Dr Frank Morris-Davies with the Italian Ambassador H.E. Luca Ferrari and the Italian Consul Michele Cecchi

On the 6th June 2020, Dr. Frank Morris-Davies received a Knighthood of the Order of the Star of Italy. An emotional ceremony was presided over by the Italian ambassador to China, H.E. Luca Ferrari, who read a speech written by the President of Italy himself, reflecting the respect and affection felt for Dr. Frank in Shanghai.

Italian Ambassador H.E. Luca Ferrari put the Knighthood on Dr. Frank Morris-Davies

His journey to becoming a doctor began when he was just five years old. Dr. Frank’s family returned to Italy and it was back in his mother’s home town that the formative moment that set the course for his life occurred.

“I was in the field with my brother and I saw a blind person sitting next to a wooden post,” says Dr. Frank. “I said to him, ‘I want to help you see,’ and he replied, ‘Become a doctor.’ At that moment, I decided to become a doctor, and I never changed my mind. Words can really change people’s lives.

He earned his medical degree in Rome, before heading to Aberystwyth for his postgraduate studies. And it was there in Wales, while training to be a GP, that Dr. Frank met his wife.

Dr. Frank Morris-Davies with his family

“My wife and I moved to London where I worked as a GP for 18 years, and we had two boys. At some point we thought, ‘Let’s give our children a Chinese education,’and we moved to Shanghai.

The family have now lived in Shanghai for over a decade – “Shanghai is my home and my children have learned Chinese; they know how to read and write and have a good understanding of Chinese culture. We’re all very happy.” 

In 2016, Cardiologist Dr. Kathy Shi invited him and some other doctors and manager to set up the first clinic in Shanghai Centre, West Nanjing Road, what was to become SinoUnited Health Clinic.

Dr Frank Morris-Davies Family with Dr. Kathy Shi and Dr. Xylia Xiong

“There were only less than 10 staff when we opened clinic. It was tough at first; but we persevered and continued to provide high quality healthcare and developed very fast. Now we have five clinics and nearly 300 staff, which is amazing.”

Dr. Kathy Shi, the founder and CEO of SinoUnited Health, said of Dr. Frank, “I am very proud of Dr. Frank receiving this prestigious Knighthood of The Order of the Star of Italy. He helps both the Chinese and the expat communities, is professional, caring and provides high quality care, which is the embodiment of our company’s core values.”

Dr Frank Morris-Davies, Dr. Kathy Shi 

It is clear to all that meet him that in his heart, Dr. Frank is a warm and passionate GP who cares deeply for those that he looks after. A family physician, most of his working time is spent with his patients. “I’m a family doctor; I want to look after the whole family,” Dr. Frank continues. I treat patients like I treat my family or friends.

In September of 2018, Dr. Frank was bestowed with the Magnolia Silver Award by the Shanghai Municipal’s Government for his contribution to Shanghai’s development and international cooperation.

Over the lockdown period, from February to March of 2020, Dr. Frank was steadfast in his in his lifelong mission to help others. “I gave a lot of lectures via Zoom to both foreign and Chinese companies, communities in Shanghai and overdeas explaining what the virus was, what to do, prevention measures etc etc.”

Italian Consul Michele Cecchi, Dr Frank Morris-Davies, the Italian Ambassador H.E. Luca Ferrari

Italian Consul Michele Cecchi and his wife, Dr Frank Morris-Davies

Dr. Frank is the officially appointed physician for the Italian Consulate in Shanghai and supports the Consulate when medical issues arise. And it was their appreciation of his clear dedication and availability to patients that earned him a knighthood of the Order of the Star of Italy, which is awarded to Italians and foreigners abroad who have acquired special merit in the promotion of friendly relations and cooperation between Italy and other countries.

[Images via SinoUnited Health]