Department of Infectious Diseases

About Us

In 1918, China’s renowned plague expert Dr. Wu Lien-Teh founded the Peking Central Hospital (now Peking University People's Hospital) and served as its first president. Dr. Wu was dedicated to the diagnosis and control of China’s common infectious diseases such as plague, malaria, and others. He is considered the founder of infectious disease prevention and control in China. Upholding the rigorous scholarship, courage, and dedication of our predecessors, generations of infectious disease professionals have contributed diligently to the study and treatment of infectious diseases. The Department of Infectious Diseases is now led by Professor Gao Yan as Director, with a team of 12 doctors and 9 nurses, including 2 doctoral supervisors, 2 chief physicians, and 1 associate chief physician.

The Department is characterized by its focus on the etiological diagnosis, treatment, and research of complex and severe infectious diseases. Relying on the extensive case resources at Peking University People’s Hospital and the comprehensive virus detection and microbial testing capabilities of the Peking University Hepatology Institute and the Department of Clinical Laboratory at PKUPH, our department has established specialized groups: virus group/bacteria group/fungal group/infectious disease group/hepatitis group. Clinical services include the VIP Clinic (Tuesday/Thursday morning), Expert Clinic (Monday morning/Tuesday/Thursday afternoon), 24-Hour Fever Clinic, and 24-Hour Intestinal Clinic (April–October annually), as well as inpatient infectious disease wards. We provide accurate diagnosis, innovative treatment, and compassionate care for patients with conditions such as fever of unknown origin and infections in various systems.

We also offer eight-year clinical medical education, postgraduate teaching for Peking University Health Science Center, standardized resident training, and continuing medical education. In addition, we provide consultation services to clinical departments inside and outside the hospital, covering the rational use of antimicrobial agents and the diagnosis and management of critically ill febrile patients. In recent years, both outpatient and inpatient numbers have grown steadily, and our achievements in clinical work, research, and teaching have reached new heights.

In 2013, the department was recognized as a National Key Clinical Specialty by the National Health Commission. Seizing this opportunity, the department achieved further development. In recent years, it has consistently ranked among the top 10 in various national hospital influence assessments. Through the tireless efforts of senior experts and the new generation, the department has grown significantly, becoming a leading center for the diagnosis, treatment, and research of severe infections.

Characteristics of Diagnosis and Treatment

1. Focused on Etiological Diagnosis/Treatment/Research of Complex and Severe Infectious Diseases

Relying on rich clinical resources and advanced diagnostic capabilities, our department has established the virus group/bacteria group/fungal group/infectious disease group/hepatitis group. We also provide services through the VIP Clinic and Expert Clinic.

2. Leading Role in Viral Disease Research/Diagnosis/Treatment

Since 2006, our hospital’s laboratory has been designated as the Beijing Infectious Disease Biosafety Laboratory. We conduct pathogen detection for a wide range of viruses, including hepatitis viruses/human immunodeficiency viruses/influenza viruses/norovirus/adenovirus/Epstein–Barr virus/cytomegalovirus/novel bunyavirus/hemorrhagic fever virus/dengue virus, as well as for mycoplasma/anaplasma/rickettsia. Leveraging the strengths of our Institute in viral research and detection, we have advanced the integrated development of clinical diagnosis and treatment in viral diseases, establishing a leading position nationally.

3. Extensive Experience in Diagnosis/Treatment of Infectious Diseases

We offer comprehensive services for conditions such as fever of unknown origin/diarrhea/pneumonia/complicated urinary tract infections/intra-abdominal infections/bloodstream infections/infective endocarditis/central nervous system infections/bone and joint infections/skin and soft tissue infections/invasive fungal diseases/non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections/extrapulmonary tuberculosis/infections in immunocompromised patients/multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. We also provide guidance on infection control and rational antibiotic use.

Education

We provide multiple educational opportunities, including medical student education and standardized training for residents in Beijing. Our senior staff members also serve as professors at Peking University Health Science Center, mentoring residents and postgraduates in one of the nation’s most prestigious and rigorous infectious disease training programs.

Research

Our faculty members have received grants from national science and technology major programs and key Beijing municipal projects. Research findings have been published in journals such as the Journal of Clinical Virology, Journal of Medical Virology, PLoS One, BMC Infectious Diseases, Infection, Genetics and Evolution, and Archives of Virology, among others.

Service Philosophy

"People First" is the core principle of our service philosophy. This ensures that each patient receives personalized and comprehensive care. Our multidisciplinary team—including physicians, nurses, researchers, and support staff—is dedicated to working in the best interest of every patient.