Chinese pulmonologist Zhong Nanshan on Saturday unveiled a bronze statue of himself erected to honor his contribution to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statue was unveiled during the 132nd anniversary of the Affiliated High School of South China Normal University — Zhong’s alma mater — in the southern city of Guangzhou. During the ceremony, teachers and students treated Zhong as a celebrity.

Some shouted slogans to welcome Zhong. Most, however, did not appear to be wearing face masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Zhong shared his medical school experiences with attending teachers and students, saying that he hoped that more students would choose to study medicine.

“Studying medicine is not to make more money but to serve people better,” he said. “We must have our dreams and passion.”

Zhong’s statue sparked heated discussions among mainland netizens, with some saying that the pulmonologist had become too high-profile.

In August, Zhong received from Chinese President Xi Jinping the Medal of the Republic, the highest state honor, for his outstanding contribution to fighting COVID-19.

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