Practicing Medical Skills in a Small Clinic-Chapter 197 - 132: The Doctor Fell Ill from the Patient’s Troubles, Compromise Solution_3

Face can be so harmful sometimes.

The more status one has, the more they value their face.

Especially those involved in academic and medical research, it's even more so.

Ancient civil servants dared to bang their heads against the pillars of the palace when their advice couldn't sway the emperor, ready to accept their fate.

It's not that they didn't cherish their lives, but that they had the dignity of scholars, valuing face more than life.

Director Lian was led all the way to the study.

"Old Yang, Lian Tao is here to see you!" 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Director Lian hurriedly walked to the bedside, only to see Director Yang's face sallow like gold paper, with a few books placed beside the pillow.

Practical Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine Handbook, Infectious Diseases, 100 Cases of Diarrhea of Uncertain Diagnosis...

Seeing this, Director Yang may be sick physically, but his mind is still on that infant.

He has been flipping through books and doing research in the past few days.

Infectious Diseases is a textbook, a new edition; it seems Director Yang either bought it from a bookstore or borrowed it from someone.

"Teacher, are you feeling better? I just returned today and heard you were ill, so I rushed over after work." Director Lian slightly bent to observe Director Yang's condition.

The medical profession still holds much respect for their academic mentors.

"You two have a chat first!"

Director Yang's wife knows her husband values his face, leaving the space for the mentor and student.

"Ah, this time I've really lost face big time!"

Director Yang sighed deeply.

"It's nothing to worry about; doctors are human too, not gods. It's perfectly normal to encounter perplexing illnesses and fail to pinpoint their causes. Many have made wrong diagnoses before; this is much better than misdiagnosis or overlooking the condition. If the family had cooperated, with your skills, you certainly would have found the real cause."

Director Lian could only try to comfort his mentor.

At this point, what Director Yang needed was just a way out.

"Lian Tao, have you looked at the case? I've been pondering it these past few days, and only two possibilities come to mind. It's either neurogenic diarrhea or food-induced allergies."

Director Yang lying in bed flipping through books wasn't in vain.

After thorough reasoning, he concluded two possible causes.

"After reviewing the information, I suspect it might be cow's milk protein allergy. Since the child had no issues before half a year old, but developed problems after transitioning to supplementary feeding. Cow's milk protein allergy is not uncommon in infants but is particularly prone to misdiagnosis and oversight. Especially since this infant is already malnourished, the disease course is exceptionally long, and the symptoms vary greatly, leading people to suspect bacterial dysentery easily.

But because of your insistence on conducting stool cultures three times with negative results, multiple suspected causes were ruled out."

Director Lian placed emphasis on affirming the importance of investigating stool samples.

Don't think a student's words lack weight.

A student as excellent as Director Lian may have already surpassed his mentor in status and authority.

"Is that what you think too?"

Director Yang's spirits lifted upon hearing that the student also believed it likely to be food allergy-induced.

"My diagnostic opinion largely aligns with yours; food allergy is the most probable explanation."

"Initially, I too was misled by the pediatric hospital's treatment process. If the family had been more patient, I definitely could have found the real cause."

Director Yang would only say such explanatory words to a trusted student.

Consider it having someone to confide in.

"But our current speculation is useless! The family already doesn't trust us and forcefully discharged two days ago."

It's clear Director Yang also wants to persuade the family to bring the child back for continued treatment, restoring his face.

There's actually no need to persist with such effort.

Perhaps the family spread unfavorable rumors about him within the department, especially the phrase claiming they only do stool checks, deeply hurt the old director's pride.

Director Lian decided to help his mentor resolve this issue.

The one who ties the knot must untie it.

The family must be found.

"Teacher, before coming, I called the family."

"What did the family say?"

Director Yang, originally bedridden from illness, instantly sat up, clenching his teeth.

His demeanor was quite excited, with expectations in his eyes.

"The family said... they are already healed. It seems they were treated at a clinic; I'm just worried the small clinic outside might resort to extreme measures, using some dangerous medicines on that infant. Otherwise, how could it be cured in just two days?"

Director Lian expressed his concerns.

"The most unreliable place is the clinic. If it really is food allergy, even if treated at a big hospital like ours, it would take at least half a month to see actual effects. Did the family say which clinic?"

Director Yang is indeed a very caring old doctor.

Upon hearing the family sought treatment at a clinic, he seemed particularly anxious.

He genuinely felt concerned for that child.

"Uh... during the first call with the family, they seemed to mention Sunshine Clinic, assuming I was a doctor there, which led to a very enthusiastic and friendly attitude. I assume the treatment might be at this clinic."

Director Lian recalled and remembered.

"We must phone the family immediately and strongly advise them not to believe the nonsense from clinic doctors. Persuading them to return to our hospital for treatment would be ideal."

For someone who cares about face like Director Yang, he definitely won't make the call himself.

Otherwise, if scolded again by the family, he might immediately need hospitalization for emergency care.

He intended for Director Lian to make the call.

"Teacher, honestly, the family's attitude towards our hospital is somewhat hostile. I made two calls, both times scolded and then hung up. They even threatened to file complaints if I dared disturb them again."

Director Lian dared not make a third call.

Reaching his level and status, there's no need to make himself suffer.

"Truly, why is this child's family so stubborn?"

Director Yang frowned, clearly pondering solutions.

"Sunshine Clinic? The name does sound somewhat familiar! Is it a local clinic?"

Director Lian already took out his phone and started searching on the map.

"Got it, located at 177 Old Street of South City. Judging by the clinic's exterior displayed on the map, it's likely one of those notorious shady clinics. Look, the cheap printed sign, very old, and a small facade."

Director Lian showed the phone screen to Director Yang.

"Why don't we go there now and discuss with the clinic owner?"

Director Yang's suggestion sounded somewhat childish.

"How will you discuss?"

Director Lian remained steady, unwilling to go along with the teacher's antics.

"First, inquire with the clinic owner. Aren't small clinics all about money? I'll give the owner some money, and they'll persuade the family to bring the child back to People's Hospital for treatment."

Director Yang wasn't just messing around; he had thought of a compromise solution.