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

Just then, Chen Yang picked up the microphone in front of him.

"Please be quiet."

Chen Yang's voice wasn't loud, but it seemed to possess a strange magic, penetrating the noise and clearly reaching everyone's ears.

The room gradually quieted down, and everyone wanted to hear how this young chief judge would explain this "absurd" decision.

Chen Yang stood up, walked to the front of the stage, and calmly swept his gaze across the entire audience.

That gaze seemed to pierce through people's hearts, gradually bringing a sense of oppressive silence to the restless meeting room.

"I know that this result has surprised many people."

Chen Yang spoke, his voice steady: "In fact, it has angered and puzzled many people, who believe that we have been unfair and that there is something fishy going on."

After a pause, Chen Yang frankly admitted: "If we only look at the 'result,' contestant Xiao Jingyun did make a major mistake in the clinical practice segment, which almost caused irreparable consequences. There is no doubt about that."

His admission quieted the murmurs from the audience somewhat.

"but,"

Chen Yang abruptly changed the subject, his voice suddenly becoming forceful: "Our 'Yang Shen Cup' Medical Competition selects talents in traditional Chinese medicine! It selects a doctor's comprehensive abilities, potential, and character! Not a perfect performance that never makes a mistake!"

"Medicine, especially traditional Chinese medicine, deals with the incredibly complex human body and life. There has never been a miracle doctor who can cure all diseases, nor has there ever been a master who never makes a mistake. Any doctor, in their long medical career, may encounter complex situations beyond their comprehension and may make judgments that are not optimal."

Chen Yang's gaze deepened: "The key issue is not whether we make mistakes, but how we face them. Do we give up and refuse to acknowledge our mistakes, or do we dare to confront them, reflect deeply, learn from them, and grow?"

Chen Yang turned his gaze to Xiao Jingyun in the contestant's seat: "Xiao Jingyun, I think some of the judges and staff present witnessed your behavior after the incident."

"He did not shirk responsibility or make excuses. He rushed to the hospital immediately, faced the consequences head-on, and deeply reflected on and examined his mistakes. Doesn't this courage and this reverence for medicine and life deserve our respect?"

In the meeting room, many people's gazes shifted. In particular, those doctors who had clinical experience and knew the difficulties of medicine showed thoughtful expressions.

"Let's get back to the competition itself."

Chen Yang continued, "Let's review Xiao Jingyun's performance throughout the competition."

"During the theoretical analysis session, his profound knowledge and insightful observations, drawing upon classical texts, greatly benefited us judges. In the clinical practice session, setting aside the final controversy over medication dosage, was his grasp of the critical patient's pathogenesis—'Yang deficiency with water retention, water retention affecting the heart and lungs, accompanied by blood stasis'—accurate? Did his proposed treatment approach, combining Zhenwu Decoction with Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction and Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction, demonstrate his superb ability to apply classical formulas and his courage to take responsibility?"

Chen Yang's voice echoed in the meeting room: "I believe that we cannot, and should not, deny a doctor's profound skills accumulated throughout his life and his outstanding talents in other areas because of a single misjudgment in an extremely complex situation!"

As he spoke, Chen Yang's voice softened.

"As everyone knows, Elder Xiao is a senior figure in the medical field and a renowned expert in medicine. Even if he doesn't participate in this medical competition, it won't affect Elder Xiao's reputation. We are all juniors in front of Elder Xiao."

"It is precisely because of Professor Xiao's great reputation, high medical skills, and high moral character that the patient he faced this time was also the patient with the most complicated condition. If we were to describe it as setting a question, Professor Xiao was posing the most difficult question."

"Apart from Mr. Xiao, it's uncertain whether any other contestant could even give an answer to this question, let alone get it right or wrong. Mr. Xiao did give an answer, which may not be entirely correct, but it's not entirely wrong either."

When Chen Yang finished speaking, many people nodded in agreement. Many had been misled before without giving it much thought, but now they realized the truth.

Yes, this is different from a normal exam; the patients the contestants face are actually in different situations.

Finally, Chen Yang faced the audience, his voice deep and powerful: "When we select a champion, we are not selecting a 'god' who never makes a mistake, but a 'person' who can represent the current high level of traditional Chinese medicine, who has the ability, courage, and determination to face his own shortcomings and continuously improve!"

"If we abandon our inner convictions about the essence of medicine and the standards for talent simply because we are afraid of controversy or because we cater to certain seemingly 'politically correct' opinions, then that would be the greatest betrayal of the original intention of the competition and the greatest irresponsibility towards the future of traditional Chinese medicine!"

"This decision was made by me, as the chief judge, after considering the opinions of all the judges. I, Chen Yang, will take full responsibility for it!"

Chen Yang's words were like a resounding bell, deafeningly loud.

Instead of avoiding the issue, he laid bare the core of the controversy, using rigorous logic and strong conviction to articulate a "talent philosophy" that transcends convention.

The room fell into a long silence.

The anger and doubt on many people's faces gradually faded, replaced by a deep reflection.

Yes, who can guarantee they'll never make a mistake? Xiao Jingyun's mistake was certainly serious, but the level of competence he displayed and his attitude afterward... seem to deserve some respect as well? Chen Yang's willingness to confront problems, stand by his own opinions, and even bear the blame himself is even more touching.

"I support Director Chen's decision!"

A clear voice rang out, and everyone looked over to see Zhuang Qiwen standing up.

His expression was calm, his eyes clear: "I am far superior to Elder Xiao in talent. The path of medicine is long and arduous; who can be without fault? To err is human, to forgive divine. Director Chen's actions are not to cover up for someone, but to cherish talent and to plan far ahead for traditional Chinese medicine. I, Zhuang Qiwen, am completely convinced!"

Zhuang Qiwen's statement was like another pebble thrown into the water, creating ripples.

Immediately afterward, Yu Shiyun stood up timidly, mustered her courage, and said, "I...I also support it. Director Chen is right. We've chosen a good doctor who can continuously improve..."

Li Haofei, Liu Xi, Xun Jiahong, and others also stood up: "We support Director Chen's decision!"

More and more people began to applaud, starting sporadically and then spreading like a tide, eventually culminating in thunderous applause that resounded throughout the entire venue!

This applause is for champion Xiao Jingyun, but even more so for chief judge Chen Yang! It's for his vision and sense of responsibility that transcends worldly perspectives!

Tears streamed down Xiao Jingyun's face. He stood up and bowed deeply to the judges, to Chen Yang, and to the entire audience. This bow was filled with gratitude, shame, and profound shock.

Qiu Yimin and Feng Huanzhang watched this scene unfold before them, and saw Chen Yang standing tall amidst the applause. Their hearts were filled with mixed emotions, which ultimately turned into a silent sigh and a hint of barely perceptible admiration.

This young man is amazing!