A delegation from Guangzhou Medical University (GMU), led by President Zhao Xingcun, visited Italy in October 2026. On October 5, the GMU Overseas Medical Training Center (Italy) was officially unveiled at the Paolo Giaccone University Hospital of the University of Palermo.

The opening ceremony brought together Massimo Midiri, Rector of the University of Palermo; Zhao Xingcun, President of GMU; and representatives from both universities. During the ceremony, the two universities signed a strategic cooperation agreement and jointly unveiled a plaque for the Center.

The Center builds on existing cooperation between GMU and the University of Palermo. Earlier in 2026, the two universities signed a memorandum of understanding, and two doctors from Palermo completed clinical training at the First Affiliated Hospital of GMU. The new Center is expected to provide a platform for further cooperation in medical education, clinical training, and research.

The ceremony was followed by the inaugural endourology workshop, chaired by Professor Nicola Pavan. GMU experts, including Professors Zeng Guohua, Gu Di, Zhong Wen, and Feng Yuan, presented innovative surgical techniques and shared their clinical experience in minimally invasive urological surgery, robotic surgery, and tubeless thoracic surgery.

During the hands-on session, participants received training in flexible ureteroscopy and percutaneous renal puncture using surgical simulators.

Representatives from the two universities also held talks on future cooperation. They agreed to use the Center as a platform to maintain regular academic exchanges and explore opportunities for joint research, faculty visits, student exchanges, and joint postgraduate training.

The establishment of the Center expands cooperation between GMU and the University of Palermo in medical education, clinical training, and research.