Thanks to his hard work and excellent medical skills, the Dandong health bureau proposed promoting him to work in a big city with a better salary. But Li chose to stay on the island.

"Life on the island is hard, and young doctors are reluctant to come. There are many doctors in the cities. But every villager has to face disease every day. I am the only choice for them," he explained. "I know every member of the island, from seniors to babies. They are not only my patients, my kids but also my life-long wards."

In 1998, after many years' effort, he built a simple health center into the three-story Dalu Island hospital, which can handle most typical ailments.

"Dr. Li is the most respected person on the island," said villager Wang Dewu. "Not only because of his noble medical ethics and skill, but also his selfless devotion to the island."

Because of scarce arable land, the most precious thing on the island is not fish, shrimp or crabs, but melons, fruits and vegetables. But by Li's gate there is always a basket of vegetables — a gift from villagers to express their gratitude.

In order to better serve the patients, he does not return home during shifts but placed a simple bed on the third floor of the hospital to handle potential emergencies.

"To deal with disease is like fighting a war. Time is life," Li said.

In 2008, Li turned 60 and could formally retire. But after retirement, he did not choose to move to the mainland. Instead he stayed at the hospital as a doctor.

"To work as a doctor is not a job but a life. Especially in Dalu Island, where resources are rather limited," he said. "I have tried my best to treat every patient well. And I don't regret spending my life as a village doctor."