Objective To explore the key elements of high-quality development of clinical disciplines,and explain the connotation of high-quality development clinical disciplines and practical countermeasures.Methods A semi-structured in-terview method was used to conduct in-depth interviews with 15 experts from tertiary general hospitals in Shanghai,and the data were analyzed with constructivist grounded theory.Results A total of 128 initial codes and 12 focused codes were identi-fied.The core connotations of high-quality development in clinical disciplines included patient-centered care,high-quality medical services,well-established sub-specialties,an exceptional talent pool,and industry-leading research activities,sup-ported by interdisciplinary collaboration and administrative functions.Comprehensive strategies included enhancing the initiative of discipline leaders,developing distinctive disease specialties,cultivating talent echelons,multidisciplinary cooperation,and building hospital culture.Conclusion To promote the high-quality development of clinical disciplines,it is necessary to be people-oriented,create a diagnosis and treatment environment that meets the needs of patients and employees,allocate re-sources around key talents,and enhance the comprehensive strength of medical teaching and research while creating diagnosis and treatment services for characteristic diseases.