Chapter 184: Trials and Triumphs in the OR

In the following days, Zhou Can found himself almost every day in Cardiothoracic Surgery, assisting Director Xue and Deputy Director Lu with surgeries. His opportunities for hands-on training were few, and he was strictly kept away from high-risk procedures.

Compared to other departments, the attending surgeons in Cardiothoracic Surgery were the most cautious group Zhou Can had ever encountered.

Dr. Hu Kan would occasionally have him assist in surgeries.

It seemed that he was brought along two or three times a week.

When assisting these chief surgeons, he primarily performed tasks like tissue retraction, suturing, and cavity closure.

It felt like he had reverted to the days of being an intern.

Zhou Can wasn’t in a hurry; he carefully observed every surgical step, technique, and crisis management skill, absorbing every bit of valuable experience.

After surgeries, he would meticulously review his performance and promptly seek advice from Director Xue or Deputy Director Lu on anything unclear.

Though he hadn’t been exposed to high-difficulty surgeries lately, his understanding of various cardiac and thoracic conditions and surgical procedures had advanced rapidly.

It was a form of accumulation and consolidation.

Perhaps influenced by the steady demeanor of the Cardiothoracic team, Zhou Can felt that a touch of that steadiness was beginning to show in his own surgical practice.

One morning during ward rounds, he received a call from the HR Department informing him that his application for the Licensed Physician Practical Skills Exam had been processed – it was scheduled for the 14th of this month.

There were less than half a month left.

The HR staff, those amiable ‘elderly women’, really held him in high regard.

For such an important exam, they should have notified him one or two months in advance!

Fortunately, Zhou Can’s surgical skills were well above the third-grade level; barring exceptionally bad luck, he was confident he’d pass.

When Director Xue learned of his upcoming exam, the kind and beautiful team leader took special care of him.

She focused on enhancing his skills in cardiopulmonary auscultation, interpreting X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, and EKGs.

She explained that the Cardiothoracic section comprised the bulk of the Licensed Physician Practical Skills Exam.

Aside from cardiopulmonary auscultation and imaging diagnosis, it also included medical history collection and case analysis. As for medical ethics, physical exams, and basic surgical operations, they were practically scoring points for Zhou Can.

Daily ward rounds with key patients also provided him with ample experience in physical examinations.

Needless to say, basic surgical operations were a breeze for him.

He was confident he could outperform every other candidate in the exam.

Even seasoned attending physicians with over a decade of practice might find it hard to match his skills.

Zhou Can realized that the training rotation assigned by the hospital was perfectly suited for him.

After just a month in Cardiothoracic Surgery during his residency, he began participating in the Licensed Physician Exam.

The practical exam’s content heavily featured Cardiothoracic skills.

If anyone counted the days, there was no doubt about it.

The 14th was fast approaching.

Over the past several days, under Director Xue’s focused guidance, Zhou Can had honed his practical skills in cardiopulmonary auscultation, imaging diagnosis, and EKG interpretation.

Now, as he headed into the exam venue, he appeared remarkably calm.

With solid knowledge and competence, he was ready to tackle any challenge, leaving no room for panic.

…

After completing all the stations of the Licensed Physician Practical Skills Exam, Zhou Can emerged from the exam hall with a confident smile.

The practical exam was divided into multiple stations.

The first station tested clinical reasoning skills.

This included cardiopulmonary auscultation, imaging diagnosis, EKG interpretation, medical ethics, history taking, and case analysis – just as Director Xue had explained.

Thanks to his targeted practice and a strong foundation, he breezed through the first station.

The second station, focused on physical examinations, was equally straightforward, and he passed with ease.

The final station assessed basic surgical operations.

This was Zhou Can’s forte: his swift, precise maneuvers nearly left the examiner astonished.

Perhaps none of the examiners could have imagined that a young doctor fresh from the Licensed Physician Exam could demonstrate such advanced surgical prowess.

If any examiner’s jaw had truly dropped, Zhou Can might have casually showcased his bone setting and manual reduction skills as well.

After the exam, back in the Cardiothoracic Surgery department of Tuyu Hospital, his colleagues asked how it went.

Zhou Can simply smiled and said, “Not bad.”

With Director Xue’s focused training and his own abilities, failing would have been unthinkable.

Two weeks later, the results arrived.

While he was changing the dressing of a post-op patient in the ward, he received a call from HR.

“Dr. Zhou, congratulations on passing the Licensed Physician Practical Skills Exam! Please prepare for the comprehensive physician qualification exam, tentatively scheduled for the 20th, about a month and a half from now. The exam spans two days, so arrange your work handover in advance.”

Having topped the Tuyu residency recruitment exam, the hospital had promised him assistance in obtaining his license.

Now, true to their word, he didn’t need to worry about the application process.

Everything had been arranged perfectly.

Opinions on the comprehensive exam varied – some said it was extremely tough, others found it manageable.

Zhou Can knew his theoretical knowledge was at least above average.

For the time being, he’d have to put surgical practice on hold and intensively review his foundational medical knowledge.

Securing his physician qualification was simply too important.

Too many residents had been forced to change careers after failing either the practical or the qualification exams.

He wasn’t about to have a sudden, disastrous setback.

No matter what, passing the practical exam filled him with immense joy.

It was a proper culmination of four years of university, one year of internship, and one year of residency – now only the comprehensive exam remained.

After finishing his patient’s dressing change and returning to his office, his excitement began to ebb slightly.

“Dr. Zhou, you look so happy! You passed the Licensed Physician Practical Skills Exam, didn’t you?”

Director Xue asked with a smile.

“You really have a knack for reading minds. The HR call just confirmed that I passed. I owe it all to your help.”

Zhou Can was truly grateful to her.

Director Xue said, “I didn’t do much – you have the talent. But the upcoming comprehensive exam will be hellish. There are two rounds, both extremely tough. You have roughly four months to prepare. Based on your questions and case analyses, I must say your foundational knowledge is your weak point.”

Her expression suddenly turned serious.

Though usually kind in speech, she was incredibly perceptive and knew everything – she just chose not to say it outright.

She added, “You know me well, Director Xue I am! Being promoted to a senior position at such a young age, your theoretical and academic prowess is top-notch. Please, help me out.”

Zhou Can clung to her support as tightly as he could.

With her help, his chances of passing the comprehensive exam increased dramatically.

With just over four months – less than half a year – to intensively review his foundational medical knowledge, he had to study strategically.

If he randomized his studying and crammed questions, he’d drown in an endless sea of information.

Moreover, counting from now, there were only about fifty days until the first round of the comprehensive exam.

Less than two months remained.

To say he wasn’t anxious would have been a lie.

“The comprehensive exam covers an incredibly broad range of topics and requires flexible application of theoretical knowledge. I’ve noticed that what you’re missing is foundational knowledge – though you’re quick on your feet and a fast learner, your basics haven’t kept pace,” Director Xue pondered.

She was genuinely perplexed.

With her extensive teaching experience and a keen eye for talent, she could accurately predict a student’s potential and achievable goals.

“Sigh, don’t mention it. I was headstrong and thought rote memorization was beneath me. In my senior year, while everyone else succeeded in postgrad entrance, I failed. Fortunately, as a student of Tuyu Medical College and with a bit of luck, I secured an internship at Tuyu Main Hospital.”

Zhou Can recalled his difficult past with a bittersweet tone.

He continued, “After life dealt me a hard blow, I shed my stubborn ways. I dedicated myself to mastering basic surgical techniques, learning practical skills, and I always loved reviewing cases and engaging in diagnostic reasoning. That foundation pulled me through residency, and eventually, I was fortunate enough to meet you.”

“You really have been my benefactor. Without your help, I’d likely suffer another crushing defeat in the comprehensive exam and be forced to change careers…”

Zhou Can recounted his hardships, hoping to evoke Director Xue’s sympathy.

He needed her assistance to pass the comprehensive exam.

Director Xue chuckled, “I never expected the famed prodigy Dr. Zhou, comparable to Du Leng, to have such a cheeky side! But knowing your journey, whether for the hospital or to see a genius thrive, I’ve decided to help you.”

Director Xue was amused by his antics.

After all, every teacher adores a great student.

Zhou Can was outstanding in every respect – except that his foundational medical knowledge had lagged due to his youthful arrogance.

And since she was perfectly capable of helping him, she was more than willing to lend a hand.

“So, you’re agreeing to help me, then?” Zhou Can exclaimed happily, “Thank you so much!”

She replied, “After work today, wait for me in my office. Once I understand your situation better, we’ll craft a specific study plan. But remember, even if I help you pass the comprehensive exam and secure both certificates, that doesn’t mean your weak spot is permanently fixed. Learning is a lifelong process. My advice: never stop studying.”

“In the future, whenever you encounter puzzling cases or medical histories, make sure to dive into the research and build up your knowledge gradually,” she advised gravely.

Zhou Can acknowledged with a firm “Understood!”

By his fourth month of residency, Zhou Can had already adopted this method of diligent study.

Whenever faced with confusing cases or pathophysiology, he promptly reviewed reference materials or consulted senior doctors.

After one year and nine months of effort, his foundational knowledge had improved tremendously compared to his senior year.

This was evident from how he had fared in the residency recruitment exam a year ago.

His score in the theoretical test wasn’t far off, thanks to strong diagnostic skills and a rich case history – but his basic knowledge had indeed caught up.

In line with his promise to Director Xue, Zhou Can diligently recorded case histories, drafted medical orders, and researched extensively.

Not to mention, his motivation for studying had never been higher.

By around two in the afternoon, Director Le phoned Zhou Can.

“Dr. Zhou, if you’re free, come to Operating Room No.1 immediately. Dr. Hu Kan is about to perform a thymoma resection – this surgery is extremely challenging and will offer a wealth of knowledge and experience.”

“Alright, I’m on my way!”

After hanging up, Zhou Can briefed Dr. Long, his superior, and hurried off to Operating Room No.1.

Interpersonal relationships can be truly astonishing.

He and Director Le had been complete strangers until he treated a patient with a torn pectoral muscle and later kindly advised Director Le about a cardiac bypass patient who might have taken anticoagulant painkillers within a week.

Those two instances greatly boosted Director Le’s regard for him.

Over time, they grew acquainted.

Director Le’s mentorship of him never wavered.

It wasn’t just his people skills or outstanding potential that brought them closer.

Sometimes fate works in mysterious ways.

Zhou Can raced to Operating Room No.1 – the surgery hadn’t begun yet.

The patient was already on the operating table, and the Anesthesiologist – the same pale-faced doctor known for his stoicism – was present.

At that moment, Director Le and Dr. Hu Kan had not yet arrived.

“Dr. Feng, you’re in charge of anesthesia again! Is there anything I can do to help?”

Zhou Can had dealt with this Anesthesiologist many times before.

Every time he led the anesthesia, it was always for major, Grade IV surgeries.

And judging from his performance, his skill level clearly surpassed that of Dr. Guan.

Aside from his cold, uncommunicative demeanor and quirky personality, his technical prowess was truly remarkable.

“Intubate the trachea! Get him on the ventilator!”

True to form, he spoke in few words and with a frosty tone.

Zhou Can was well accustomed by now; he swiftly and proficiently handled the setup.

Usually, to minimize patient discomfort, they waited until general anesthesia took full effect before inserting the urinary catheter.

“Be cautious with the dosage of this anesthetic. It must be administered slowly. A rapid infusion could trigger a critical emergency that’s hard to rescue. After giving the medication, closely monitor the patient’s facial color, breathing, blood pressure, heart rate, and brain waves – all are vital signs to watch.”

In a rare departure from his usual silence, Dr. Feng filled the air with invaluable anesthesia tips.

Every word he spoke was pure, practical advice.

【Congratulations! You have successfully acquired the Anesthesia Technique. You may now perform anesthetic procedures on patients. Current experience level: 1/10 – a novice intern’s proficiency.】

Zhou Can was utterly astonished by this unexpected bonus.

He eagerly accepted the new skill – it felt like a whole new level compared to the local anesthetic injections he’d been administering before.

This was genuine, advanced anesthesia practice.

It was on a much higher level.