104: Chapter 104 Doctors should just quietly treat patients, why bother with becoming internet celebrities?
Shen Xiaoning handed over her phone.
Lu Chen took it and glanced at it.
The comment came from an account verified as "Associate Chief Physician of the Cardiology Department at Provincial Peoples Hospital."
The account name was "Chen Minghao Medical Science Popularization."
The comment read as follows:
"As a cardiologist who has been performing Pericardiocentesis and cardiac interventions for fifteen years, I would like to say a few objective words.
First, it is impossible to judge the true technical level from the procedure shown in the video, because the shooting angle, image quality, and editing all affect one's perception.
Second, a 24-year-old Resident Physician independently completing a loculated Pericardiocentesis and drainage is something that in itself warrants questioning. It is not to say that young people are incapable, but that this type of operation requires a massive accumulation of clinical experience; it cannot be explained away by the word 'talent.'
Third, I have noticed that this doctor has already had multiple instances of online exposure. From blocking hoodlums to the Suturing competition, and now the Pericardiocentesis, every time someone just happens to be filming, and every time it just happens to trend. I do not want to indulge in conspiracy theories, but I believe a doctor's energy should be focused on clinical work and academics, not on putting effort into managing an online persona.
Fourth, medicine is a serious discipline; excessive online packaging and manipulation of public opinion are harmful to the entire industry. I hope the parties involved can reflect seriously.
The above is purely my personal opinion and is not directed at anyone."
This comment already had over twenty thousand likes.
The replies below were divided into two camps.
One camp supported Associate Chief Physician Chen Minghao, believing that what he said made sense.
"Well said! Doctors should just quietly treat patients, why become an internet celebrity?"
"Indeed, someone happens to be filming every single time. That's just too coincidental."
"The opinion of an Associate Chief Physician carries weight. A professional has spoken."
The other camp was refuting this.
"He was the one being filmed, not the one filming himself. What are you being so bitter about?"
"Hilarious. An Associate Chief Physician from a Provincial Peoples Hospital posts medical science videos online to build a fan base, and then accuses others of building an online persona?"
"Got it. The Associate Chief Physician is jealous that a 24-year-old Resident Physician is more popular than him. Is that all?"
"Regardless of anything else, that needle insertion of his was the real deal. The data changes on the monitor in the video cannot be faked."
Lu Chen returned the phone to Shen Xiaoning.
"How is it? Are you angry?"
"Not angry."
"But what he said was so excessive! 'Manipulation of public opinion,' when you clearly didn't do anything!"
"He can say what he wants; it has nothing to do with me."
Lu Chen picked up his chopsticks again and continued eating.
He was indeed not angry.
Because he was very clear about two things.
His operation was real.
He had not conducted any online operations.
As for how others view or talk about it, that is their business.
What he cared about now was when his thesis would pass Director Li Sen's review and when he could submit it.
Shen Xiaoning watched him eating calmly and felt a bit unwilling, but she didn't say anything more.
Wu Fan passed by with his food tray, saw the content on Shen Xiaoning's phone, and paused.
"I saw that comment too."
"What do you think, Brother Wu?"
"What do I think? I know this guy, Associate Chief Physician Chen Minghao, from the Cardiology Department at Provincial Peoples Hospital. He really does have some skills when it comes to Puncture, but his academic papers haven't been going well these past few years, and he hasn't secured the Director position, so his mindset is a bit off."
"You know him?"
"Not exactly. I attended a provincial academic conference before where he gave a presentation. He has skill, but he is quite competitive and can't stand others being better than him."
Wu Fan glanced at Lu Chen.
"Especially when he can't stand people younger than him being better than him."
Lu Chen did not respond.
"You don't need to worry about him. People like this just say a few things and that's it. If he really wants to be serious about academics, he has nothing to hold over you."
"Mm."
Wu Fan left.
Lu Chen finished his meal and put his tray back.
He returned to the department and started his afternoon work as usual.
...
At 1:30 PM, Director Li Sen notified the people in the Red Zone to prepare for rounds.
Today's round route included the consultation patient from the Cardiology Department.
That was Zhou Desheng, who had been transferred over yesterday.
Director Li Sen took Zhao Yaqin, Lu Chen, and Sun Ji to the Cardiology Department ward.
In the ward, Zhou Desheng was already sitting up.
His complexion was much better than yesterday, and his mental state was good.
His wife was peeling an apple nearby, and upon seeing Director Li Sen and Lu Chen enter, she immediately stood up.
"Director Li Sen! Dr. Lu! You're here!"
"We're here to see how Old Zhou's recovery is going."
Director Li Sen opened the medical record.
He Wenbin walked over from behind the nearby desk and briefly reported the situation.
"The pericardial drainage tube was removed yesterday afternoon. A follow-up ultrasound showed a significant reduction in pericardial effusion, cardiac function has returned to normal, Myocardial Enzyme Spectrum and BNP are both decreasing, and vital signs are currently stable."
"Has the result for the nature of the effusion come out?"
"It has. It's an exudate. Cytology did not find any abnormal cells. We are considering the high possibility of post-viral pericarditis. We have already sent it for virological testing and are waiting for the results."
Director Li Sen nodded.
"Old Zhou, how are you feeling?"
Zhou Desheng smiled.
"I feel like I've been given a new lease on life."
"That means you're recovering well."
"Director Li Sen, my life was saved by you and Dr. Lu. I, Zhou Desheng, will keep this kindness in my heart."
"Treating patients and saving lives is our primary duty. You should focus on recovering, take your medicine on time, and stop staying up late for social engagements."
"I'll listen to you! From now on, I'll quit smoking and quit drinking!"
His wife interjected from the side, "If you can actually quit, I'll build a memorial tablet for you."
Everyone in the ward laughed.
Zhou Desheng scratched his head embarrassedly, then turned his gaze to Lu Chen.
"Dr. Lu, you saw that video my wife posted yesterday, right?"
Lu Chen nodded.
"That… she posted it herself without your permission. I'm sorry."
"It's fine."
"She was just too excited and wanted more people to know how amazing you are. But if it has caused you any trouble, I'll have her delete it."
"No need to delete it," Director Li Sen answered for Lu Chen.
Zhou Desheng looked at Director Li Sen.
"Positive, real feedback is good for our department and the Hospital. There is no need to delete it."
"Alright then! But Dr. Lu, when I'm discharged, I must thank you properly."
"Uncle Zhou, taking good care of your health is the best thanks."
Zhou Desheng nodded repeatedly.
His wife stuffed the peeled apple into Lu Chen's hand again, "Dr. Lu, have some fruit!"
"No need, ma'am."
"Take it, take it! You're so thin, eat more!"
Lu Chen was left holding the apple, feeling a bit helpless.
After the rounds ended, Director Li Sen led the group back.
When they reached the stairwell, Director Li Sen spoke up.
"Lu Chen, did you see that comment online from Associate Chief Physician Chen Minghao?"
"I did."
"What are your thoughts?"
"No thoughts. He can say what he wants."
Director Li Sen nodded.
"I have an impression of this Associate Chief Physician Chen Minghao. He's from the Cardiology Department at Provincial Peoples Hospital. He has some fame in the province for his Puncture work and has a certain level of academic standing, but he has been a bit restless in the last two years."
"Mm."
"You don't need to care about what he said, but you should prepare yourself mentally."
"Prepare for what?"
"The day after tomorrow, there is a city-wide difficult case discussion meeting. Provincial Peoples Hospital will send people to our Hospital to participate in consultation exchanges, and the leader is Associate Chief Physician Chen Minghao."
Lu Chen's footsteps paused.
"He's coming to our Hospital?"
"Yes, this consultation exchange was arranged beforehand. It happens once a quarter, and Provincial Peoples Hospital and several Grade A tertiary Hospitals in the city take turns hosting. This time, it's our Hospital's turn."
"Then that has nothing to do with me?"
Director Li Sen looked at him.
"If he were just coming for a normal consultation, it would indeed have nothing to do with you. But considering he just publicly questioned you online, there is a high probability he will take the opportunity to find fault once he arrives."
"If he wants to find fault, let him. My skills are right here."
"I know you're not afraid, but you need to be careful about another thing."
Director Li Sen lowered his voice.
"The Hospital's point of contact for this consultation exchange is from the Medical Affairs Department, and Section Chief He Zhongfeng is responsible for coordination."
Lu Chen understood immediately.
Section Chief He Zhongfeng.
He is Vice President Peng's man.
Last time with the Closed Thoracic Drainage, it was Section Chief He Zhongfeng who caused the trouble, intentionally delaying the Department of Thoracic Surgery consultation to frame him.
Although President Zeng Dayang caught him in the act that time and Section Chief He Zhongfeng was reprimanded, he didn't receive any substantive punishment.
Now Associate Chief Physician Chen Minghao is publicly questioning him online.
Section Chief He Zhongfeng must have already smelled an opportunity.
An Associate Chief Physician from a provincial-level Hospital, who specializes in Puncture, is publicly questioning a Resident Physician from a municipal-level Hospital.
If Associate Chief Physician Chen Minghao could publicly slap Lu Chen's face at the consultation site, that would be equivalent to slapping President Zeng Dayang in the face.
Because Lu Chen is now seen by the outside world as "President Zeng's man."
Lu Chen realized this connection.
"Director Li Sen, I understand."
"As long as you understand. Attend the consultation the day after tomorrow as usual, but be mindful of your boundaries. Don't be provoked, and don't get set up."
"Understood."