Wang Xiujiang treats Cao Xiaoshan at the Zhongfaxincheng campus of Tongji Hospital affiliated with Huazhong University of Science and Technology in March 2020. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

After about two weeks of treatment by Wang, Cao tested negative for the novel coronavirus three consecutive times and was discharged from the hospital on March 16.

Twelve days later, Wang and his teammates returned to Jilin after finishing their support task in Wuhan.

"It was really a pity that I couldn't see them off because I was still in quarantine," Cao said. "When my life gradually returned to normal, I sent a letter and a silk banner to express my gratitude to the hospital and Doctor Wang. But I still felt it was not enough as I couldn't say thanks personally."

Accompanied by her husband, Cao flew to Changchun, 2,000 km away from her home, on Wednesday. In the hospital on Thursday, Wang examined Cao and found she was recovering well.

"Those who don't have such an experience may never understand my feeling," she said. "I will never forget the Jilin medical team in my whole life, especially Doctor Wang."