Li Huiling provides essential medical care for Hainan's troops and civilian population. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

On the island province of Hainan, military doctor Li Huiling wears her uniform under her classic white coat. For her, protecting the health of soldiers and residents wouldn't be possible without dedication.

In July, Li was honored as one of the "Most Admirable Revolutionaries of the New Era". The recognition caps a career defined by service in one of China's most challenging environments.

The doctor has achieved recognition as the director of the tropical medicine department at the Hainan Hospital of the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army of China, but her journey began in a small town in Shandong province. A final request from her dying father during high school set her on the path to becoming a doctor. She earned a degree from Qingdao Medical College, specialized in respiratory medicine, and completed postdoctoral research in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.