The history of medicine is rooted in a profound respect for and exploration of life. From the Hippocratic Oath of ancient Greece (Note 1) to the 20th-century medical revolution, humanity has continuously sought to extend life through science and technology. However, as lifespans lengthen, the mission of medicine has evolved. Merely extending life is no longer sufficient—enhancing the quality of life has emerged as the new core proposition of modern medicine. Rehabilitation medicine arose in response to this shift.
Unlike traditional medicine, which focuses on curing diseases, rehabilitation medicine aims to restore physical functions, rebuild life skills, and enable patients to reintegrate into their daily lives, fulfilling the goal of “living better.” Yet, in its early stages, rehabilitation medicine was often seen as a subsidiary to traditional healthcare, even dismissed as “marginal science.” It wasn’t until the past decade, with advancements in sports medicine and regenerative therapies, that rehabilitation medicine began to take center stage in the medical field.
Taiwan’s rehabilitation medicine has played a pioneering role in this transformation, with Shaun Chen, Director of Concord Rehabilitation Clinic, standing as a leading figure in this medical revolution. Starting as a physical therapist and advancing to a physician while integrating the skills of a strength training coach, M.D. Chen has broken through the limitations of traditional rehabilitation to create an innovative treatment model. His journey exemplifies the transition of rehabilitation medicine from a “supporting role” to a “core discipline.”
In an interview with《The Icons》, M.D. Shaun Chen shared, “My clinic is a laboratory—not just for healing pain but for exploring the philosophy of health. We aim to help each patient understand that health is a choice, one built through consistent effort over time.” His groundbreaking treatments and deep-rooted health philosophy have not only redefined the framework of traditional medicine but also introduced a transformative way of life:
“The value of rehabilitation medicine lies not in prolonging life but in enabling people to live more fully during their lifetimes. This means helping patients not just overcome pain but teaching them how to face life with a proactive attitude, re-engage with their families, work, and society. The essence of rehabilitation is not mere survival—it’s about rediscovering the meaning and value of being alive.”
Starting from the Core: The Mission and Evolution of Rehabilitation Medicine
M.D. Shaun Chen’s journey in rehabilitation medicine began with a profound realization. He recalls his early days as a physical therapist, a time filled with both satisfaction and frustration. “Every day, I saw numerous patients suffering from chronic conditions like arthritis and lower back pain. They would come for heat therapy and electrotherapy, their eyes brimming with hope, yet the results were disheartening. After temporary relief, their problems persisted,” he shared.
Faced with this reality, M.D. Chen felt an acute sense of inadequacy. He questioned himself: “Is this the best we can do? Is this the limit of rehabilitation medicine?” Realizing the insufficiency of existing physical therapy techniques to truly alleviate patients’ suffering, he embarked on a journey of further study, becoming a physician and incorporating sports medicine and regenerative medicine into his professional expertise.
“Rehabilitation medicine is not just about extending life but restoring function and improving quality of life,” M.D. Chen stated. His philosophy is deeply rooted in the Hippocratic spirit of medicine and represents a step further in humanizing healthcare. He believes rehabilitation medicine should not stop at pain relief but aim to rebuild patients’ abilities to participate fully in their work, families, and society.
This belief is not mere theory but comes alive through countless patient stories. M.D. Chen recalls a patient whose chronic back pain had left him unable to work, plunging his family into financial hardship. After a tailored series of treatments, the patient regained his mobility and once again became a pillar of support for his family. “When the patient gratefully held my hand and told me he had found hope again, I realized this is the true value of rehabilitation medicine,” he said.
M.D. Shaun Chen is not just a healer but a restorer of lives. His approach to medicine has transformed rehabilitation from a supporting role into a vital tool for improving life quality. Every treatment and every patient’s recovery is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the mission of medicine.
Breaking the Cycle: The “Three-in-One Treatment Model” Reshaping Rehabilitation Medicine
In his daily practice, M.D. Shaun Chen astutely observed that traditional rehabilitation methods often relegated patients to a passive role, creating an endless cycle of treatment. “Patients experience pain, undergo heat therapy or electrical stimulation, feel temporary relief, and then face recurring issues,” M.D. Chen noted. He realized that this approach failed to fundamentally improve patients’ quality of life.
To address this challenge, he developed a unique “Three-in-One Treatment Model.” This approach begins with precise diagnoses by the physician, identifying the structural problems of the affected area and formulating personalized treatment plans. The second step involves using physical therapy to correct the patient’s movement patterns, restoring proper bodily function. Finally, the model incorporates the expertise of strength training coaches to enhance muscle strength, consolidate treatment outcomes, and ensure long-term health maintenance.
Central to this model is the use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. Ten years ago, when PRP was not yet widespread in Taiwan, M.D. Chen recognized its international potential and pursued advanced training abroad. “For many labor-intensive workers, such as painters or other physical laborers, spending daily hours on traditional heat therapy or electrical stimulation isn’t feasible, nor can they afford months off work for recovery. PRP provides a quick and effective way to alleviate pain, enabling them to return to work promptly,” M.D. Chen explained.
Initially, PRP was primarily used for knee treatments, but M.D. Chen was a pioneer in applying it to spinal issues. “Spinal treatments are technically demanding and carry significant risks, which deter many physicians. However, with advancements in technology and growing patient trust, PRP has gradually gained recognition in spinal rehabilitation,” he recounted.
This comprehensive model has transformed the traditional passive treatment paradigm. For many patients, the process is no longer merely “seeking treatment,” but rather a transformative journey toward rebuilding health and regaining control of their lives. From lumbar pain to knee joint conditions, M.D. Chen’s innovative methods not only alleviate pain but also empower patients to reclaim their confidence and take charge of their health.
From Small Steps to Monumental Change
“Change doesn’t have to be monumental; small, consistent steps can lead to astonishing results.” This is a core belief of M.D. Shaun Chen, inspired by the concept of “Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results” from the book “Atomic Habits”. M.D. Chen integrates this philosophy into his daily patient education, emphasizing that the essence of health lies in incremental progress rather than one-time breakthroughs. “Our goal isn’t to push patients toward unsustainable changes in a short time but to guide them in building confidence and lasting health habits through gradual steps,” he explains.
During consultations, M.D. Chen often begins with manageable, small adjustments. He recounts the story of a middle-aged woman suffering from chronic knee pain, which had eroded her confidence in her health and made physical activity seem impossible. Instead of recommending intense exercises, M.D. Chen suggested she start by standing for one minute at home each day, gradually increasing to three minutes, five minutes, and eventually establishing a consistent standing routine. As her body adapted, she progressed to light squats and eventually joined fitness classes.
M.D. Chen’s philosophy extends beyond individual cases to broader health education initiatives. He believes everyone can achieve lasting health improvements through small, daily changes. Examples include drinking an extra glass of water, eating one more serving of green vegetables, or going to bed 10 minutes earlier. Though seemingly insignificant, these small changes compound over time, leading to significant improvements.
Using Einstein’s “Compound Effect” as an analogy, M.D. Chen explains, “Improving by 1% every day results in a 37-fold increase over a year; conversely, regressing by 1% daily brings you close to zero.” This mindset not only helps patients rebuild their health but also serves as the cornerstone of his medical philosophy.
“Health management isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon.” M.D. Chen’s advocacy for the philosophy of small, incremental changes empowers patients to understand that health is built through consistent daily efforts, ultimately achieving extraordinary transformations.
Promoting a Sustainable Link Between Health and Education
Under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Goal 3, “Good Health and Well-Being,” and Goal 4, “Quality Education,” are profoundly connected to rehabilitation medicine. M.D. Shaun Chen believes that rehabilitation is not merely an advancement in medical technology but a comprehensive practice that bridges health and education. Through the foundational efforts of his clinic, he seeks to reshape people’s perceptions of maintaining and understanding health.
“Health is a fundamental human right, and education is the cornerstone for achieving it,” M.D. Chen emphasizes. He regards a physician’s role as extending beyond treating ailments to educating patients about health principles. He integrates health education into the treatment process, helping patients understand their bodies, adopt proper lifestyles, and ultimately realize the “comprehensive healthy living” advocated by Goal 3.
M.D. Chen illustrates this with the case of a young patient suffering from lower back pain caused by prolonged sitting. While undergoing treatment at the clinic, the patient also learned about the long-term effects of a sedentary lifestyle and practical exercises to incorporate into daily routines. This approach not only improved the patient’s physical condition but also empowered them to become a health advocate, sharing their newfound knowledge with family and colleagues. This aligns with Goal 4’s emphasis on promoting “lifelong learning opportunities for all.”
Additionally, M.D. Shaun Chen shared that he spent two years developing a series of “Nutritional Wellness Essentials,” presented in the form of personalized physician advice to help patients establish healthy habits. He emphasized that these are not merely supplements but essential tools for promoting health awareness:
“I tell every patient that true health transformation begins with small, daily actions. Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and appropriate supplementation might seem like simple suggestions, but they plant the seeds for long-term well-being.”
M.D. Chen believes that grassroots clinics are the optimal starting point for achieving the SDG goals. Through the influence of clinics, health awareness can be ingrained in every patient, fundamentally transforming a nation’s understanding and maintenance of health culture.
“Promoting health is the basic duty of every physician, but the higher mission is to elevate health awareness into a cultural norm, impacting more people through education and practical application,” he stated. M.D. Chen sees the integration of health and education not only as an avenue for individual change but as a transformative force for society as a whole.
Breaking Traditional Barriers: Ushering in a New Era of Rehabilitation Medicine
M.D. Shaun Chen envisions a future where rehabilitation medicine centers on precision medicine and regenerative breakthroughs. He believes that with continuous technological advancements, healthcare’s goals will no longer focus solely on curing diseases but will aim for personalized approaches that allow patients to achieve higher quality of life on their journey toward wellness.
“The future breakthroughs in rehabilitation medicine lie in the integration of artificial intelligence and genetic technology to achieve more precise diagnoses and treatments,” M.D. Chen remarked. He mentioned that future treatment models might not solely rely on a physician’s expertise but also include personalized plans based on patients’ genetic profiles and health data. These methods will enable doctors to pinpoint issues with precision and tailor treatments to meet the unique needs of each patient. Simultaneously, M.D. Chen expressed his optimism for advancements in regenerative medical technologies:
“Stem cell therapy and tissue engineering offer opportunities to transform the treatment of chronic diseases and even reverse certain damages, allowing patients to regain their functional health.”
M.D. Chen also emphasized Taiwan’s role as a crucial part of the global healthcare system, with the potential to lead these advancements. He envisions his clinic as a hub for innovation, merging international resources with local expertise to enhance Taiwan’s influence in rehabilitation medicine on the global stage. “Primary care clinics are the healthcare system’s core contact points,” he stated. “They are best positioned to swiftly respond to patient needs and serve as key platforms for implementing new technologies.”
Healthcare in the future will not only be a competition of scientific advancements but also a manifestation of compassionate care. M.D. Chen firmly believes that through precision and regenerative medicine, rehabilitation medicine will elevate from “treatment” to “rebuilding lives,” enhancing the quality of life for every patient:
“The value of rehabilitation medicine is not just about extending life; it’s about ensuring that life is lived well during those years. Whether through current treatments or future technologies, the ultimate goal is to enable patients to reclaim their lives and feel the true meaning and power of living.”
Note 1: The Hippocratic Oath is a medical ethical declaration established by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, regarded as the foundation of medical ethics. The oath emphasizes that physicians should prioritize the interests of their patients while maintaining moral and professional integrity in medicine. In modern medical practice, many countries incorporate a version of this oath during medical school graduation ceremonies. However, its specific content has been revised over time to adapt to contemporary needs.
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