Chapter 229 - 153: Dr. Jiang
In Europe and America, doctors don't hesitate to tell patients the truth.
But in China, the concepts of clan and family-led medical decisions are issues no clinician can avoid.
Jiang He was silent for two seconds.
In his past life, he had suffered countless setbacks because of such problems. He had seen countless doctor-patient conflicts—and even family melodramas played out in hospital wards—erupt from poor communication.
"I would take a gradual approach, Professor, just like our step-up therapy method."
"In China, the family's wishes must be respected. Forcibly bypassing the family to inform the patient can easily trigger a crisis of trust between the doctor and patient."
"So, I would first communicate with the family. I'd make it clear to them that in today's information-rich society, the patient's own physical decline cannot be hidden. Insisting on hiding the truth will only worsen the patient's panic and suspicion."
"Next, I would probe the patient's psychological limits. I would tell them that we need to proceed with more intensive treatment, conveying the gravity of the situation."
"The core of medical ethics, in my opinion, is the principle of non-maleficence. If the truth would instantly destroy the patient's will to live, then I would shift my focus from cure to symptom control. I would assure them that no matter how the illness progresses, I will do everything in my power to alleviate their suffering..."
Wang Xiaoqing listened, captivated.
She had supervised many graduate students. When faced with this kind of question, they would typically just recite the textbook answer: "Respect the patient's right to informed consent."
Very few could analyze the intricate web of Chinese society's personal relationships, the family's psychology, the patient's fear, and the doctor's role as a buffer with such clarity as Jiang He.
'He sounds like a seasoned department head with years of hard-won experience.'
"Well said." Wang Xiaoqing couldn't help but nod.
From there, things started to go off script.
What was supposed to be a formal defense for exceptional early graduation...
But as Professor Sun Changming and Wang Xiaoqing's questions delved deeper, Jiang He's answers kept introducing novel perspectives.
Gradually, the questioning turned into a discussion.
"Jiang He, you just mentioned pain management for late-stage pancreatic cancer. What are your thoughts on the current clinical issue of tolerance to high-dose opioids?"
"Professor Sun, I believe we could consider interventional methods, such as a celiac plexus block. It could significantly reduce the required dosage of analgesics..."
"Then regarding step-up therapy for severe acute pancreatitis, what do you think the difference in survival rates is between a minimally invasive approach and traditional open debridement for removing necrotic tissue?"
"That depends on the degree of encapsulation of the infected necrotic area. If..."
Jiang He stood at the podium, calmly parrying the two professors' questions.
He effortlessly cited various professional terms, clinical data, and even predictions for guideline revisions in the coming years.
A student's thesis defense? No, this was clearly a hospital's conference on difficult and complex cases.
Yang Xu sat to the side, seemingly expressionless, but in reality, he was struggling mightily to keep from grinning.
'So damn satisfying.'
'My student... he's too brilliant. So brilliant that... hell, I almost want to call him 'Professor' myself.'
President Qian Suzhi, sitting in the center, glanced down at his watch.
The defense had already run significantly over time.
But he didn't interrupt.
Instead, he picked up his teacup, blew on the floating leaves, and let his gaze sweep over Jiang He on the stage. 'Things were crystal clear to him.'
'This defense was a formality from the very beginning.'
'Last night, Director Lin Zhenhua had personally called him. Although they ostensibly chatted about Southern Medical University's development and the future of medical education, the core message was singular:'
'Jiang He is a talent the country values highly. He needs to be given policy support and room to grow.'
'The top brass had personally given the green light. They had even approved his leadership of the P3 laboratory.'
'So the university was going to stand in his way? Stand in his way my ass.'
'Besides, this Jiang He had just published in a top LNR journal and played a pivotal role in halting the H1N1 outbreak. He was the kind of living advertisement that Southern Medical hadn't been able to find since its founding, not even if they'd searched with a lantern.'
'Of the five people sitting here today, only Professor Sun Changming and Wang Xiaoqing were asking questions out of genuine academic curiosity. The rest, including the Director of Student Affairs Zhang Zhiyuan, were all just here to go through the motions.'
"Ahem."
Qian Suzhi finally put down his teacup.
Professor Sun Changming and Wang Xiaoqing, who were deep in their spirited discussion, stopped. Only then did they realize this wasn't the right setting.
"That's about enough time. I'm sure all the committee members have a clear assessment of student Jiang He's performance. Now, the committee will vote."
Qian Suzhi looked at Professor Sun Changming and Wang Xiaoqing.
Professor Sun Changming nodded decisively. "I vote to pass him."
Wang Xiaoqing also nodded. "I agree."
Qian Suzhi turned to Zhang Zhiyuan. Zhang Zhiyuan said with a wide smile, "Not only should he pass, but based on his overall qualities, I'd say student Jiang He is more than qualified to be our valedictorian."
"Good." Qian Suzhi sat up straight and formally announced, "Jiang He, by the unanimous agreement of the defense committee, you have passed your defense for exceptional early graduation. The university will expedite the processing of your bachelor's diploma and degree certificate. You will receive them before the end of this month. Congratulations."
Jiang He bowed slightly. "Thank you, professors. Thank you, President."
The defense was over.
After a round of congratulations.
Qian Suzhi and Zhang Zhiyuan left first.
Professor Sun Changming and Wang Xiaoqing gathered their documents. After offering Jiang He some more words of encouragement (and making their presence felt), they too left the conference room one after another.
The door closed.
Yang Xu beckoned. "Come, have a seat."
Jiang He pulled out a chair and sat down opposite Yang Xu.
"You did well," Yang Xu said, the pride in his voice unmistakable.
"I had a good teacher," Jiang He replied with a casual compliment.
"Cut the crap. What did I ever teach you?"