Li Huaifang

Dr. Li specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic tumors, pelvic floor dysfunction disorders, and all types of minimally invasive gynecologic procedures. Over her career, she has performed over 10,000 minimally invasive gynecologic surgeries​ and more than 5,000 pelvic floor repair operations, making her one of the most experienced surgeons in her field nationally. Her surgical repertoire includes laparoscopic and hysteroscopic procedures for gynecologic malignancies, as well as reconstructive surgeries for uterine prolapse, urinary incontinence, and other pelvic organ prolapse conditions. She has also been invited to demonstrate her surgical techniques at numerous national conferences, sharing her expertise with peers across China.

Academic Leadership & Research

Dr. Li holds prominent academic positions, including National Member of the Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Group of the Chinese Medical Association's Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch, Member of the Shanghai Medical Association's Gynecologic Oncology Branch, Deputy Head of the Shanghai Medical Association's Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch Pelvic Floor Group, and Member of the Shanghai Municipal Gynecologic Quality Control Expert Panel.

Her research focuses on the fundamental mechanisms and clinical optimization of pelvic floor disorders — spanning epidemiology, imaging, anatomy, biomechanics, and surgical technique. She has participated as a key member in the national "12th Five-Year" Science and Technology Support Plan​ and multiple National Natural Science Foundation projects. Currently, she leads a sub-project of the 14th Five-Year Plan Key R&D Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology​ — "Key Technical Research on Fully Degradable Functional Female Pelvic Floor Repair Meshes" — under the parent project "Establishment of Preclinical Evaluation System and Clinical Trials for Fully Degradable Pelvic Floor Repair Meshes." Through collaboration with industry partners, she is driving the development of next-generation pelvic reconstruction materials, bringing China's pelvic floor medicine in line with international frontiers.

Scholarly Output & Mentorship

A prolific researcher, Dr. Li has published over 240 papers​ in domestic and international professional journals, including more than 50 SCI-index papers​ as first or corresponding author. She has co-authored the pelvic floor disease sections of authoritative textbooks such as Practical Obstetrics and Gynecology and Therapeutics in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her contributions have been recognized with the Shanghai Medical Science and Technology Award​ and the Chinese Maternal and Child Health Science and Technology Award.

As a Ph.D. and Master's supervisor at Tongji University, she has mentored over 50 graduate students, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in their own right. Her accolades include the 2006 Second Prize of the 20th Shanghai Excellent Invention Competition (for the Tong Anterior Suspension Procedure), the 2012 Third Prize of the Shanghai Medical Science and Technology Award, and the 2015 Shanghai Medical Science and Technology Achievement Promotion Award — all for her series of modified female pelvic floor reconstruction surgeries.

Patient Care Philosophy

Beyond her technical mastery, Dr. Li is known for her compassionate, patient-centered approach. She provides specialized and premium outpatient services at Shanghai Tongji Hospital, where she continues to treat complex cases of gynecologic cancer, prolapse, and incontinence. Her 40-year career stands as a testament to the integration of surgical excellence, scientific innovation, and humanistic care — making her a true pioneer in Chinese gynecology.