Super Doctor - Chapter 147

“Good, this is a good method… Let’s settle the ownership of this patient and the research topic through a debate!” Hearing Zhang Lide’s proposal, Dean Ou’s furrowed brow relaxed slightly. He thought to himself that this move was clever—the losing side would have no grounds for complaint, saving him a great deal of trouble. With a relieved smile, he nodded in agreement.

Beside him, Vice Dean Qian and Minister Sun sighed inwardly. It seemed the decision was made, and the emergency department was almost certainly going to lose. They thought, “Old Qu, it’s not that we aren’t helping you, but this is as far as we can go. If you lose, there’s nothing more we can do.”

Seeing Zhang Lide’s smug expression, Director Qu also let out a sigh. Since things had come to this, there was no point in further argument. A debate it would be… They could only do their best. If they still fell short, then so be it.

With that in mind, he turned to look at his team behind him. Seeing their gloomy expressions, he forced a smile and encouraged them, “Since Director Zhang has proposed a debate, even though our emergency department can’t compare to internal medicine in terms of manpower or seniority, we have no choice but to accept. Let’s brace ourselves and learn from our esteemed seniors…”

Though his words sounded like encouragement, they carried an implicit jab at the internal medicine team for bullying the younger, less experienced doctors. Zhang Lide and the other department heads flushed with embarrassment, coughing awkwardly to mask their discomfort.

Vice Dean Qian and Minister Sun, standing nearby, couldn’t help but show disdain. It was true—four senior attending physicians against one attending physician, two residents, two junior doctors, and… one intern without even a license. The imbalance was glaring. It was outright intimidation.

But Zhang Lide, having climbed his way to the position of chief of internal medicine, was thick-skinned. He had no intention of letting Director Qu continue his veiled mockery. Clearing his throat, he said, “Well… Since no one objects, let’s begin!”

Then, with a smirk at Director Qu’s darkened expression, he added, “Director Qu, since your team has been managing this Guillain-Barré syndrome patient and was the first to diagnose it, you must be very familiar with the disease. How about we ask the questions first, and you provide the explanations? Then we can switch. A debate is about showcasing expertise to determine the winner. What do you say?”

Director Qu, already resigned to the possibility of defeat, snorted coldly. “It doesn’t matter. However you want to do it, our emergency department—young and old—will face it head-on.”

“Good… Then here’s our first question!” Zhang Lide, still slightly red-faced from the earlier taunts, turned to Neurology Department Chief Li Huaming, who was sitting behind him, and nodded.

Li Huaming smiled lightly and asked, “It’s widely known that Guillain-Barré syndrome is triggered by infections… But are there other possible causes? Is there a seasonal pattern? And what is its primary pathological mechanism?”

The emergency department team frowned. The question was deliberately tricky. Guillain-Barré syndrome had only recently appeared in national medical journals, with limited detailed data. The emergency department had only encountered their first case two days ago—how could they possibly analyze it so thoroughly?

However, Director Qu, as an experienced attending physician, wasn’t intimidated. He had spent the past two days meticulously studying the case and reviewing literature, piecing together some conclusions—though without solid evidence, he hadn’t voiced them yet.

After a brief pause, he answered firmly, “As a newly identified disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome is currently attributed to a delayed hypersensitivity immune response following nonspecific infections. The primary pathology involves widespread inflammation of the peripheral nerves. Most cases occur 1-4 weeks after an upper respiratory infection. Given this pattern, it can occur year-round. However, since Country A only recently identified the disease, it suggests a recent surge in cases with distinctive features. Therefore, I believe it’s more prevalent in summer and autumn…”

His analysis drew nods of approval from the audience. Wu Yue and the others exhaled in relief, thinking, “The chief is the chief—his experience really shows. He managed to deduce all that!”

Even Xu Ze, standing at the back, nodded in silent admiration. Director Qu’s analysis was remarkably close to the knowledge he had acquired from his own studies—only missing a couple of minor points.

Li Huaming’s eyes flickered with respect, but he pressed on with a smile. “Does Director Qu or anyone from the emergency department have anything to add?”

Director Qu frowned, pondering carefully before shaking his head. “No. Based on the available data, that’s all I can conclude.”

Wu Yue and the others also shook their heads. If even Director Qu couldn’t elaborate further, what more could they add? Xu Ze remained silent, watching calmly.

“Director Qu’s experience is indeed impressive, to have deduced so much,” Li Huaming said with a chuckle. Then, with a self-satisfied grin, he added, “But I do have a few additional points…”

Director Qu’s eyes darkened. So the internal medicine team came fully prepared. They even have more to say.

“As Director Qu mentioned, Guillain-Barré syndrome is a delayed hypersensitivity immune disorder. But aside from nonspecific infections, there’s another significant possibility—vaccination.”

“Vaccination?” Director Qu froze, then sighed bitterly. How could I have missed that? What a shame…

Xu Ze was also taken aback. No wonder this hospital ranks among the top five in the country. They actually figured that out too. Wu Yue and the others exchanged dismayed glances. They had been so close, yet still lost this round.

Dean Ou, pleased with the intellectual display, nodded. “Well done. Internal medicine wins the first round. Next question goes to the emergency department.”

Having already lost one round, Director Qu couldn’t afford another defeat. Taking a deep breath, he considered his options. This is our hospital’s first Guillain-Barré case—only our team has handled it. Surely there are subtle clinical signs the internal medicine team wouldn’t know?

With a composed smile, he said, “Since we’ve covered etiology and pathology, let’s move on to symptoms and clinical signs.”

Li Huaming and Zhang Lide exchanged a knowing glance, then gestured for General Internal Medicine Chief Li Qijiang to take over.

Li Qijiang smiled confidently. “Since Director Qu has posed the question, allow me to answer. Please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.”

His relaxed demeanor made Director Qu’s heart sink. Did they really research this thoroughly too?

“Guillain-Barré syndrome typically presents 1-3 weeks post-infection with sudden, severe radicular pain (commonly in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and legs), acute progressive symmetric limb weakness, subjective sensory disturbances, and diminished or absent tendon reflexes.”

“Specific manifestations include:

1. Motor deficits: Limb and trunk paralysis are the hallmark symptoms, usually starting in the lower limbs and ascending to the trunk, upper limbs, and cranial nerves. Proximal weakness often exceeds distal, with hypotonia. Respiratory, swallowing, or vocal cord involvement can lead to respiratory failure, dysphagia, or dysphonia, which may be life-threatening.

2. Sensory deficits: Generally mild, primarily affecting superficial sensation.

3. Reflex abnormalities: Symmetrically reduced or absent tendon reflexes in all limbs.”

Li Qijiang paused, smiling at Director Qu. “Would you like to add anything, Director Qu?”

Director Qu’s face darkened further. Every detail Li Qijiang mentioned matched their own observations over the past two days—exactly.

They’ve already uncovered all our cards. No wonder they were so confident in making this move… This time, our emergency department is truly cornered.

Seeing Director Qu’s grim expression and the dejected looks of his team, the internal medicine group smirked in triumph. The emergency department had no chance left.

Li Qijiang pressed on smugly, “Director Qu, any additions?”

Director Qu stared blankly at them, then shook his head.

With that, Li Qijiang grinned. “Since the emergency department has no further input, and you’ve lost two rounds, perhaps we can conclude this debate?”

Director Qu sighed softly, knowing the battle was lost. But he remained silent, staring at the ceiling.

Zhang Lide laughed heartily. “Since Director Qu has nothing more to say, internal medicine wins! As agreed, the patient and research topic now belong to us!”

Vice Dean Qian and Minister Sun exchanged resigned glances. The internal medicine veterans had played their hand too well—the emergency department never stood a chance.

Dean Ou, ready to declare the outcome, was interrupted by a clear, calm voice from the back of the emergency department group:

“Excuse me… May I add a few points?”