Chapter 214: Dilemmas and Decisions in the Hospital

Hong Zhengbo, humiliated by the barrage of insults, gritted his teeth and sat back down with a gloomy expression.

Not far away, Song Ze kept a vigilant watch on the proceedings.

Seeing Hong Zhengbo’s downfall, he forced down the restless thoughts surging within him.

All three traitors must be filled with regret by now.

Dogs don’t mind a poor home; children don’t mind an imperfect mother; and people don’t mind a weakening nation.

When Mr. Liu’s team needed them most, they left one after another without a backward glance. And now, seeing his team flourish with a bright future, they wish to return? Such fortune rarely comes around.

Zhou Can railed at Hong Zhengbo—this was just a minor episode.

Inside the conference room, eight teams granted the task of building the sub-departments were in high spirits, enthusiastically recruiting those whose groups hadn’t qualified.

Mr. Liu could never have imagined that one day his team would become so coveted.

Once-proud attending and associate chief physicians, who used to strut before him, were now approaching his door, eager to join him.

That feeling of vindication was simply wonderful.

He Hansheng’s face lit up with excitement; his breakthrough smile never left him.

Among the many attending physicians in General Surgery, He Hansheng ranked among the best, though his status was less impressive since his superior was a soon-to-retire associate chief physician.

Even though colleagues in the department appear equal on the surface, true status shows in subtle ways.

For example, in some departments, the water dispenser bears a label instructing trainees, interns, and fellows to fetch water from the kettle.

No doubt those trainees, interns, and fellows feel uneasy about it.

Yet no one dares to mention it.

Everyone accepts it in silence.

And when it comes to handling dirty, labor-intensive work, have you ever seen an associate chief physician or an attending physician lend a hand?

When arranging operating room schedules, the second-level surgeries—in rooms with more complete and modern equipment—were invariably assigned to the higher-status attending physicians.

During operations, top-tier doctors could stand as the primary assistant, while those one level down had to settle for the secondary spot. Lower still were lucky if they could even help on the table.

And in ward rounds, bed management, or when queuing for shared resources, higher-status doctors would effortlessly cut in line.

At that moment, He Hansheng truly felt like a legitimate attending physician in the department.

Bathed in compliments and pleasantries from his attending peers, even some associate chief physicians took the initiative to greet him cordially. Every little change made him feel his status had indeed risen.

Among the three formal physicians in Mr. Liu’s team, who was the happiest?

Resident physician Wan Sanlao was undoubtedly the most elated of the trio.

He knew without a doubt that his time had come.

“Dr. Zhou, Dr. Zhou Can!”

Someone ran over calling Zhou Can.

“Hello! What’s the matter?”

Seeing that the caller had come down from the leadership platform, Zhou Can dared not be remiss.

“Deputy Director Ye wants to have a word with you!”

“Alright!”

Zhou Can nodded and walked toward the leadership area.

The conference room buzzed with activity as over 150 doctors scrambled to form new teams, with conversations and debates erupting all around.

On the leadership stage, Deputy Director Ye and others did not rush to leave.

Perhaps mindful of the significance of forming multiple sub-departments for the first time, they chose to stay in case any issues arose so they could adjust and expedite the process.

“Director Ye, did you call for me?”

Conversing with hospital leaders naturally made Zhou Can a bit nervous.

Two deputy directors, the head of the Administration Office, the Human Resources chief, and Director Xie from General Surgery—along with several other top figures—were gathered there.

Even Chief Xia Huai’an of General Surgery was relegated to a peripheral seat at that moment.

“It’s nothing serious; just a casual chat. You needn’t be nervous!”

Deputy Director Ye fixed Zhou Can with calm, friendly eyes.

Beside him, Deputy Director Bei from Scientific Research and Teaching also sized Zhou Can up with a steady gaze.

“This reform in General Surgery is a tremendous opportunity. Your contributions in Mr. Liu’s team have been outstanding, and you’ve built a solid rapport with Deputy Director Liu. Have you considered staying in General Surgery? With Deputy Director Liu retiring soon, we need someone to lead Jiaru Surgery. I see you as an excellent candidate.”

Deputy Director Ye said.

“If Liu Qingzhi gets promoted to full professorship, his retirement can be deferred until sixty-five—giving you about six years to develop and integrate with the team. And if you agree, I will personally help sort out your academic credentials during those six years.”

Deputy Director Bei added.

Clearly, the two deputy directors had already coordinated their approach.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t be in such perfect harmony.

“I’m truly honored by the leaders’ favor, but I’m still very inexperienced. I haven’t even begun my Internal Medicine training, and I promised Director Lou and Dr. Xu that after finishing my Emergency Department training, I’d help develop it. I’m afraid I might disappoint you.”

Zhou Can declined the deputy directors’ generous offer both tactfully and sincerely.

When speaking in front of the leadership, sincerity is paramount.

Any hint of scheming would be foolish.

After all, every hospital leader clawed their way up through cunning; even a single glance or an odd gesture is enough for them to decipher your intentions.

“Your General Surgery training is fully complete. As for Internal Medicine, you’ve lost this residency opportunity—but there will be specialized training later. If needed, you could always pursue further studies in Internal Medicine. With Directors Tan and Yin on good terms with you, arranging a stint would be simple. And feel free to come to me—I’ll personally ensure arrangements are made.”

Deputy Director Ye clearly knew all about Zhou Can’s connections.

His words strongly hinted that he hoped Zhou Can would choose to remain in General Surgery.

“Kid, sorting out your academic credentials on your own will be an uphill battle. With the hospital’s help, it’s many times easier. Miss this opportunity, and you might never find another!”

Deputy Directors Bei and Ye harmonized their efforts, trying to win Zhou Can over.

They laid out numerous attractive benefits for him.

He was practically earmarked as the next leader of Jiaru Surgery.

Each of these special privileges could entice any doctor in a heartbeat.

Yet Zhou Can remained unmoved by these generous offers.

Everyone has their own principles and way of living.

Throughout our nation’s history, individuals like Zhou Can—those who aren’t swayed by massive benefits and stay true to themselves—have never been scarce.

Many of them eventually become the pillars of their era.

“Back when I was at my lowest, when I needed help the most, it was Director Lou who brought me into the Emergency Department and Dr. Xu who patiently taught me surgical skills, paving the way for my modest achievements today. A gentleman always keeps his word. I will never waver on what I promised them. I hope you both understand my predicament.”

Zhou Can’s tone left no room for doubt as he firmly rejected their offer.

“If you refuse our request, aren’t you afraid we might give you a hard time?”

Deputy Director Ye’s expression turned stern.

An invisible pressure weighed on Zhou Can like a mountain.

“Not at all! I believe neither of you would stoop so low—otherwise, you wouldn’t hold your deputy director positions.”

Cleverly, Zhou Can turned the tables on them.

High-ranking deputy directors couldn’t possibly lower their dignity to retaliate against a low-level trainee.

“Ha, dear Ye, I told you threats and bribes wouldn’t work on this kid. I’ve long known he possesses a heart of gold—insensitive to both coercion and incentives. His steadfast principles, his resistance to temptations, and his unwavering sincerity earn my deepest respect.”

Deputy Director Bei, unexpectedly outmaneuvered by Zhou Can, couldn’t help but smile broadly.

His eyes shone with deep admiration and fondness as he looked at Zhou Can.

“He truly is outstanding. In terms of medical skill, potential, and professional ethics, he is flawless. If he stays in General Surgery, I’m convinced Jiaru Surgery and the entire department will flourish. This reform is destined for success.”

Deputy Director Ye’s tone was filled with regret and reluctance.

Good generals are hard to come by.

The hospital has entrusted him with the heavy task of reforming General Surgery.

Without a suitable leader, the benefits of the reform would be slow to manifest.

After days of deliberation, he had chosen Zhou Can as his best candidate.

Yet this kid, impervious to bribes, had refused.

“If Zhou Can won’t agree, what about Du Leng? I think aside from his somewhat subpar surgical skills, Du Leng’s overall credentials far surpass Zhou Can’s,” remarked Director Xie of General Surgery, eagerly waiting for his chance to interject.

Zhou Can’s refusal to be the ‘heir’ to General Surgery delighted Director Xie.

It opened the door to promote Du Leng instead.

“Hmm…Little Du is indeed impressive. We’ll consider it further, as there’s no immediate rush,” Deputy Director Ye declared using his trademark phrase.

“We’ll consider it further,” or rather, “we’ll wait and see.” Essentially, that meant a polite rejection.

That pretty much meant no agreement.

When Du Leng first joined Tuyu Hospital, he was highly regarded by the top leadership. But after a year and a half, his performance had become somewhat disappointing.

Other than some progress in research, his performance in every other area was poor.

After all, a doctor isn’t solely measured by surgical prowess; excelling in academics, research, and teaching is also commendable.

He could also consider developing in Internal Medicine.

That field places greater emphasis on medical theory, pharmacology, and pathology.

Du Leng had spent over a year and a half proving that he lacked talent in surgery; switching to Internal Medicine might be the right move.

It’s unclear whether it was his own overbearing ambition clinging to surgery or Director Xie’s selfish reluctance to let him go.

Perhaps both factors played a role.

Ultimately, the choice of one’s career path rests on personal decision.

Outsiders can do little to help.

At best, they can offer advice.

“Zhou Can, don’t rush to flat-out refuse. Once you’ve completed your Internal Medicine training—and even after working in the Emergency Department for a while—if you find that General Surgery offers better prospects, my door is always open.”

After dismissing Director Xie’s recommendation, Deputy Director Ye looked at Zhou Can once more.

“Alright! Thank you both for your trust. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave now.”

This time, Zhou Can did not outright refuse.

Leaving himself an escape route was a wise move.

While Mr. Liu entertained the doctors coming to join him, resident Wan Sanlao was busy writing down names. Watching Zhou Can being summoned by Deputy Director Ye, Mr. Liu kept a close eye on him.

He glanced over frequently.

As a mentor, Mr. Liu cared for Zhou Can like a cherished student.

This kid was exceptionally talented.

With him around, he was even more invaluable than several attending physicians—whether diagnosing tough cases or handling endoscopic, general, or standard surgeries, Zhou Can excelled.

Noticing Zhou Can’s calm return, Mr. Liu’s eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment.

“He still can’t be kept on board!”

“Zhou Can, could you postpone leaving by a few days? With the new sub-department just established, many challenges lie ahead. Having you here would ease my worries. Your sudden departure could throw everything into chaos.”

Mr. Liu’s tone was laced with earnest pleading.

At his age, having finally seized the chance to soar before retirement, he couldn’t afford a downfall.

He couldn’t keep Zhou Can in General Surgery permanently, but even a few extra days would help the new sub-department transition smoothly.

“No problem. The Internal Medicine side has already been informed, so I can delay my departure by a few days.”

Zhou Can agreed gladly.

In times of trouble, Mr. Liu had always stood by him without hesitation.

Over the past two months, Mr. Liu had imparted his knowledge generously.

He even trusted Zhou Can with the critical parts of third-level surgeries.

That trust and mentorship had markedly advanced Zhou Can’s surgical skills and experience.

“Good, good! Hearing that puts my mind at ease!”

Deputy Director Liu visibly relaxed, as if a weight had been lifted.

…

After more than an hour of flexible team formations, recruiting for the eight sub-departments was nearly finished.

Jiaru Surgery, which initially had only three formal physicians, now boasted a dazzling roster of twenty-nine. The team was impressive, including four chief physicians, five associate chief physicians, and several attending and resident doctors.

With the team expanded, the next step was clear assignment of roles.

Including Mr. Liu himself, there were nine associate chief and attending physicians. A large number of high-level doctors is both an asset and a challenge.

The upside was that the team could maintain high standards in both surgery and diagnosis.

Moreover, many chief and associate chief physicians had their own followings, ensuring that patient flow was never an issue when they held consultations.

The downside was that managing such a large group could be problematic.

Commanding them required utmost respect and collective discussion for every matter.

Mobilizing them posed practical difficulties.

For attending and resident doctors, simply instructing them was enough.

Overall, the benefits outweighed the drawbacks.

“Zhou Can, help me with the role assignments for the department members.”

Mr. Liu winced slightly as he looked over the long list.

Zhou Can’s creativity, quick wit, and notable management skills shone through; he had experience in ward rounds, consultations, emergency surgeries, inpatient operations, and ward management.

His experience was truly vast.

Collaborating on the assignments ensured a more rational workflow and increased efficiency in the department.

Zhou Can stepped forward, first carefully reviewing the list.

Then, together with Mr. Liu, he began arranging the shifts for every team member.

“Outpatient consultations are critical. I believe we must ensure that during these hours at least one chief physician experienced in thyroid disorders and one versed in breast diseases is present. We only have four chief physicians in total—one is dedicated to research and teaching, leaving just three available for consultations. Chief physicians are constantly busy with meetings, academic discussions, and teaching duties.”

“That means we simply don’t have enough chief physicians and must rely on associate chief physicians to fill in. We can balance the assignments according to their areas of expertise. Also, the operating room needs to be factored in…”

Zhou Can offered a wealth of excellent suggestions.

After thorough discussion and planning, every team member was finally given a role.

The assignments covered ward management, consultations, surgeries, and more.

Despite having nearly thirty formal physicians, the detailed work allocation still felt a bit tight. Staffing was extremely limited.

Fortunately, Zhou Can would remain in Jiaru Surgery to help for a few extra days.

Like a hero, he would rush to where support was needed.

Besides the formal physicians, trainees, interns, and fellows formed the backbone for the basic and tedious tasks.

Especially for duties like ward management, assisting in surgeries, and changing dressings, these individuals did most of the work.