A woman who had her legs amputated due to a traffic accident has gone on to become a doctor who takes care of more than 1,000 villagers in a mountainous county in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality.

Li Hongju, 37 has "worn out" 24 wooden step stools when practicing medicine on over 6,000 call outs in 15 years.

One afternoon in March 1983, the 4-year-old Li Hongju was on her way to nursery school. She was hit by a large truck and ended up trapped underneath it. After the amputation, she was left with less than 3 cm of her legs.

When she was eight years old she learnt to "walk" on her hands by supporting her entire upper body using wooden step stools. Having experienced such pain, Li Juhong decided to help save the lives of others.

Li Juhong measures blood pressure for a patient.

In 2000, after studying in special vocational school for four years, Li got an associate degree. She started to work in a medical clinic in Wadian Village the following year.

During her second year as a village doctor, Li Juhong met Liu Xingyan, who is two years older than her. The two fell in love and got married.

Li Juhong and her husband Liu Xingyan. (Photo/chinacqsb.com)

Liu Xingyan quit his job and took all the housework after getting marrying Li. The husband carries Li Juhong on his back to the clinic, which is 500 meters away from their home whenever he can. It would take Li Juhong over half an hour to "walk" to the clinic using the wooden stools.

Li Juhong has taken care of over 1,000 people from 300 households in Wandian village in 15 years. One in five villagers is over 60 years of age. In the afternoon, Li Juhong usually pays home visits to the seniors despite of rugged roads in mountainous area. 

Li Juhong prepares for paying visit to patient's home. (Photo/chinacqsb.com)

The husband carries Li Juhong on his back to a paitient's home. (Photo/chinacqsb.com)

Li Juhong has practiced medicine on over 6,000 call outs in 15 years.(Photo/chinacqsb.com)