Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the prevalence of academic misconduct in Chinese hospitals, particularly in the context of research papers, and discusses the shift towards valuing public education and outreach as part of the evaluation criteria for medical professionals [1][4]. Group 1: Academic Misconduct - The National Natural Science Foundation of China reported 21 cases of research misconduct, including data trading, primarily occurring in hospitals and medical schools [1][3]. - A notable case involved a urology department head at a prestigious hospital, whose paper on prostate cancer cell proliferation was flagged for data trading [1]. - The foundation has consistently addressed academic misconduct, with hospitals being significant sources of problematic papers [1][4]. Group 2: Institutional Responses - Shandong University Qilu Hospital responded to public complaints about a paper that incorrectly included male patients with uterine fibroids, leading to disciplinary actions against the involved nurse [3]. - The journal "Chinese Medical Guide" acknowledged flaws in its review process that allowed for the publication of fraudulent papers and has since taken corrective measures [3]. Group 3: Shift in Evaluation Criteria - Experts suggest that the rise of "paper factories" is linked to rigid evaluation standards in hospitals, where some doctors resort to misconduct to meet publication requirements [4]. - There is a growing trend among hospitals to incorporate public education as a metric for evaluating doctors, aiming to alleviate the "paper-only" assessment culture [1][4]. - Some hospitals are now promoting "science popularization" as a means for doctors to enhance their careers, which can also attract more patients [5]. Group 4: Public Engagement and Perception - The emergence of "science popularization" influencers among doctors is seen as a double-edged sword, with some viewing it as a way to improve public health awareness while others criticize it as a distraction from clinical and research responsibilities [5]. - Private hospitals are increasingly favoring "popular science" doctors for their ability to attract patient traffic, indicating a shift in hiring practices [5]. - However, some institutions maintain that traditional research output remains the primary focus, emphasizing the importance of publishing in recognized academic journals over social media platforms [5].