Throughout his 34 years of service in China, Swan played a crucial role in expanding Canton Hospital’s facilities and medical education, establishing it as a leading institution in East Asia.
His work had a lasting impact on the region's healthcare, earning him widespread recognition among both local and foreign communities.
His father served as a minister in Eastern Ohio for 55 years and was particularly dedicated to taking care of the sick through his home missionary work.
With the aim of realizing his aspiration, he worked in a grocery store during the day while spending his evenings in study under the guidance of a general practitioner.
He applied to the American Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions for a position and set off to China with his wife in the fall of 1885.
[3] Swan arrived in Canton (modern-day Guangzhou) in December 1885 as part of the American Presbyterian Mission, spending a year studying Cantonese to immerse himself in the local language and culture.
Swan played a key role in modernizing the hospital, setting up its first antiseptic unit, and establishing proper operating room procedures.
The Canton Hospital began educating students prior to 1879 as the Presbyterian South China Medical College.
When Kerr left Canton Hospital in 1899, a conflict over educating female students led to Mary Hannah Fulton and Myers starting separate medical colleges based on gender.