Jianfeng Zheng, family nurse practitioner at Schiffert Health Center, has received the university’s 2016 Alumni Award for Excellence in International Outreach.

Sponsored by the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, the Alumni Award for Excellence in International Outreach is presented annually to a Virginia Tech faculty or staff member who has had a significant impact on international outreach at Virginia Tech. Recipients are selected based on their contributions to the internationalization of Virginia Tech and the global impact, significant, and sustainability of their work.

Zheng is regarded by both her colleagues and patients for her dedication and tireless efforts in supporting the university’s international student population.

Each semester she provides free seminars for Chinese faculty, staff, students, visitors and their families to educate them on obtaining good healthcare in the United States.

“Through countless hours, whether her typical work schedule or her many volunteer hours, Jianfeng spends time helping our international students with their medical needs,” wrote Chris Wise, assistant vice president for Student Affairs, in a nomination letter. “It isn’t just providing medical diagnosis and medicine for our students, but more importantly providing medical education related to symptoms, illnesses, causes, recovery procedures, and doing so in a caring and supportive way.”

Zheng often serves as a translator between doctors and Chinese patients, helping to alleviate the anxiety associated with having to describe their symptoms in English.

Her work spans beyond the campus. She serves as a committee member of the Mental Health Panel of the New River Valley Community Service Center where she speaks to and educates about the needs of the Asian community.

Zheng received her bachelor’s degree in medicine from Hebei Medical University and her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Radford University.

Share this story