Chinese medicine: from rural hospitals to top three hospitals in Kyoto

Chen Yang stood up and walked to the podium.

Today he was wearing a dark Zhongshan suit, his posture was upright, and his young face looked particularly handsome under the spotlight. His eyes were clear and deep, as if they could see into people's hearts.

The audience fell silent instantly, all eyes fixed on the young "Yang God." There was anticipation, scrutiny, admiration, and, as in Xiao Jingyun's eyes, an undisguised and subtle curiosity.

"Dear seniors, colleagues, and contestants."

Chen Yang spoke, his voice clearly carried through the microphone to every corner of the venue, steady and powerful, carrying a composure beyond his years: "Welcome everyone to Kyoto to participate in the finals of the 'Yangshen Cup' Medical Competition."

"Traditional Chinese medicine has a long history and profound knowledge. It is not only a skill for treating diseases and saving lives, but also a philosophy that contains the ultimate truths of the universe. We are holding this competition not to compete for temporary gains or to determine the superiority of any one person."

Chen Yang's gaze slowly swept across the faces of the top 100 contestants below the stage, pausing slightly on Zhuang Qiwen and Yu Shiyun with encouragement, before finally meeting Xiao Jingyun's gaze briefly in the air, without flinching.

"Our goal is to build a platform that allows the wisdom accumulated among the people, the heritage flowing in their blood, and the brilliance shining on the front lines of clinical practice to be showcased. It's not just about 'inheritance,' but also about 'innovation'! It's about enabling traditional Chinese medicine, this ancient discipline, to radiate even stronger vitality in the new era!"

Chen Yang's words resonated deeply: "Therefore, in this final competition, we will be open-minded, not bound by seniority, and without any barriers. Everything will be based on the effectiveness of the treatment, with the ultimate goal of relieving patients' suffering! I hope that in the next few days, everyone can set aside their concerns, fully utilize their knowledge, verify each other's findings, and improve together."

As he spoke, Chen Yang's voice suddenly rose: "Here, I want to remind everyone that I hope everyone will first and foremost remember that they are doctors. Doctors are duty-bound to treat and save lives. Only by adhering to their original intentions and understanding their initial purpose can they go further and further on the path of medicine."

"The judging panel for this final round will score each person based on their specific performance. They will not only consider everyone's medical skills, but also their medical ethics and conduct. Although it is a competition, we do not aim to show off our skills."

Chen Yang's speech was brief yet powerful, without lengthy platitudes, getting straight to the point and clearly conveying his expectations and philosophy for the competition—openness, pragmatism, and efficacy-oriented.

The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause, especially the younger generation of contestants, such as Li Haofei and Liu Xi, whose eyes burned with excitement and encouragement.

Zhuang Qiwen nodded slightly, and Yu Shiyun loosened her grip on his hand a little.

Xiao Jingyun's expression remained unchanged, but a subtle, thoughtful look flashed deep in his eyes.

In fact, Xiao Jingyun knew a little about Chen Yang's medical skills. Chen Yang was indeed very excellent. If Chen Yang could really do what he said, that would be fine. But in Xiao Jingyun's opinion, Chen Yang's words were actually an endorsement of his "unorthodox" practices.

"Alright, enough of this small talk."

Chen Yang returned to his seat on the judging panel: "I hereby announce that the first round of the finals—'Theoretical Analysis'—is now beginning. In this round, the judging panel will randomly select questions, and the contestants will answer and explain their viewpoints. Professor Qiu Yimin will be the main questioner."

The atmosphere in the room instantly became tense.

Qiu Yimin adjusted his glasses, picked up the envelope in front of him, opened it, and took out the questions.

Qiu Yimin, nearly seventy years old, is a senior professor at Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is known for his rigorous scholarship and adherence to classical texts. Chen Yang had met Qiu Yimin a few times before.

"The first question,"

Qiu Yimin's voice carried a scholarly, rigid tone: "Please explain the pathogenesis of 'Shaoyin disease, with a weak and thready pulse and a desire to sleep' in the Treatise on Cold Damage, and, in conjunction with clinical practice, discuss its manifestations and key points of treatment in modern diseases."

As soon as the question was asked, many contestants in the audience frowned slightly.

This question may seem basic, but it is actually quite tricky. It requires not only a deep understanding of the original text of the "Treatise on Cold Damage" but also the ability to connect it to modern diseases. It tests the contestants' ability to apply theory to practice and their skill in applying classical knowledge in a practical way.

A barely perceptible smile played at the corners of Xiao Jingyun's lips; this was precisely his area of ​​expertise. However, he didn't rush to answer, but waited calmly, as if anticipating the younger generation's attempt.

After a brief silence, An Yunfan was the first to press the buzzer.

"Dr. An, please." Qiu Yimin gestured.

An Yunfan stood up and slowly began to speak: "Shaoyin disease is characterized by a weak and thready pulse, accompanied by drowsiness. The core pathogenesis lies in the deficiency of Yang in both the heart and kidneys, resulting in a deficiency of both Yin and Yang. Shaoyin belongs to the heart and kidneys; when Yang Qi is weak, its peristaltic function is insufficient, hence the weak and thready pulse. The spirit is not nourished, hence the lethargy and drowsiness. In modern clinical practice, it is commonly seen in late-stage heart failure, hypothyroidism, certain neurodegenerative diseases, or after a serious or prolonged illness..."

An Yunfan's answer was well-researched and logically structured, correlating traditional pathogenesis with modern medical terminology, demonstrating a solid theoretical foundation and broad knowledge, which won unanimous approval from the judges and contestants.

Qiu Yimin also expressed his approval: "Dr. An's arguments are rigorous, combining Chinese and Western medicine, demonstrating considerable skill. Please have a seat."

An Yunfan sat down calmly.

Xiao Jingyun nodded slightly, satisfied with An Yunfan's answer; this was the proper demeanor of the orthodox school of classical Chinese medicine.

Following this, the second and third questions were posed, covering multiple areas such as febrile diseases and the *Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber*, with the difficulty gradually increasing. Li Haofei, Liu Xi, and several other capable middle-aged doctors eagerly answered, demonstrating commendable skills.

The academic atmosphere in the venue was strong, and debates gradually broke out.

Zhuang Qiwen remained silent, observing and waiting.

Yu Shiyun seemed a little nervous, and hesitated several times before pressing the buzzer. Her palms were already sweaty.

Qiu Yimin turned to the next question, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes. This question was one that he and several "old friends" had carefully prepared.

"Question 4: Please analyze the following case—"

Qiu Yimin slowly read aloud, “Patient, female, 40 years old. Recurrent low-grade fever for three months, with body temperature fluctuating between 37.5°C and 38°C, worse in the afternoon, accompanied by hot palms and soles, irritability, insomnia, dry mouth but no desire to drink, red tongue with little coating, and thready and rapid pulse. She has consulted doctors many times, and the use of antibiotics and conventional heat-clearing and yin-nourishing Chinese medicine has not been effective. Please analyze her core pathogenesis and formulate a treatment plan.”

After reading the title, Qiu Yimin added, "The key to this case is to analyze the nature of the fever and why conventional methods of clearing heat and nourishing yin are ineffective. We need to break out of our conventional thinking."

As soon as the question was posed, a slight commotion arose from the audience.

Many contestants frowned, deep in thought. This was indeed a tricky case; it appeared to be a case of yin deficiency with fever, but the treatment was ineffective, indicating that the pathogenesis was not so simple.

Xiao Jingyun also focused his mind slightly, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest, clearly thinking quickly.

Yu Shiyun's eyes widened slightly as she looked at the title. This case... she seemed to have seen a similar record in the family's ancestral medical record book!

Yu Shiyun's heart pounded, and she subconsciously reached out to press the buzzer, but her fingers hovered in mid-air. Seeing so many experts and professors around her deep in thought, she became timid again.

Can someone like me, who doesn't even have a medical license, really do this? What if I say something wrong? What if I embarrass Director Chen?

Just as Shi Yun hesitated, Zhuang Qiwen moved and calmly pressed the buzzer.