The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University

About

The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University is the premier medical institution in Dalian and one of the strongest university-affiliated hospitals in Liaoning Province. Located in this major port city at the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, it serves as a comprehensive tertiary teaching hospital covering the full range of medical and surgical specialties. The hospital is the primary clinical base for Dalian Medical University and functions as both the leading referral center for complex cases in the Dalian region and a major site for medical education and research in northeast China.

History & scale

Founded in 1930, the hospital has a history of over 90 years, evolving from a municipal facility into the teaching hospital of one of northeast China's key medical universities. It now operates approximately 3,000 inpatient beds across its main campus in central Dalian, making it one of the largest hospitals in Liaoning. The hospital handles a very high patient volume — its annual outpatient visits number in the millions — and performs a large number of surgical procedures annually across all major surgical specialties. Successive expansion phases have added modern inpatient towers, specialized centers, and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment.

Star specialties

The hospital is recognized for several clinical strengths. Its cardiovascular medicine and surgery program is a national-level key specialty, covering interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, and cardiac surgery at high volume. Neurosurgery and neurology serve as referral centers for complex neurological and cerebrovascular cases from across southern Liaoning. The oncology center provides multi-modal cancer care through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. General surgery covers hepatobiliary, gastrointestinal, and minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures. Additional notable departments include nephrology (with a large dialysis and transplant program), orthopedics, respiratory medicine, and emergency medicine — the hospital functions as Dalian's primary acute care and trauma receiving center.

Achievements & recognition

As a Grade A Class A (三甲) hospital and the primary teaching affiliate of Dalian Medical University, the hospital trains medical students, residents, and graduate students across all major clinical disciplines. Multiple departments hold national or provincial key clinical specialty designations. The hospital is also a provincial medical quality control center for several specialties and participates in national clinical research initiatives.

International services

The hospital has some international patient coordination capacity. Dalian's history as a city with significant foreign trade and Japanese/Korean business presence means the hospital has treated international patients — particularly from Japan, Korea, and Russia — more regularly than many inland Chinese hospitals. An international clinic or VIP service can facilitate English-language consultations in major departments, and some senior physicians have international training or conference experience. However, ward-level nursing and routine administrative processes remain predominantly Chinese-language. For Japanese or Korean patients, Dalian has commercial medical interpretation services that can be engaged. International patients should contact the hospital's medical affairs office in advance.

Why choose this hospital

For international patients, the First Affiliated Hospital is the best single option for comprehensive tertiary care in the Dalian area. It is particularly relevant for patients from Japan, Korea, or the Russian Far East — Dalian's geographic proximity and cultural/historical ties to these regions make it a natural medical destination in northeast China. Its strength in cardiovascular care at a national key specialty level is a specific draw. The hospital combines high clinical standards with a location in Dalian, one of China's most livable coastal cities with a relatively relaxed atmosphere and good air quality — factors that matter for extended treatment or recovery stays.

Frequently asked questions

Where is The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University located?

The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University is located in Dalian, China.

Is The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University a reputable hospital?

The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University is a Class III-A hospital — the highest tier in China's grading system, held by only about 5% of hospitals nationwide.

Can international patients visit The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University?

Yes. International patients are advised to contact the hospital ahead of the visit to confirm appointment procedures and language support (+86-411-83635963).

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