The Enhanced Doctor
Chapter 47 - 047 Zhou Shuwen’s Bold Idea

Chapter 47: 047 Zhou Shuwen’s Bold Idea

"Shuwen, tell me, what’s so good about this Liu Banxia that you all support him to the point of making Old Qin lose face?" Chen Zhenxing asked with a smile after entering the office.

"Teacher, to be honest, I’ve only started to get a sense of him these past few days. He’s a resident physician under Shi Lei’s supervision. How about I call Shi Lei over to ask him?" Zhou Shuwen asked tentatively.

Chen Zhenxing waved his hand. "There’s no need to go to such lengths. Today, out of consideration for Old Qin, I didn’t speak bluntly. However, in this matter, you also bear an undeniable responsibility."

"Yes, Teacher, I don’t deny that. I will definitely rectify this in my future work," Zhou Shuwen said hastily.

"Sigh... Educational and training programs are indeed challenging for many hospitals. Although it’s a headache, we can set it aside for now. My main concern at the moment is our Emergency Department. If it continues to operate like this, something serious is bound to happen sooner or later," Chen Zhenxing said, frowning.

Zhou Shuwen didn’t dare to interject, even though he felt the same way. The issues involved were simply too numerous and complex.

"Haven’t you discussed this privately with Vice Director Zhou? After all, if the Emergency Department is to develop, it will primarily fall under the purview of your General Surgery department," Chen Zhenxing continued.

"Teacher, my thinking is that the Emergency Department either stays as it is, or it undergoes a major overhaul. Otherwise, no matter how much we invest, it will be difficult to achieve the desired results, and we’ll end up wasting a lot of manpower and resources," Zhou Shuwen said.

"However, looking at it from another angle, this could actually be our advantage. If we want to reform the Emergency Department, we can shed our current burdens and aim for first-class standards."

"Currently, the standard of medical care in our country is developing rapidly and aligning with international standards. Many provinces have established trauma emergency centers. If you’re inclined, Teacher, perhaps we could take a bigger step."

Chen Zhenxing frowned. He did want to overhaul the Emergency Department, but he hadn’t considered taking such a massive step all at once. A trauma emergency center was no trivial matter; it was almost tantamount to rebuilding an entire hospital.

This was no exaggeration. The admission and treatment capabilities of trauma emergency centers in some cities were genuinely superior to those of some Grade A Class Three hospitals.

Establishing a trauma emergency center wasn’t as simple as just putting up a sign. It required integrating numerous departments and acquiring a great deal more medical equipment to possess that kind of capability.

"Shuwen, if we really proceed with this, we’ll encounter a great many difficulties," Chen Zhenxing said.

"Otherwise, even our current piecemeal approach would require considerable investment," Zhou Shuwen replied.

"The current Emergency Department lacks dedicated attending physicians; staff are seconded from various departments. This is somewhat akin to the basic framework of a trauma emergency center, just with less investment in equipment procurement. Our hospital’s existing equipment can barely support it."

"However, this is just my current thought. The final decision rests with you, Teacher. After all, this isn’t a small sum of money. It involves not only recruiting people and acquiring equipment but also vacating the annex building where the Emergency Department is currently located."

Chen Zhenxing shot him a look. "You’re aware of all these problems, yet you still want to do it?"

Zhou Shuwen said nothing, merely offering a placating smile.

He had his own aspirations regarding this matter, but it truly involved too many complexities and genuinely required Chen Zhenxing to weigh the options. This was far more complicated than the hospital acquiring a new CT or MRI machine; the amount of funding needed was immense.

"Go focus on your work for now. I need to give this matter serious consideration," Chen Zhenxing said after a moment of silence.

Zhou Shuwen nodded and said nothing more.

On the way to his own office, Zhou Shuwen found himself thinking about Liu Banxia. That kid is really a handful.

He directly dialed Shi Lei’s number. "Have Liu Banxia come to my office."

Holding the phone, Shi Lei gave a wry smile. The Director hung up before I could even say a word. He’s definitely in a mood. Shoutian, whether this is a blessing or a curse, you’ll have to find out for yourself._{fre.eweb novel\.c om}

"Boss, why is the Director calling for me? Did you snitch on me?" Liu Banxia was also a bit bewildered.

"How would I know? Just go. It’s not like you can run away, can you?" Shi Lei said helplessly.

"Ah... this is so worrying," Liu Banxia muttered, but still had to trudge over to Director Zhou’s office.

He was genuinely worried. He figured he was going to be reprimanded for what happened in Pediatrics. Actually, a reprimand itself wasn’t the main concern; he was worried it would leave a bad impression and cost him the chance to stay at the hospital.

"Director, Liu Banxia reporting."

Seeing that the door to Director Zhou’s office wasn’t closed made him feel even more apprehensive.

"You’re quite something, aren’t you? Is our Second Hospital too small to hold you?" Director Zhou said lightly.

"Director, I admit my mistake. I shouldn’t have gone to Pediatrics. No... I mean, I shouldn’t have disrespected Associate Chief Physician Chen Hongyang," Liu Banxia said hurriedly.

"Can you change next time?" Director Zhou asked, looking at him.

"Uh... that might be difficult."

Liu Banxia had wanted to say "Yes," but under Director Zhou’s intense gaze, the truth slipped out. He regretted it as soon as he said it. Why was he so spineless in front of Director Zhou?

"I knew you wouldn’t be able to change. As the saying goes, ’It’s easier to change rivers and mountains than to alter a person’s nature.’ At least you told the truth," Director Zhou said.

"Director, I genuinely realize my mistake. Dr. Shi has already criticized me. Next time, I’ll be sure to steer clear," Liu Banxia promised.

"Tell me, what are your thoughts on the residency program at our Second Hospital?" Director Zhou posed another question.

This troubled Liu Banxia even more.

Should I lie? I don’t know if I’d get away with it. But if I tell the truth? My words would probably be quite harsh.

Director Zhou remained silent, just watching him quietly.

Liu Banxia steeled himself. "Director, if you’re asking me, I’d say our Second Hospital’s residency program isn’t very successful right now. Even setting aside my personal experiences, I estimate that more than half of the other resident physicians feel the same way."

"The resident physicians in our hospital fall into three categories. One is from Binhai Medical College. Another consists of those sent by local hospitals for sponsored training. Then there are people like me, recruited externally through open applications."

"You can observe this yourself, Director. Those from Binhai Medical College are the ’insiders’; they have a better chance of securing a position at the Second Hospital. For those on sponsored training, it doesn’t really matter either way, as they’ll return to their original hospitals. And what about those of us recruited externally? Apart from those with connections, the prospects for the rest of us are uncertain."

"Uncertain? Yet you’ve said it, haven’t you?" Director Zhou glared at him.

Liu Banxia could only manage a forced smile. This director was too hard to please.

"It’s a good thing to be able to treat illnesses and save lives, and to think of the patients first. However, in many situations, you must act within your capabilities. Your skills are not yet comprehensive, and what you believe to be the optimal course of action may not necessarily be so. Alright, you may go back now," Director Zhou said.

"Thank you, Director Zhou." Liu Banxia bowed.

As he reached the door, he suddenly spun around. "Director, I... do I still have a chance to assist you in surgery? Or even just observe?"

Director Zhou was taken aback. He hadn’t expected this fellow to still be thinking about surgery at a time like this.

Before he could respond, Liu Banxia had already dashed off and disappeared.

Director Zhou was both exasperated and amused. He also felt for Shi Lei. It must be tough supervising such an erratic subordinate.