Wang Jinzhi (also known as Wang Xinzhi), styled Haizang, was a native of Zhaozhou (present-day Zhaoxian County, Hebei Province). From a young age, Wang was intelligent and studious, and as an adult, he became well-versed in the classics and history, with a deep interest in medicine. In his youth, he studied under Zhang Yuansu (who was younger than Li Gao) alongside Li Gao, and later, he further studied medicine under his senior, Li Gao.

Wang Haogu, a Confucian scholar who also practiced medicine, had a particular fondness for classical formulas. His expertise was profound, and he later fully inherited the teachings of both Zhang and Li, becoming another renowned figure of the Yishui School. His academic thoughts, especially his theory on yin syndromes, were unique and have been highly regarded by later physicians, exerting significant influence.

Wang Haogu authored numerous works throughout his life, with over 20 identifiable titles. Among them, "Yilei Yuanjie" in 12 volumes, "Yinzheng Lueli" in 1 volume, "Tangye Bencao" in 3 volumes, and "Cishi Nanzhi" in 2 volumes are considered his representative works, highly esteemed by later medical scholars. Some of his works, such as "Yi Yin Decoction Zhongjing Guangwei Dafa" in 4 volumes and "Macula and Papule Theory" in 1 volume, are now lost.