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Success Story – Dr. Ma Wenqiang
“I remember that, at the time I started working in 2007, the equipment at the hospital was a simple stethoscope and microscope. The only animals we treated were cats and dogs.”
Dr. Ma Wenqiang serves as director of Xi’an Yisen Animal Hospital and plays a vital role in ACTAsia’s ‘Train the Trainer’ programme. His inspiring journey shows how compassion-centered education is revolutionising animal care throughout China – one veterinarian at a time.
Introducing Dr. Ma Wenqiang
Animals have always been part of Dr. Ma’s world. Born in the countryside of Xihuang, Tianshui in the northwestern Chinese province of Gansu, Dr. Ma grew up surrounded by animals. During his childhood, he fondly remembers helping to raise and care for the animals on his family’s farm: “I have always been an animal person” he says. Dr. Ma recalls watching countryside veterinarians travel from farm to farm to provide care to animals and it was this early exposure that inspired him to pursue veterinary medicine.
Dr. Ma now lives in Xi’an with his wife and two young daughters along with their two dogs, one of which they re-homed after it was abandoned with a fractured leg. Over the years, he has also taken in and cared for a range of animals including lizards, turtles and parrots. His personal connection to animals fuels his professional philosophy: to care for animals with empathy, to respect life and health, and to use veterinary practice as a means to protect animal welfare.
Dr. Ma graduated from Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University in 2009 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine, became a nationally licensed veterinary practitioner, and has been practicing ever since. At age 37, he has already devoted more than fifteen years to small animal diagnosis and treatment, steadily building expertise in soft tissue surgery, orthopedics, emergency care and the treatment of exotic pets. He serves as Director of Xi’an Yisen Animal Hospital, where he leads a team committed to advancing clinical standards and animal welfare.
Dr. Ma and Train the Trainer
Dr. Ma is closely involved with ACTAsia’s remarkable ‘Train the Trainer’ (TTT) programme. ‘Train the Trainer’ and ACTAsia’s Vets for Change programme are part of ACTAsia’s Caring for Life education (CFL) for professionals. The ‘Train the Trainer’ programme builds lasting change by transforming local veterinarians into community educators. They become equipped with both expertise and teaching skills, enabling them to create a ripple effect of veterinary knowledge throughout their communities, while adapting approaches to honour local culture and address real-world constraints. Dr. Ma was a key part of the October 2025 ‘Train the Trainer’ workshop in Chengdu.
Dr. Ma explains that, while there are many veterinary training opportunities across China, ACTAsia’s approach is unique. ACTAsia’s vet training stands out for its emphasis on both clinical excellence and animal welfare: As Dr Ma explains: “It is not just about teaching a surgical technique. It’s about understanding pain management, the experience of the animal, and how to care for them with compassion.” He goes on to say that after undergoing the training himself, he gained a deeper perspective on veterinary care, which he now passes on to both colleagues and pet owners alike. “It is important that we continue to develop and promote Train the Trainer,” Dr. Ma emphasises.
Challenges and Changes in the Veterinary Industry
Dr. Ma is candid about the challenges veterinarians in China face. In his early career, the industry was not well standardised, and as a young vet he often felt nervous performing surgery on animals who were, for their owners, true family members. That nervousness, he says, is natural but it underscores the need for strong training, clear processes and ongoing support. There have also been strides in this domain and Dr. Ma also recognises the ways that veterinary medicine continues to develop. “I remember that, at the time I started working in 2007, the equipment at the hospital was a simple stethoscope and microscope. The only animals we treated were cats and dogs.” Now, he says, the range of animals treated has expanded greatly and facilities have improved. Many of these strides can be accredited to the continued commitment for strong professional education such as Vets for Change and ‘Train the Trainer.’
Another challenge lies in the training environment itself. With many providers offering courses, some vets may feel reluctant to commit to yet another programme such as that of ACTAsia’s. But Dr. Ma yet again stresses that ACTAsia’s training is different: the training is rooted in values, not just technical skills. This, he believes, is what truly makes a lasting difference.
Dr. Ma’s Hopes for the Future
Looking ahead, Dr. Ma hopes to see ACTAsia’s values of empathy, responsibility and respect for life continue to spread throughout the veterinary profession. He sees the ‘Train the Trainer’ model as vital for engendering long-term improvements, not only in technical and clinical standards, but also in the moral and humane foundations of veterinary practice.
Equally, he emphasises that veterinarians have a duty to educate pet owners and guide them in responsible care. “That is part of the veterinarian’s job,” he explains. “We must participate in guiding them.”
By combining technical excellence with compassion and responsibility, Dr. Ma believes the veterinary profession can achieve sustainable progress to ensure healthier animals, better-informed owners and a stronger foundation of animal welfare in China and beyond.
Get involved
Thank you, Dr. Ma, for your dedication to creating positive change for animals and communities across China. Your story shows the powerful impact that values-based veterinary education can have.
Some great news to end with – We are delighted that ACTAsia’s ‘Train the Trainer’ partner WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association), together with the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and the Federation of Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA), have jointly released a statement supporting an end to fur farming. You can view and download their statement from our site.
Want to help expand this vital work? Support our training programmes or learn how you can get involved in building a more compassionate world for animals.
