By Tomislav Mihaljevic, MD

Disease and illness know no boundaries or borders. It’s only through innovative approaches and teamwork that we can make sure we are impacting lives in the healthiest way possible.

Recently in Shanghai we announced a collaboration that promotes our mission to improve the lives of as many patients as we can by coming as close to them as possible.

Luye Medical Group is the first hospital to join the Cleveland Clinic Connected program, which allows for patients around the world to connect with Cleveland Clinic’s best practices and leading-edge technology, with the goal of improving health in the U.S. and around the world.

Hospitals in the Cleveland Clinic Connected program can access best practices and protocols created by Cleveland Clinic experts and used at Cleveland Clinic locations anywhere in the world.

This strategic collaboration with Luye Medical Group will bring value-based and patient-centered healthcare to Shanghai New Hong Qiao International Medical Center.

Upon completion of the hospital, patients will experience a unique model of care that is combined with a patient-centered vision that both of our organizations share.

Patients in Shanghai will be able to access detailed health education materials prepared by at Cleveland Clinic experts on various conditions and treatment options. The hospital – which is owned and operated by Luye Medical Group – can help patients connect with Cleveland Clinic specialists through distance health technologies without the time and expense of travel to obtain second opinions.

Through this collaboration, we hope to make a strong contribution to reaching the goals and ideals of Healthy China 2030. It also will provide guidance and insight into what it takes to create a healthcare model of the 21st century.

Not only are we going to bring cutting-edge approaches to treating those who are sick, we are going to prevent disease from happening by tending to the healthy, and we are going to provide our organizational expertise that provides the structure to reach our goals.

Our model fosters an environment that maximizes coordination, improves patient access to multiple disciplines and provides optimal treatment for patients.

This team-oriented approach has a single focus: the patient. But caregivers must remain top of mind for any organization. Through teamwork, innovation and curiosity, every caregiver — physicians, nurses, technicians, administrators — is encouraged to be the best and understand that the work they do is important and impactful.

We look forward to bringing these strategies and values to China and continuing our journey to provide healthcare to people all over the world.

Dr. Mihaljevic is Cleveland Clinic CEO and President.