On the contrary, he says he finds it very meaningful to have celebrated his birthday alongside his colleagues and other medical workers.

"I would, however, regret not being able to participate in the fight against the pandemic," he says.

"It is my duty to cure and save my patients and my family members all support me."

He says that he has become used to celebrating birthdays away from home.

Guan celebrated his birthday last year in Zhengzhou, Henan province, and in Kashgar, Xinjiang, in 2020.

Guan, who loves music and singing, says he has seldom had the opportunity to visit karaoke venues to sing since the outbreak of COVID-19 was reported in Wuhan, Hubei.

Zhao Beilei, another critical care specialist, says Guan could have become a singer if he hadn't chosen to become a doctor.

Guan once won the first prize in a singing competition when he was in high school.