Super Doctor - Chapter 146

The group of internal medicine directors, including Zhang Lide, had initially taken one look at Xu Ze—young, fresh-faced, and every bit the greenhorn—and quietly smirked to themselves. If this kid makes even the slightest blunder, we’ll have quite the show to enjoy.

But to their surprise, despite his youth, Xu Ze faced the hospital’s top leaders with calm confidence. After a brief pause, he began recounting the patient’s medical history—clear, articulate, and methodical, every word precise and easy to follow.

Add to that his naturally pleasant demeanor, the composed smile that occasionally surfaced, and his smooth, magnetic voice, and soon even President Ou and President Qian were nodding along, their expressions full of approval.

The smugness among the internal medicine team quickly evaporated. Gone was their earlier anticipation of watching a farce unfold.

Nearby, Director Qu let out a quiet sigh of relief, smiling at Xu Ze with an encouraging nod. The other four doctors, including Wu Yue, finally relaxed, their hearts settling back into place. Xu Ze always seemed so casual, not one for many words—who knew he was not only capable but also so articulate? His delivery was flawless.

Buoyed by their reactions, Xu Ze grew even more confident and fluid in his presentation:

“The patient was transferred to our hospital five days ago. Due to the unclear etiology, they were placed under observation in our department. The patient had a history of pulmonary infection four weeks prior but no other significant medical history. After admission, routine examinations showed no obvious abnormalities. The primary consideration was fatigue of unknown origin, with possible myasthenia gravis.”

“After three days of treatment, the patient’s condition stabilized but showed no marked improvement. At that point, Director Qu Zhiquan, our department head, was consulted. Following a thorough examination, Director Qu raised the possibility of a newly identified condition abroad: Guillain-Barré syndrome. A lumbar puncture was immediately performed, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed clear albuminocytologic dissociation.”

Xu Ze paused briefly before continuing.

“Combining the patient’s prior infection history, pre-onset limb and neck pain, and the current progressive muscle weakness starting in the lower limbs—along with the CSF findings—Director Qu confirmed the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome. After discussion with our full team, an effective treatment plan was established.”

“After two days of treatment, the patient has shown improvement. The muscle weakness has not progressed further, and lower limb strength has increased from grade 0 to grade 1—the patient can now move and even lift their legs in bed. That concludes the medical history report.”

With a composed smile, Xu Ze sat back down.

President Ou gave him an approving glance before turning to Director Qu. “Any additions, Director Qu?”

Qu Zhiquan was more than satisfied. Xu Ze had tactfully credited him with identifying the condition, preserving his authority while also earning him face. Pleased, he nodded. “Dr. Xu’s report was thorough. No further details are needed.”

“Indeed—a strong leader breeds capable subordinates. Well done, Director Qu. The emergency department is clearly full of talent,” President Ou praised, visibly impressed.

Hearing this, Zhang Lide’s expression darkened. He had assumed the young doctor would falter, giving him a chance to embarrass the emergency department. Instead, Xu Ze’s eloquence had won over President Ou, tipping the scales in their favor.

If President Ou sides with the emergency department, what chance does internal medicine have?

Suppressing his frustration, Zhang Lide smoothly interjected, “President Ou, now that we’ve heard the report, perhaps we should examine the patient?”

“Good idea. Let’s all go take a look,” President Ou agreed.

The group promptly rose and followed the leadership into the patient’s room.

The patient and their family, seeing yet another crowd of doctors, greeted them warmly, recognizing Director Qu and Xu Ze. “Director Qu, Dr. Xu, you’re back!”

Qu Zhiquan smiled. “These are our hospital leaders—President Ou, President Qian, and Minister Sun. They’re here to examine and consult on your case.”

“Oh! To have such important figures come personally—we’re truly grateful!” The patient and family were moved. This major hospital really is different—far better than the small city hospitals. Not only is the medical skill top-notch, but the care is exceptional. Even the president comes to check in!

President Ou exchanged a few kind words, asking about the patient’s comfort and any inconveniences, before conducting a brief examination. Confirming Xu Ze’s report, he reassured the patient that further consultations would ensure the best care before leading the group back to the office.

Now that he had seen the patient, President Ou had a clearer picture—but it only deepened his dilemma. The emergency department’s treatment had clearly been effective, but their resources were limited. Transferring the case to neurology might yield even better results. Yet, taking it away now would undermine the emergency team’s efforts and morale.

The room tensed as everyone awaited his decision.

Seizing the moment, Zhang Lide spoke up. “Director Qu, our neurology department could have devised the same treatment plan—and with our specialized expertise, we could do even better. This patient should be transferred to us.”

Qu Zhiquan bristled. “Director Zhang, we’ve already confirmed the diagnosis and treated the patient for two days with clear improvement. The approval is already in place. For you to step in now is outright overreach!”

“That’s not how this works,” Zhang Lide retorted coolly. “Specialization matters. Neurology is the proper department for Guillain-Barré syndrome—it involves nerves, infections, immunology. How can your understaffed emergency department handle it alone?”

The other internal medicine directors chimed in, nodding vigorously. “Exactly! Director Qu, this is reckless. Are you saying our combined specialties are inferior to your emergency department?”

Flushed with anger, Qu Zhiquan shot back, “Results speak for themselves. Our patient improved in under two days. Could your department do better in the same time?”

Wu Yue and the other emergency doctors nodded in agreement, though they dared not speak up—this was a battle of directors, and junior staff had no place in it.

As the argument escalated, the hospital leaders exchanged weary glances. Without a decisive ruling, this could drag on indefinitely.

President Ou was torn. He had initially leaned toward internal medicine, but the emergency department’s dedication was undeniable—Qu Zhiquan had personally overseen the case, and even a rotating resident like Xu Ze had presented flawlessly. Taking the patient away now would crush their morale.

Yet, internal medicine was the hospital’s backbone. Zhang Lide carried more weight than Qu Zhiquan, and with so many departments backing him, refusing them would cause even greater turmoil.

Vice President Qian and Minister Sun remained silent. They had already supported the emergency department in the meeting. Pushing further now would only provoke Zhang Lide’s ire.

A seasoned strategist, Zhang Lide saw the hesitation and decided to force the issue.

“Director Qu, since we’re at an impasse, let’s settle this openly. Let’s debate Guillain-Barré syndrome—whoever presents the stronger case takes the research project.”

A smug gleam flashed in the internal medicine directors’ eyes. This was their trump card. They had spent days pooling their expertise—over a dozen seasoned physicians researching the disease’s origins, pathology, and treatments, dissecting every angle. They were fully prepared to crush the emergency department in a battle of knowledge.

Qu Zhiquan’s heart sank. The challenge was a trap. Internal medicine had the numbers, the experience, and undoubtedly spies who had leaked their treatment plans. In a theoretical debate, the emergency team stood no chance.

But with President Ou and the others watching, refusal wasn’t an option. He could only steel himself and accept.

The emergency doctors’ faces darkened. Their opponents were veterans—chief and associate directors with decades of experience, countless publications, and razor-sharp tongues. Outmanned and outgunned, how could they possibly win?

Amid the tension, only Xu Ze remained unshaken, his calm gaze fixed on the internal medicine team—a faint, icy smile playing at his lips.