In the rural hills of Jiangxi province, southeastern China, a remarkable doctor has dedicated his life to caring for his community, overcoming challenges that would deter most.
Xiao Jiulin, a 60-year-old physician, stands at just 90 cm tall—a result of a childhood illness that stunted his growth. Despite his diminutive size, Xiao has treated over 2,000 villagers and earned the unwavering respect of those he serves.
According to a South China Morning Post story, Xiao’s journey to becoming a doctor was fueled by both necessity and compassion.
Growing up in a remote village with limited access to healthcare, he experienced firsthand the difficulties of living without medical care. Determined to make a difference, Xiao started a small clinic with a modest loan of 500 yuan (US$69). However, his height initially made villagers skeptical about his ability to practice medicine.
One villager recalled: “When I first saw him, I thought, ‘How could someone so small treat patients?’ I assumed he was a fraud.”
Over time, Xiao’s exceptional medical skills and kind-hearted nature won over the village, and he became a trusted figure in the community.
Despite the physical challenges, Xiao navigates his clinic with determination. When he needs medicine, he carefully stacks chairs to reach the shelves, showing that nothing will stop him from helping his patients.
Xiao met his wife, Huang Shuzhen, more than 20 years ago. At first, she was unsure due to his height, but as she got to know him, she was deeply moved by his courage and selflessness.
Huang, who is 70 cm taller than Xiao, soon expressed her feelings, offering him a promise: “Let’s face life’s hardships together.”
The couple has faced many challenges, including the physical strain of Xiao’s height. Huang often carries him on her back during house calls, trekking through remote, roadless areas with Xiao’s medical kit in tow.
Once, in her rush to help a patient, she accidentally caused a fire that destroyed their home. Xiao, however, showed no anger. “We trade our time for the lives of the villagers,” he said, offering only understanding.
Xiao’s dedication to his work goes beyond treatment. He keeps his service fees minimal, allows patients to defer payments, and offers free follow-up care for chronic illnesses.
He also regularly checks on elderly villagers, offering blood pressure and heart rate checks without charge. For Xiao, being a doctor means doing his utmost to help others.
“My greatest hope is for young people to step in and continue serving the villagers,” Xiao shared.
“This village is like family to me, and I want to protect it for as long as I can.”
Xiao’s selfless contributions have not gone unnoticed. Last year, his family was honored by the All-China Women’s Federation as one of the nation’s most virtuous families. Xiao is also a proud grandfather to two grandsons and a granddaughter.
On social media, his story has inspired many. One netizen remarked, “Salute to this great rural doctor! His body may be small, but his heart is enormous.”
Another added, “Xiao’s wife is just as selfless and dedicated as he is—kind hearts always find each other.”
Together, Xiao and Huang are proof of the power of love, dedication, and compassion in the face of adversity. Their work continues to touch lives, reminding everyone that sometimes, the smallest individuals make the biggest impact.