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After Yang's right forearm was amputated, other doctors suggested removing her festered left hand. That solution would end the spread of infection and help the wounds to heal quickly. But Xu persuaded the medical team to pursue alternative treatments so that Yang's four fingers were preserved.

"A surgeon is not a craftsman," Xu says, insisting that treating the sick requires a humanistic spirit, even if it means higher risk that will benefit the patient in the long term.

Now employed at the China Rehabilitation Research Center in Beijing, Yang provides aids to people who need artificial limbs, being proud and thankful that she can work and not be a burden to her parents.

Xu, meanwhile, stays on top of the latest developments in his field.

"He occupies himself in writing articles and editing for medical publications," says Xu Zhong, the eldest son.

"I think he has a better memory than me."

Xu Shaoting has worked hard to master English, ever since he assisted at an abdominal surgery more than 60 years ago as a senior medical student and intern doctor.

During the operation he was asked by the American chief surgeon: "Where is the foramen of Winslow?" Embarrassed that he couldn't understand the term, he began to teach himself English. He joined an English-reading group after he became a surgical resident at the general hospital in 1947.

In the 1980s he often listened to English learning programs to boost his oral skills. (He has also studied Japanese.) Xu encourages young doctors to translate one English medical document a month, and he volunteers to proofread.

"Chinese orthopedics books account for no more than 10 percent of the world's total," Xu says. "If we doctors do not understand a foreign language, how could we be well-informed of the field's latest development?"

Xu had to give up swimming last year, but he has been dedicated to a variety of exercises since he retired.

"He used to mop the floor at home," his son says. "Although he doesn't go to the gym now, he walks several circles at home instead. He also raises his legs on the bed to maintain his energy."

Xu Zhong says his father also credits his health to a stable life, a good mentality and two special passions: Peking Opera and nurturing orchids.

Last year, Xu donated 100,000 yuan to the hospital to set up a fund for talent training.

"He firmly believes that the good of the sick should always come first. He has been living up to the principle for decades. He is a real doctor," his lifetime friend Zhang says.

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