20 for 20: United Family Healthcare’s Roberta Lipson
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In 20 for 20, we profile 20 movers and shakers who, much like The Beijinger, have called the capital home for 20 years or more.
What brought you to Beijing, and when?
I have been interested in China and all things Chinese from a very young age. I started college in 1972, the year Henry Kissinger came to China, and so as I began my academic career studying Chinese history and language, we could see news about China every day in the press. This came after many years of China being quite closed to outside eyes. My interest grew and I did all I could to prepare myself for a career that would bring me to China one day. After an undergraduate degree in Chinese History, a year studying Chinese language in Taiwan, and back to America for an MBA and some experience in a U.S. Fortune 50 corporate headquarters, I finally landed an opportunity to be posted to China, working for one of the first U.S. companies invited to open an office in Beijing. That was 1979, and, except for brief visits back to the U.S. to see family, I have been here ever since.
What were some of your first impressions of the city?
It was a city just waking up to the outside world. At the time, except for diplomats who had access to apartments, foreigners were only allowed to live in certain hotels. I lived and worked in the Peking Hotel, along with most of the other foreign journalists and business people.
Did you imagine at that time that you’d still be here more than 20 years later?
In fact, I am still here more than 40 years later. There was never a time when I could imagine myself leaving, because the city kept changing, the opportunities kept presenting themselves, and I continued to learn.
Everything has changed. From living in a hotel… to living in a courtyard…to living in a house. From riding a bicycle… to riding a motorcycle… to driving one among millions of cars. From having little choice of entertainment and restaurants that closed for dinner at 7pm…to having more excellent choices of eating, entertainment, hiking, than anyone could have time for.
Did studying Chinese culture and history before coming to China make it easier adjusting to coming to Beijing?
Very definitely, it allowed me to see certain changes in the context of a long history, and a swinging pendulum.
Everything closed early, personal, and public hygiene needed improvement, but it has improved greatly. Same with pollution. The air quality has gotten much better.
And what are some of the things that might still be most difficult for you to still get used to now?
Lack of access for family and visitors. Difficulty accessing the internet across the firewall.
How do you think Beijing has changed you as a person?
Beijing has given me endless opportunity to contribute to the developing society. I have built a business here, and because our United Family Healthcare platform has served millions of people over the years, I have been able to contribute my capabilities in a way that has helped others. I met my husband and married here, and I have raised three wonderful children here.
What are your main reasons why Beijing continues to be a draw for you to this day?
Beijing continues to change in good ways, although there are many things about old Beijing which I also miss. The economy continues to grow and the demand for healthcare grows with it. The aging demographic of China has also brought new and changing needs, and I feel that we are in a unique position, and are motivated to continue to bring innovative approaches to meet that need.
And, what are some of the things about new (modern) Beijing that you enjoy most?
Less traffic, the smell and feel of old Beijing, the sound of swallows with whistles flying overhead, the bird and flower markets, night markets, easier access for visitors, family and business associates. Modern Beijing is much more convenient, great public transportation, night life and restaurants are open late. Although Beijing always had wonderful parks, they are even more plentiful now. Beijing is greener and more beautiful than ever.
Name a few of your favorite places in the city (aside from your home), could be restaurants, parks, cafes, tourist attractions, neighborhoods, experiences.
I absolutely love the countryside around Beijing. We love to hike on weekends. Maybe my favorite hike, might be Xiang Shui Changcheng. I like walking around 798 and enjoying the ever- changing art scene.
What’s one piece of advice you have for relatively recent arrivals (within the last year)?
Please work on your Chinese language abilities… The experience of living in China is so much richer with a strong ability to communicate.
Are you still doing what you came here to do, 20 years ago?
Yes and no. Originally, I was working for a trading company helping Chinese public hospitals to import more modern medical technology and equipment, two years later I cofounded Chindex International, which became the largest foreign invested distributor of medical equipment, and later founded United Family Healthcare, with our first small hospital in Beijing. We are now about to open our 10th hospital, with hospitals and clinics located in every east coast first tier city. So, the idea is the same, to make a contribution in the field of healthcare in China, the scale and model is different.
I hope it will keep getting better and stay opened to the world as an international capital.
Images courtesy of Roberta Lipson
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