Surgery Godfather
Chapter 1296 - 987: Walking on Thin Ice_2

Chapter 1296: Chapter 987: Walking on Thin Ice_2

Compared to the bustling crowd outside, the hospital ward was much quieter. When Yang Ping arrived at the ward, an elderly patient in her eighties was sitting at the nurse’s station, insisting on being discharged. She had been trying to call her children without success and was sulking about it. A nurse beside her was gently persuading her, and after considerable effort, finally coaxed the patient back to her room.

"Wasn’t this patient scheduled to be discharged before the holiday?" Yang Ping asked.

The nurse shook her head and sighed, "Their family originally said so, but on the 30th they called us and changed their mind, saying they would come to pick up the elderly after the holiday. When I pressed for a reason, they said they were traveling outside. In fact, the family had planned to leave the elderly in the hospital and go on their own trip before the holiday."

That explained it. Yang Ping understood the situation and instructed the nurse, "Keep a closer eye on elderly, high-risk patients. Identify and handle any issues early."

In the doctor’s office, aside from a few doctors on leave, everyone was present, remarkably with no one late. The sound of typing filled the air early in the morning.

"The Professor has arrived, get ready for the National Day grand rounds!" Song Zimo alerted everyone as soon as he saw Yang Ping.

Yang Ping straightened his white gown, "Let’s go on rounds."

Immediately, the doctors in the office stood up in unison, following behind Yang Ping. His pace was steady, each step exuding a calm and poise that seemed beyond his years, his eyes radiating the sort of wisdom and serenity that comes with the years. Behind him followed a group of young doctors and interns, their expressions solemn as if partaking in a sacred ritual. Their eyes brimmed with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for medicine.

"No matter the time, engaging with patients is the most fundamental principle. Only by engaging with patients can you truly grasp firsthand information," Yang Ping declared in a voice that was soft, yet powerful.

In an era of rapidly advancing medical equipment, this fundamental principle of patient engagement had been scattered. Many doctors had either overlooked this or were unwilling to do it, especially surgeons, who often relied solely on an image to make decisions: surgery!

The procession slowly entered the ward. The patient was a young man in his twenties, looking haggard but with a desire for life shining in his eyes. Seeing Yang Ping and the group of doctors coming in, he mustered a smile, reflecting deep trust and gratitude for his caregivers.

The patient, who had a brainstem tumor, had come to Sanbo Hospital seeking Yang Ping for surgery. It was now a week post-operation, and his recovery was going well. Approaching the bedside, Yang Ping began a thorough inquiry into the patient’s condition, leaving no detail unexamined.

His words were gentle, kind, and clear, as if conversing with an old friend. At the same time, his experienced hands were conducting various neurological examinations, engaging in a silent conversation with the patient’s body.

"Hmm, judging from your current condition, your recovery from surgery is going very well. I believe that in the near future, you will be able to return to work," Yang Ping remarked as he continued his examination, then turned to the doctors behind him, "Come and do a physical examination."

The young doctors stepped forward one after another, taking turns examining the patient. After completing the examinations, some furrowed their brows in thought, while others discussed quietly, each trying to capture any subtle signs of disease. The last to examine was Li Guodong. Not only did he check the patient’s nervous system, but he also conducted a simple examination of other aspects. Holding his stethoscope, he listened intently to the patient’s heartbeat, his gaze focused and serious, as if resonating with the patient’s heartbeat.

"Professor Yang, I’ve noticed that the patient’s heartbeat is irregular, sometimes fast, sometimes slow," Doctor Li Guodong hesitated, then mustered his courage to say, because no one had ever mentioned such an anomaly before.

Upon hearing this, Yang Ping’s brows slightly furrowed, but then he displayed an encouraging smile, "That’s very good, your observation is meticulous, hence paying comprehensive attention to patients should become a habit. Focusing on key points is just basic; comprehensive attention is a higher form. Why did everyone just focus on the nervous system during the examination just now? The electrocardiogram monitor at the bedside hasn’t been removed, has anyone paid attention to the electrocardiogram displayed on it, or do you think young people don’t need to pay attention to these things?"

Following that, Yang Ping explained in simple and understandable terms how to think comprehensively and in-depth in clinical practice. This included the latest medical research findings as well as his own clinical experience. The young doctors listened with keen interest, nodding in agreement or taking serious notes. Their eyes were filled with a thirst for knowledge and passion for medicine.

"Proceed with further cardiac examinations, complete them as soon as possible today," Yang Ping gave his verbal instruction, and the attending doctor immediately took notes.

"Professor Yang, it really is strenuous for you to personally make ward rounds even during holidays," a patient gratefully said, eyes filled with respect and gratitude for Yang Ping.

Yang Ping smiled faintly, "Diseases don’t take holidays, so doctors can’t have holidays either. It’s determined by the nature of our work. We are just doing our job, rest assured. The surgery was very successful, after discharge you can work and live just like a normal person, make sure to have regular check-ups."

The patient nodded vigorously, "Thank you, Professor Yang, thank you to all the doctors."

Originally, this patient had been deemed inoperable by many other hospitals. In desperation, while on a train, they overheard someone speaking about Sanbo Hospital, mentioning Professor Yang and his near-miraculous surgical abilities. The patient took note, and although it was a desperate shot in the dark, they came to the Sanbo Hospital Surgery Research Institute, where surgery was not only possible but also successful.

As the ward rounds continued, Yang Ping frequently stopped to explain the patient’s condition and treatment plan to both the patient and their family in great detail. His tone was gentle yet confident, conveying medical precision while providing ample confidence and comfort to the patient and their family.

The young doctors following Yang Ping also gained much, learning valuable medical knowledge and deeply comprehending the sense of responsibility and mission that comes with being a doctor.

"As doctors, we must constantly maintain a cautious attitude, just like walking on thin ice. That patient with the irregular heartbeat—if we had not caught it, it’s very likely they could have suffered a sudden death, so quickly complete the cardiac examination. If after the review there are no major issues, then all the better, but what if there are? It’s a human life at stake, life is paramount! We must reverence life; although objectivity mistakes are inevitable, subjectively, we cannot afford to make mistakes. Others may err, but we cannot," he stressed.

Today’s ward round lodged the phrase "walking on thin ice" firmly in everyone’s mind.

After completing the ward rounds, Yang Ping didn’t immediately leave the hospital. He returned to his office and began reviewing all the cases he had seen that day to check if there was anything he had missed. After several rounds of review confirming that he had considered everything that needed to be thought of, Yang Ping was reassured. Being a doctor is like this, always having the spirit of walking on thin ice.

Meanwhile, the ward remained busy and orderly; other doctors and nurses also stood their ground at their respective posts, safeguarding patients’ health and lives. Whether they rushed by or spoke softly, they all appeared focused and earnest.

As night fell, the hospital gradually quieted down, but within this brightly lit building, there were still countless busy figures. They might have missed out on time with their families, but in Yang Ping’s view, this was simply fulfilling their duties. There was no need to define these actions as noble or as sacrifices. It was just a job, and like any job, it has its principles, bottom line, and honors. If everyone could fulfill their duties, it would constitute the greatest progress of society.