“This is preposterous, why would the family request a trauma surgeon to remove a tumor? What idiot recommended it!?” The elderly man with a cane demanded an answer from his innocent looking assistant.
“I heard it was a recommendation from Professor Shao Shan,” the assistant meekly replied.
“Hmph! Even more ridiculous. He may be a well known cardiologist, but liver cancer is nothing to joke about. Magic City Cancer Center is the best in the city and possibly in the country. With the best team and equipment available, why would he make such a hasty decision?.”
“It was Minister Yue and Dr. Kong’s decision. I don’t think we can change their minds.”
“Who said we can’t!? The young Dr. Yue is my student, she will not allow this travesty to happen.”
The elderly man, Academician Tan, was one of the most well respected scholars and oncologists in the country. Although long retired, he maintained academic posts and a professorship in many leading hospitals.
After learning about his friend Minister Yue’s poor decision, Academician Tan had his assistant drive him to the Magic City Cancer Center. Within an hour, they arrived at the lobby where they were immediately greeted by the attendings and directors rushing to assist him to his destination. He had already messaged his student, Dr. Yue, who gave him the location to her father’s room. As the two arrived near the suite, they heard people talking from inside the VIP suite.
“Why are you agreeing with father about his transfer?” Yue Fenyu’s voice could be heard. Inside the room, she was sitting by the bed and looked impatiently at her father and then her husband. “Do you really think a random city hospital can operate on him better than what he is receiving here?”
“You’re not aware of this, but Qinbei Hospital has a surgeon that can perform minimal surgery procedures without imaging,” replied Kong Bolin, her husband who was a primary care physician.
“Isn’t that just an exaggerated report?” Yue Fenyu had read some information about the surgeon. As one of Academician Tan’s student and an oncologist herself, she was capable to make a medical judgment.
“Not from the people I have heard from,” said the elderly Yue while lying in bed.
“Father, you have to reconsider, this is liver cancer we are dealing with.”
Elder Yue shook his head, “Fenyu, you already know about the prognosis.” He once a surgeon himself, so he knew his chances. His other identity was the deputy minister in charge of regulating and enforcing health guidelines in Magic City. He was the 2nd in command at the Ministry of Health, Minister Yue. “This young man was recommended to me by Professor Shan Shao, and I’ve already vetted him with other doctors.”
Minister Yue continued to reassure his daughter of his decision. As they were talking, an elderly man rushed into the room, limping along with his cane.
“I don’t understand why you’re taking such a big risk,” Academician Tan spoke in a harsh tone, but he was rather concerned about his friend. The two had been friends for decades. "The best doctors are in Magic City, there is no need to travel so far away."
“Teacher, you’re here,” Yue Fenyu stood up to greet the Academician.
Minister Yue ignored the new arrival. The old academician was constantly complaining about everything, one of the reasons why he hadn’t discussed his decision with him.
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
“What medicine did they put you on to make such an asinine decision?” Academician Tan demanded.
“Uh, teacher, father isn’t in the shape to argue,” Yue Fenyu was well aware of the two men’s habits. They were always bickering and arguing, so strangers were often surprised when they learned that the two were good friends.
“It’s about his health, it should be important to discuss this with multiple professionals,” Academician Tan stressed the word professionals.
“I have already consulted with Yuan Yu and Ma Zong,” Minister Yue explained. “Although it is not their field, they believe in the doctor’s ability. I don’t want to leave this world too soon. There are so many things I still need to accomplish.”
“Then it is better to stay in Magic City,” Academician Tan calmed down a bit after hearing his friend's defeated tone of voice.
“The 10% guarantee is not good enough. I have spoken to Dr. Li, he believed that based on the scans, he can guarantee a better five year survival rate.”
“The words from a young opportunist, do you really believe that?”
“You have not spoken to him, so you do not know. He’s telling me that I do not need a dying agent. You know my kidney isn’t the best these days.”
Academician Tan was shocked. “And you believe him?” He was not convinced. “If you were healthy, you wouldn’t make such a decision.”
“He’s my only hope. I will fly out to see him after the holiday break.”
“Then I will join you.”
The discussion did not change Minister Yue’s mind, but Academician Tan was hoping to bring along his own people mad discourage Dr. Li.
“You know how my father is headstrong about something he has already put his feet on.” Mr. Kong did not want it either, but his father-in-law was adamant about undergoing surgery.
****
On the road toward Qinbei Hospital, Li Yun sneezed. He was unaware of the conversations about his surgical ability, but wondering who was chiding him behind his back. Li Yun shrugged off the thought and headed toward Chief Zhang’s office.
He worked at most two times a week and focused on patient’s diagnosis and surgery. Many new doctors were not aware of him. On Wednesday, he greeted all the patients and shook their hands, gathering as much information as possible before forming an approach and surgical team.
Surgeries were usually scheduled the following day if there were no major complications. He hadn’t performed as many open surgeries, but he continued to watch live surgeries through Zuowang to keep his mind sharp.
Earlier that month, Chief Gao sent Li Yun the list of scheduled surgeries scheduled for the week after the National Holiday. There were 8 surgeries, and it was mainly interventional surgeries for patients with severe kidney deficiency who couldn't receive angiograms.
After several miraculous surgeries, people were slowly realizing that patients under Li Yun’s care were healing faster and had better postoperative outcomes. The people who knew were mostly people in the medical field. Out of the eight, seven were all family members of doctors who recommended Li Yun. There were also people who did not have any iodine allergy or kidney problems, but still requested surgery from Li Yun based on how well patients were recovering.
After speaking to the chiefs, he visited An Luchang and the other residents. He only worked when there were scheduled surgeries, so it was good to meet up with the others. He often preferred physical conversations over chatting on Ourchat, and An Luchang rarely commented on Ourchat.
“Minister Yue, as in the existing deputy minister of the Ministry of Health?” asked An Luchang, who was reviewing the case with Li Yun. “He’s a personal hero of mine.”
Li Yun rolled his eyes. Young boys had Iron Man, but this guy had Minister Yue.
“You’re becoming a celebrity surgeon to other doctors,” said Lui Jing. “Don’t forget us when you become famous on TV.”
“Do I have a face for television?” asked Li Yun sarcastically.
“Well, if you apply makeup over your scar, you would probably gain a lot of fans,” said Mi Xuan.
“Nah, don’t hide it, some girls are into scars,” Yang Kang joked. “You probably have to be careful your girlfriend doesn’t get jealous.”
Li Yun wondered if it was possible to make Rouxi jealous. She didn’t seem like the type, or was she really good at masking her jealousy?
“How are the new interns?” Li Yun was curious how the gamer was doing.
“Surprisingly well,” said Mi Xuan. “Fan Geng is surprisingly more technical, and the patients think he’s funny. He’s been shadowing Chief Lim and An Luchang quite often and he’s rather good with robotics. Not at An Luchang level, but he’s pretty proficient.”
Zuiba would be glad to hear.