, and future of esophageal surgery, training of young talents, and cooperation with Shanghai Chest.