In October 1972, a group of ten doctors from the People’s Republic of China visited Boston to tour several hospitals with the goal of cultural exchange. The United States had not yet recognized the communist People’s Republic of China, formed in 1949, and as of 1972, the U.S. and China were just beginning to explore diplomatic relations. During their visit, the doctors received tours of cardiology, anesthesiology, and of course, the Ether Dome. The following year, Mass General was also one of the Boston stops for a group of Chinese journalists visiting the United States on a historic visit. They observed a pancreatic duct operation and a demonstration of telehealth technology and visited the Ether Dome.