A native of Dongping (modern-day Dongping County, Shandong) during the Northern Song Dynasty. He was a younger fellow townsman of the renowned pediatrician Qian Yi. In his youth, he studied Confucianism, but after failing the imperial examination, he urgently needed to support his family. Coupled with his lifelong frail health, he abandoned his pursuit of official titles and turned to medicine. He extensively read the Suwen, Lingshu, and various medical texts and materia medica works, achieving remarkable results in his treatments. Dong Ji was highly skilled in medicine and particularly emphasized medical ethics, believing that "the suffering of others is like one's own." He traveled to the homes of patients, undeterred by harsh weather, and often provided financial assistance to impoverished patients. He compiled A Treatise on Pediatric Macula and Papule Emergency Formulas in one volume (1093). A Comprehensive Guide to the Treatment of Beriberi in two volumes. Additionally, he authored Essential Formulas for Travelers in one volume.