An American regular at Canton Fair

Having lived in China for 38 years, Roberta Lipson, founder of United Family Healthcare, is no stranger to the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair.

Born just outside of New York in 1956, Roberta first became interested in Chinese culture at a young age.

At the age of just 23, Roberta got the chance to travel to China as a business representative for a Boston-based healthcare company and began exploring the Chinese market.

Taking part in her first Canton Fair in 1979, selling medical devices and equipment, Roberta quickly learned the importance of the biannual trade event held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou.

Two years later, the company terminated its medical care business in China due to a strategic transition. To stay in China, Roberta started her own medical business with another American, Elyse Beth Silverberg.

The company called Chindex went public on Nasdaq in 1994. Three years later, Chindex invested 27.53 million yuan ($4 million) to open China's first foreign-funded hospital, United Family Healthcare.

Roberta Lipson, founder of United Family Healthcare, presents a training course to her employees. [Photo/gsm.pku.edu.cn]

"I sold medical equipment for many years and later on I found that Chinese hospitals required new concepts in doctor-patient relationships and medical education," Ro

berta said.

Attending the Canton Fair every year, and thanks to the trade opportunities it presents, United Family Healthcare has opened six branches in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao and Guangzhou. 

Young and energetic, 60-year-old Roberta Lipson has attended the Canton fair for the past 38 years. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]