The three of them turned around and stood up. Li Chu said, "Dean Zhang, Director Liang, what brings you two here together?"
“I came to see Director Liang about something. We just got to your door when we heard what you said. It was very insightful. Young people should have their own ideas, dare to break with the old ways, and not stick to conventions. That’s great.” Director Zhang is the hospital’s vice president in charge of clinical affairs. He returned from studying in Germany years ago.
"What I said were just my own immature opinions, please forgive me for making a fool of myself."
Director Liang waved his hand and said, "That's well said. Well, Dean Zhang came here because there's a patient in the surgery department who needs a consultation. He originally wanted me to go, but I have something to do and can't get away. Xiao Li, why don't you go and take a look? Your skills are definitely up to par."
"Xiao Li, since Director Liang recommended you, I trust his judgment. The patient over there is still waiting. Come with me."
Li Chu picked up his notebook and pen and headed out. Director Liang, standing beside him, instructed, "Xiao Li, just say whatever comes to mind when you see something. Don't be afraid. Once you step out the door, you represent our Traditional Chinese Medicine department." He then patted Li Chu on the shoulder.
"I understand, Director."
As soon as Li Chu left the room, he followed Dean Zhang toward the surgical conference room.
Upon entering the conference room, I saw seven or eight people gathered together, talking about something. A little further away, a middle-aged man sat casually in a chair, exuding an air of authority. Next to him stood a young man, leaning over and whispering something in the middle-aged man's ear; the young man appeared to be a secretary or similar figure.
Dean Zhang walked into the conference room first and said, "Alright, the people from the Traditional Chinese Medicine department have arrived." As soon as Dean Zhang spoke, everyone in the conference room stopped and looked over.
"This is Dr. Li Chu from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of our hospital. Don't let his young age fool you; he's an outstanding graduate of our college's Traditional Chinese Medicine program and a successor to the renowned TCM master Yang Chenghe," Director Zhang introduced, pointing to Li Chu. Everyone in the hospital naturally recognized him; Director Zhang was primarily introducing him to the middle-aged man, not wanting him to look down on Li Chu because of his youth.
The middle-aged man nodded at Li Chu after hearing this, but didn't say anything.
Dean Zhang walked to the table and sat down. "Alright, everyone's here, please sit down. Director He, please give us your briefing."
Li Chu sat down in the chair closest to the door and looked at He Ping, the chief surgeon.
Director He began directly, "The patient's condition is as follows..."
Li Chu listened attentively as Director He explained the patient's condition. Several people interrupted with questions, which Director He answered patiently. After the explanation, Li Chu also asked a few questions and carefully wrote down everything Director He said in his notebook.
"That's the situation. Does anyone have any questions?" Director He looked around.
Dean Zhang chimed in, "The patient's body was severely weakened when he was young, and now that he's older, his organs have degenerated, making surgery impossible. He's currently unconscious. We've brought in your internal medicine and traditional Chinese medicine departments to see if there are any conservative treatment options."
The head of the internal medicine department next to him shook his head and said, "We've seen this patient before, and we don't have any good solutions."
After he finished speaking, everyone turned their attention to Li Chu.
Li Chu remained calm and composed, his face expressionless, and asked, "Dean Zhang, Director He, could I see the patient first? Some questions can only be answered by seeing the patient."
Dean Zhang turned his gaze to the middle-aged man. The man nodded and stood up. "Let's go together." His voice was low, and his expression was not good, suggesting he had little hope for Li Chu. After all, Li Chu was too young; if Li Chu's mentor, Elder Yang, were still alive, there might be some hope. He then walked out of the conference room, the young man following closely behind.
Everyone in the conference room stood up and walked out.
As they walked, Dean Zhang said, "Old He and Li Chu, let's go to the ward together. Everyone else, go about your business. The patient's condition is very unstable, so let's not have so many people go."
Li Chu followed behind and walked towards the surgical ward.
They soon arrived at the ward door. The middle-aged man had already gone inside, while the younger man stood outside. Seeing them approach, he pushed open the door and invited them in.
The ward was a suite, and several other people were sitting on the sofa and chairs, none of them speaking, and their faces all looked unwell. Hearing the commotion outside, a girl of about 18 or 19 years old came out from the inner room. Her eyes were red, and although she was dressed simply, her natural beauty was undeniable.
The middle-aged man pointed to the inner room: "My mother is inside." Then he walked inside.
Dean Zhang and Director He greeted the people outside and then went into the inner room.
Li Chu nodded to the crowd without saying a word and followed them inside.
The people outside also gathered at the doorway of the inner room.
In the inner ward, an elderly woman who looked to be 70 or 80 years old lay peacefully on the bed. Her hair was gray, her eyes were closed, and an oxygen mask covered her face.
Dean Zhang and Director He stood at the foot of the bed. Dean Zhang said, "Xiao Li, this is the patient. Come and take a look."
Li Chu walked to the bedside, first looked at the old lady's face, and then sat down on the stool to take her pulse.
The pulse diagnosis took a long time; five minutes passed in the blink of an eye, but Li Chu still didn't react.
The people at the door were visibly getting anxious. A man in military uniform turned to the young man who had been in the conference room and whispered, "Secretary Wang, who is this?"
Secretary Wang replied softly, "Xiang Dong, this is Dr. Li from the Traditional Chinese Medicine department. He studied under Elder Yang Chenghe." Fearing the man in military uniform might not understand, he added, "Elder Yang's medical skills are exceptional; he's very famous in Beijing and has treated patients for higher-ups before." He pointed upwards as he spoke. The people at the door were all watching him as he spoke.
The man in military uniform, referred to as Xiang Dong, nodded and said nothing more.
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