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

The lecture was scheduled for the evening of the following day in the hospital's largest lecture hall.

The news caused a sensation throughout the hospital. Not only did the hospital's own doctors enthusiastically sign up, but colleagues from surrounding city hospitals also rushed over upon hearing the news. The lecture hall was packed to capacity, and even the corridors and the open space at the back were filled with people.

That evening, Chen Yang stood in front of the podium, looking at the countless expectant eyes below the stage, and began his lecture with composure.

Instead of spouting profound theories, Chen Yang used several typical cases he had recently encountered at the Central Plains Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, such as Zhuang Qiwen's treatment of uremia-related heart failure and Yu Shiyun's treatment of diabetes, as well as several other difficult cases encountered by his students, to explain his core viewpoints in a simple and easy-to-understand way.

"The vitality of traditional Chinese medicine lies in its efficacy, and the core of efficacy lies in the precision and depth of 'syndrome differentiation and treatment'." Chen Yang's voice was clearly transmitted throughout the venue through the microphone. "We cannot be satisfied with simply applying pre-existing prescriptions, nor can we be bound by the diagnoses of Western medicine. We must learn to see through the phenomena to the essence and grasp the 'core pathogenesis' of the disease."

Taking uremia patients as an example, Chen Yang analyzed in detail the pathogenesis evolution from "Yang deficiency and water overflow" to "blood stasis and water retention" and then to "Qi and Yin deficiency with upward rushing of deficient fire", as well as the corresponding treatment principles and prescription adjustments.

"Traditional Chinese medicine is not a slow cure. It has great potential in the field of acute and critical illnesses. The key lies in whether we dare to use it and whether we know how to use it. We need the courage to overcome all obstacles and the meticulousness to leave no stone unturned. Extraordinary diseases require extraordinary treatments, but all of this must be based on a solid theoretical foundation and accurate diagnosis."

Chen Yang then used Yu Shiyun's diabetes case to emphasize the importance of emotional factors and liver dysfunction in the context of changes in the modern disease spectrum, and called on everyone to broaden their thinking and keep pace with the times.

"We study the classics, but we cannot be bound by them. We must innovate while inheriting them and develop them through practice. Every patient is a book, worthy of our careful reading and dedicated treatment."

Chen Yang's speech was both theoretically profound and practically insightful. His language was simple yet powerful, his logic clear, and his examples vivid, captivating every audience member. The hall was filled with enthusiastic applause from time to time.

Zhuang Qiwen, Yu Shiyun, and others sat in the front row, listening to Director Chen elevate their cases to a theoretical level, their hearts filled with pride and a sense of mission. They knew that they were not only learners, but also practitioners and disseminators of this new way of thinking and new style.

Dean He Zhiqun sat in the audience, his feelings complicated.

He was pleased that the hospital was able to host such a high-level academic event, but he was also worried about the problems within the hospital that ran counter to the ideals advocated by Chen Yang.

He Zhiqun glanced at Liu Zhuoyun, who was also listening attentively beside him. Their eyes met, and they both saw the determination in each other's eyes.

After the event, Chen Yang was surrounded by enthusiastic hospital doctors who asked him questions, asked for autographs, and took photos with him. It took him nearly an hour to finally get away.

Back at the guesthouse, the trainees were still excited, gathering around Chen Yang to discuss the success of the lecture.

"Director Chen, you spoke so well! I saw many senior experts nodding in agreement!" Yu Shiyun said excitedly.

"Yes, I feel that what we are doing is really meaningful," Xia Hongliang said with emotion.

The trip to the Central Plains Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine was originally scheduled for a week, but because of the remarkable results, He Zhiqun insisted on staying and extended it for another three days.

During these ten days, Chen Yang's team developed a deep friendship with everyone at the hospital.

The uremia patient under Zhuang Qiwen's care eventually passed the critical period and was transferred from the ICU to the general nephrology department for continued treatment.

Although kidney function could not be fully restored, life was extended and quality of life greatly improved. The patient's family was deeply grateful and specially presented a banner that read "A Miraculous Healer," specifically thanking Zhuang Qiwen and Chen Yang's team. Holding the banner, Zhuang Qiwen was overwhelmed with emotion; the significance of this banner far surpassed any award.

Yu Shiyun became a "celebrity" in the Department of Endocrinology. Not only did her supervising doctor, Director Liu, look at her with new respect and often discuss cases with her, but other doctors in the department also consulted her on the application of liver-soothing methods in various diseases.

Yu Shiyun has become noticeably more confident and composed, and her demeanor and speech have already shown the demeanor of a mature doctor.

Other trainees also gained something. Xia Hongliang proposed several insightful acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine treatment plans for chest pain in the cardiovascular department. Li Chengjie relieved the pain of several patients with intractable cervical spondylosis with his superb massage techniques. Gu Yingyin used external treatments and medicinal diet therapy in the pediatrics department, which was welcomed by parents.

On the eve of their departure, He Zhiqun and Liu Zhuoyun hosted another farewell banquet for Chen Yang's team. This time, the banquet was less formal and tentative than it was filled with sincerity and reluctance to part.

"Director Chen, I won't say much more about my gratitude."

He Zhiqun raised his glass and said sincerely, "You and your team have brought us not only technology and knowledge, but also a profound sense of awe and reflection. On behalf of the Central Plains Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I toast to you and all the young talents! Welcome back anytime; this will always be your home!"

Liu Zhuoyun also said emotionally, "Director Chen, rest assured, we will definitely keep this fire burning. Internally, we will begin to make some adjustments and reforms to strive to return to the principle of 'patient-centered and efficacy-oriented'."

Chen Yang raised his glass in response: "Dean He, Dean Liu, you flatter us. We are very pleased to see your colleagues so positive and motivated. We believe that under your leadership, Zhongzhou Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine will surely shine with new brilliance. Until we meet again!"

The bus set off again the following morning.

At the hospital entrance, a long line of medical staff who had come to see them off formed. He Zhiqun, Liu Zhuoyun, and others waited until the car disappeared around the street corner before slowly turning their attention away.

“Old Liu, we…we really need to get moving,” He Zhiqun said softly, his eyes more determined than ever before.

Liu Zhuoyun nodded heavily.

On the bus, the trainees gazed at the rapidly receding scenery of Zhongzhou outside the window, their hearts filled with longing and anticipation.

"I didn't expect ten days to pass so quickly." Yu Shiyun said with some reluctance.

"Yes, I feel like I've learned so much," Zhuang Qiwen remarked. As a former village doctor, he has indeed gained a great deal during this period.

Chen Yang sat in the front row, closing his eyes to rest, a faint smile playing on his lips.

The trip to Central China was a complete success. The trainees received ample training and made significant progress, and also established a good cooperative relationship with this leading provincial hospital, sowing seeds of hope.

Next, their destination is the Jiangnan water town of Sanzhuang Province, where the traditional Chinese medicine culture is even more profound and diverse, but this also means they will encounter more different ideas and challenges.