Surgeons Episode 40 Recap
> Surgeons Recap
Yang Fan angrily reprimanded his son, Yang Zixuan, for causing trouble again, particularly for getting into a fight that attracted the police. Yang Fan criticized Yang Zixuan for focusing only on his dissertation and exercising just to fight, suggesting he should be arrested to prevent further problems. Yang Zixuan defended himself, stating he intervened because the other party had hit Dr. Lu Chenxi first, and he felt compelled to defend her as hospital staff couldn't use force.
Yang Fan sternly ordered Yang Zixuan to leave the hospital and threatened to post his picture in the security office, instructing guards to remove him if he returned. Yang Zixuan cheekily responded that he had a good relationship with the security staff, who were like brothers to him, before leaving.
It was later revealed that Chang Dalin's son, the patient's family member involved in the conflict, had calmed down and recognized his error in hitting Lu Chenxi, acknowledging Yang Zixuan's actions were understandable. Both parties decided not to pursue further action against each other. Feeling aggrieved by his father's scolding, Yang Zixuan sought refuge in the emergency department to continue his research, confessing to Chen Shaocong that he couldn't face his father's endless nagging.
Lin Huan and her lawyer returned to Renhe Hospital for another round of mediation. The hospital's expert panel concluded that Lin Hao's death was unrelated to an HIV-positive patient or the presence of drug-resistant bacterial strains, which were considered normal during the disaster relief efforts when patient numbers exceeded capacity. They also found no medical malpractice in Lin Hao's surgery, post-operative care, or resuscitation.
Renhe Hospital, therefore, asserted no direct connection to Lin Hao's death but offered ¥20,000 as humanitarian compensation. Lin Huan's lawyer rejected the findings and demanded ¥300,000, along with a public apology published in city-wide newspapers. As the negotiations reached an impasse, Lin Huan's lawyer privately sought out the Chief of Medical Services, who stated he could represent the hospital as Dean Yang would not meet them.
The lawyer then presented a photograph of Yang Zixuan's altercation with a patient's family member. The lawyer highlighted that Yang Zixuan was Dean Yang's son and an intern at Pioneer Medical Treatment Corporation, a major supplier of medical equipment to Renhe. He insinuated that this normal business relationship might conceal improper dealings, suggesting that the hospital prioritized Jiang Shouren, the father of a Pioneer executive, and neglected other patients.
He threatened to post the photo online, hoping public opinion would draw attention from higher authorities to the "special relationship" between Pioneer and Renhe. Dean Yang, now present, found himself in a difficult position. He reluctantly agreed to the ¥300,000 compensation but refused to publish an apology, citing the hospital's innocence and the severe damage an apology would cause to its reputation.
The lawyer countered by asking if the damage from an apology was greater than that from the photo going viral, giving Yang Fan one day to decide. Following the mediation, Lin Huan called her lawyer, expressing her disapproval of his methods. She clarified that her primary goal was to seek justice for her father, not to extort money.
She likened her lawyer's tactics to those of medical protesters who block hospital entrances, believing it had nothing to do with her father's death. Her lawyer argued that their legal position was weak, and reconciliation with compensation was the best solution, especially since Dean Yang was willing to pay. He found Lin Huan's insistence on an apology frustrating. Later, Lin Huan called Zhuang Shu to inform him that she would be filing a lawsuit against Renhe Hospital.
She also disclosed her lawyer's use of Yang Zixuan's photo to threaten Dean Yang, expressing her dismay at such an underhanded tactic, stating it was not her intention and she only sought an apology from the hospital. Zhuang Shu was visibly upset by this revelation. Meanwhile, Zhuang Shu and Chu Jun went to check on Jiang Shouren, where Chu Jun recognized him as Dr. Jiang from Taoshan Area Hospital, who had treated her for pharyngitis when she was a child.
Zhuang Shu left Chu Jun to chat with Jiang Shouren. Jiang Shouren confided in Chu Jun that he felt like a mediocre doctor, having only treated minor illnesses in his seventy years of practice. Chu Jun reassured him, reminding him that she still considered him an expert. Jiang Shouren was touched that a former patient remembered him after so many years, finding a sense of achievement, satisfaction, and pride in it.
He then asked Chu Jun for the honest truth about his condition. After his call with Lin Huan, Zhuang Shu composed himself and discussed Jiang Shouren's condition with Lu Chenxi. Lu Chenxi admitted she had less than a 30% chance of success with Jiang Shouren's surgery and felt immense pressure.
Zhuang Shu reminded her that doctors also save lives from the brink of death, not just deliver bad news, and urged her to inform the family and convince them to proceed with the surgery. Lu Chenxi questioned why Zhuang Shu was now encouraging her to take risks, unlike when he advised her to protect herself during Liu Ling's case. Zhuang Shu explained that he understood her better now and knew she would never give up.
Zhuang Shu and Lu Chenxi then went to Jiang Shouren's room to discuss the surgery with him and his son, Jiang Zong. Lu Chenxi explained that the tumor could rupture at any moment, complicated by a tracheoesophageal fistula, making this the only viable time for surgery despite the significant risks. She honestly stated that she had no prior experience with such a surgery, so its success rate could be either zero or one hundred percent.
Jiang Shouren, after hearing their candid assessment, decided to undergo the surgery. He then dictated a notarized document to Jiang Zong, stating that he, Jiang Shouren, was unconditionally requesting the surgery and that his family would not hold the lead surgeon or the hospital accountable for any consequences, including death or complications.
He also requested Lu Chenxi to meticulously document every detail of the surgery, successful or not, including any mistakes or failures, for the learning and research of Jialin Medical University students. He considered this his contribution as a lifelong doctor to overcoming difficult diseases. Lu Chenxi, deeply moved by Jiang Shouren's selflessness and dedication, felt tears well up in her eyes.
She promised to do her utmost in the surgery, recognizing Jiang Shouren as an exceptional doctor whose spirit made her feel the unique happiness of wearing a white coat. Fearing the negative publicity from the photo, Yang Fan approached Jiang Zong, urging him to transfer his father to another hospital, even suggesting one in Beijing. Jiang Zong was distraught, protesting that he had already signed the consent form for surgery.
Yang Fan emphasized the powerful impact of public sensationalism, explaining that Yang Zixuan's dual identity as his son and a Pioneer intern would link the hospital and the corporation in an unfavorable light, potentially leading to government scrutiny and jeopardizing their operations. Jiang Zong was torn, acknowledging his father's critical condition and Lu Chenxi's assessment that immediate surgery was necessary. Yang Fan left him to ponder the decision, giving him half a day to consider.
Worried about their father, Chang Dalin's children discussed Lu Chenxi's care, fearing she might retaliate by abandoning his case or assigning a less capable doctor after the earlier altercation. Zhuang Shu overheard their concerns and took Chang Dalin's son to visit Lu Chenxi's "most important patient"—her mother, who was still in a coma.
There, they overheard Lu Chenxi's mother, in her confused state, speak to Zhuang Shu as if he were her son, urging him to bring his family back from the States and prioritize his family life over his career. Hearing this, Chang Dalin's son was overcome with remorse, realizing Lu Chenxi's profound personal sacrifice. Later, Lu Chenxi visited Chang Dalin's ward.
Addressing Chang Dalin's son directly, she reassured him that she was the most suitable person to care for his father and would not hold his past actions against him. She also informed him of his father's improved condition and explained the necessity of the ventilator. Chang Dalin's son, humbled and apologetic, expressed newfound trust in her and promised to act more rationally in the future. Lu Chenxi, despite his earlier aggression, advised him on how to care for his dislocated arm to prevent future complications.
