Global Care in Action: CureDuchenne Brings Training and Hope to Families and Therapists Across China

CureDuchenne Training Therapists in China

In March 2025, CureDuchenne expanded its commitment to advancing care worldwide as Doug Levine, PT, traveled to China to lead a series of professional education sessions and family-centered workshops focused on improving care for individuals living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. His multi-city tour brought together clinicians, caregivers, and patients in Shijiazhuang, Beijing, and Jinan, reinforcing our mission to raise the global standard of care for Duchenne. 

Shijiazhuang: Launching the International DMD Care Forum 

On March 14, Doug participated in the International DMD Care Forum: Clinician-Patient Collaboration Summit in Shijiazhuang. He led a family-focused workshop attended by approximately 40 to 50 parents, offering practical education on physical therapy routines that help preserve mobility and function. 

Following the workshop, Doug conducted physical therapy assessments with 30 to 40 individuals living with Duchenne. In the hospital’s gym, he demonstrated best practices to a combined audience of local therapists and caregivers, offering practical, hands-on instruction tailored to the needs of patients at different stages of disease progression. 

Beijing: Two Days of Intensive Professional Training

On March 15 and 16, Doug led a two-day course titled Physical Therapy: Mobility, Independence and Function in Beijing. The training, hosted by the Chinese PLA General Hospital and organized by neurologist Dr. Wu Shiwen and his team, welcomed 63 physical therapists representing 23 provinces across China. 

All course materials were translated into Chinese in advance, and real-time translation was provided throughout both days. Therapists were highly engaged in discussions around advanced treatment techniques, care planning, and therapy interventions across all stages of Duchenne. 

Doug noted several important takeaways from the experience. While urban centers like Beijing have strong Duchenne expertise and widespread access to treatment—including steroid use in nearly 100% of ambulatory patients and in approximately 90% of those who are non-ambulatory—families in rural regions face significant barriers. These include limited access to physical therapists trained in Duchenne, fewer resources for mobility and care equipment, and general disparities in consistent care delivery. 

The two-day course served to bridge that gap, offering practical tools and knowledge that attendees could take back to their local communities.  

“It was inspiring to see such a committed group of professionals. Their questions, insights, and shared experiences show the power of global learning and community.” 
— Doug Levine, PT 

Clinical Collaboration with Beijing 

On March 17, Doug spent the day at Chinese PLA General Hospital, collaborating with his medical and therapy team. Together, they evaluated several patients, discussing treatment approaches and adapting therapy plans based on individual needs. These in-clinic collaborations help support sustainable improvements in care by reinforcing best practices and facilitating knowledge exchange among local professionals. 

Jinan: Family Workshop and Aquatic Therapy 

On March 18, Doug facilitated a workshop at the Children’s Hospital of Jinan in Shandong Province, reaching 30 families and their children. He provided one-on-one assessments, demonstrated stretching routines in the hospital gym, and led aquatic therapy training for local PTs and parents—working directly with two young patients in the hospital’s indoor pool. 

These sessions empowered families and professionals with tools they could implement immediately, making a meaningful difference in both confidence and care delivery. 

Building a Global Network of Care 

CureDuchenne’s visit to China is a powerful example of CureDuchenne’s broader mission: to improve care for everyone living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy—regardless of geography. By equipping healthcare professionals with high-quality, evidence-based training, and by empowering caregivers with practical tools and knowledge, we are helping families around the world access the support they need to navigate this disease. 

Learn more about CureDuchenne Cares program and upcoming events  
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Help Us Reach More Families  

CureDuchenne’s professional training and family workshops are only possible through the support of our donors and community partners. Your contribution enables us to extend critical care and education to more families in need. 
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You can expand your knowledge and fill your “toolbox” with treatment approaches for individuals with Duchenne here.