The Physician of Traditional Medicine Returns from Murim - Chapter 78

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 78

That weekend, Kim Chunsik came down to Busan for observation.

“Thank you for readily inviting me to come. Oh… there are many waiting patients even though it’s early morning.”

He was amazed as soon as he entered the Traditional Korean Medicine Clinic. Despite it being a weekend morning, the waiting room was packed.

“Welcome. Let’s start with observing me in the morning.”

Since it was almost time to start treatment, Kim Chunsik immediately changed his clothes.

And at 7 o’clock sharp, patients moved to their respective treatment rooms and examination rooms.

“Hello, Clinic Director! It’s been a while! Who is that person behind you?”

Among them, there were patients who openly wondered about Kim Chunsik’s identity.

“My throat has been hurting suddenly since three days ago… Huh?”

There was also a first-time patient who was confused about who the Korean medicine doctor was, since there was a dignified middle-aged man standing right behind.

This was a reaction that didn’t happen when Chu Miyoung or Hwang Sanghun followed me around. There definitely seemed to be some awkwardness due to age.

“A professor I know asked for observation~. Could you please understand? If you’re uncomfortable because it’s personal, I’ll consult with just the two of us!”

I handled it flexibly and proceeded with the treatment.

Luckily for Kim Chunsik, various patients came.

Simple first consultations, somewhat tricky herbal medicine consultations, patients with smooth progress, and even patients who hadn’t improved at all.

“I’ve had ten treatments but my back is still the same. Is there no answer for someone with severe scoliosis like me?”

“Patients with structural problems inevitably recover slowly. Moreover, given your age, you lack the energy needed for recovery.”

“Sigh…”

“From what I can feel, there’s definitely been change. If you get treated for about two more weeks, it will lead to changes you can feel yourself. Don’t get discouraged and come consistently.”

“I understand. I’ll trust only you, Clinic Director.”

Among them were patients who said they felt the same but were clearly getting better.

“I’m taking medicine but it’s the same! I’m still tired when I wake up in the morning, and my face is still red.”

“Have you reduced your drinking?”

“…I’m making an effort.”

“Last time you told me and your son that you would quit, right?”

“I tried to, but it’s just not working out! Still, since I’m taking medicine, shouldn’t it get a little better?”

There were also patients who couldn’t be treated without controlling external factors.

“If you were a weak patient, just taking tonic medicine would help. I prescribed you medicine to remove alcohol toxins, but what’s the point if you keep tormenting your liver? For every shot of soju you drink, you need to take medicine for one more day.”

“…”

“I usually don’t say things like ‘fix your habits’ or ‘exercise.’ I treat to the maximum extent possible. But for you, there’s really no other way unless you quit drinking, so I’m being firm. Don’t use a hoe when you could use a spade – get proper treatment now.”

I spoke with an expression of genuine concern for him.

Seeing the same expression as his son who had asked me to take good care of his father during the first consultation, his heart softened.

“Sigh… I understand. I’ll go home today and tell my son to take all the remaining alcohol.”

“Call him right now from here.”

“Here?”

“I’m asking because I really want to treat you.”

“Ah, I understand.”

At times like this, there’s no choice.

Yelling like Kim Chunsik wouldn’t be right, but if you keep being too humble, you get dragged along by the patient.

I scolded the patient politely but strictly. And I led him toward controlling external factors as much as possible.

“Amazing. What medicine did you use? Daegeum-eumja? Saenggan-geonbi-tang?”

“Saryeong-daegeum-eumja.”

Kim Chunsik spoke as soon as the patient finished calling his son and left.

He seemed to have been dying to ask me that the whole time.

“Oh, his urination wasn’t smooth, I see.”

“Yes. But you didn’t come all the way to Busan just to see what prescriptions I use, right?”

“Of course not. I observed every word you said, every look in your eyes. I understand very well what you were trying to say.”

Fortunately, he observed not just the medicine but also the consultation well.

I explained to Kim Chunsik in a bit more detail.

“You can be kind while still being firm. And the stricter the content of your words, the softer your non-verbal expression should be. Being kind regardless of what the patient says actually gives more credibility.”

“I see…”

“Well, this is my way.”

“Hmm?”

“Next, let’s observe Director Hwang.”

The morning treatment time had just ended.

Since there were still several hours left after lunch, having come all the way to Busan, he should experience other styles too.

Chu Miyoung had said once:

– Clinic Director, you’re so cool! Even though your comments aren’t particularly special, I can feel your charisma. Even if I were a patient, I’d pledge loyalty and follow you trustingly.

Actually, I didn’t think my style was charismatic.

When I was in the Martial Arts World, to put it nicely, there were many patients who wouldn’t listen, so I dragged them along telling them to do as instructed, but here I thought I was going to extremes of kindness.

I wondered if it felt that way because my inner energy unintentionally carried in my voice.

But after seeing Hwang Sanghun’s treatment, which was truly kindness itself, I realized.

The fact that living as a martial artist had ingrained some authoritative aspects in me.

So wouldn’t it be good to observe this side too and find an appropriate balance? Kim Chunsik would need to establish his own style.

“Sanghun oppa~ In the afternoon, Professor Kim will observe you~.”

So I tried to send Kim Chunsik to Hwang Sanghun for a while.

“What? Me?”

Was it that shocking? Hwang Sanghun dropped his chopsticks while eating.

“Hehe, it must be quite burdensome, right? Still, I’m asking this favor.”

“No, it’s… fine.”

He said he lived under the thumb of his father and grandfather, but when a senior old enough to be his father bowed his head, he eventually accepted the burdensome request.

“Thanks~ I’ll ask a favor too!”

Afternoon treatment hours.

While treating patients, I opened my qi sense to eavesdrop on the treatment in the deputy director’s office.

As expected, Hwang Sanghun overcame his burden and didn’t lose his smile even in front of his much senior colleague.

“Now I understand why young oriental medicine doctors are doing so well…”

After observing me, he had made various comments, but after watching Hwang Sanghun’s treatment, he was completely mesmerized.

“Unlike Yeowon, there shouldn’t have been anything special.”

“Not at all. It was very special. Hehe… I should learn how to smile first.”

Leaving behind Hwang Sanghun scratching his head, I brought Kim Chunsik back to my examination room.

And I took out the contract.

“I won’t force you to do it. Since you’ve realized this much, you should be able to fix the problems on your own.”

I stepped back to let him choose for himself, but.

“No. I’m not that lacking in conscience.”

Kim Chunsik had already made up his mind before coming.

He only confirmed that the preliminary contract I had sent earlier had the same profit distribution ratio, then promptly stamped his seal.

“Shouldn’t you hear an explanation of what we’ll do for you before stamping?”

“How could I win your heart by being so calculating and cautious?”

Kim Chunsik said triumphantly.

“I’ve confirmed both your character and ability sufficiently. I haven’t lived my years in vain, you know.”

Confidence that his choice wasn’t wrong.

I was thinking the same thing.

With just a little correction, Kim Chunsik could become both a life-saving physician and a renowned doctor.

I also stamped my seal on the contract.

And thus, the director of Seongsoo Oriental Medicine Clinic Branch 3 was decided.

* * *

Kim Chunsik quickly memorized the manual I had written.

Originally created for Chu Miyoung and expanded after hiring Hwang Sanghun, it focused on diagnosis and treatment, but with Kim Chunsik’s recruitment, it was updated with not only initial and follow-up consultation scripts but also various complaint handling methods.

“What are patients?”

And I instilled the mindset almost like brainwashing.

Customers are? Kings.

Patients are?

“Fragile and fearful beings. We must gently embrace them and guide them to the right path.”

…I never said it like that? Where did he get that Shaolin patch from?

The meaning is roughly right, so let’s move on.

We also practiced many mock treatments using the manual.

During the two weekend days in Busan, Hwang Sanghun and I took turns playing patient roles to train him.

So what remained?

Of course, real practice.

I had Kim Chunsik install cameras in the clinic. Positioned to show his entire upper body to check his gestures.

Kim Chunsik immediately ordered a pet cam, and I spent a day off remotely observing his treatments.

“You can’t just talk to the parents when a young patient is sitting still! In an oriental medicine clinic, they’re quiet because they’re scared, but if they go home and throw a tantrum about not taking medicine, there’s no continuous treatment!”

– Oh my, I’ll be careful next time.

I made various comments while looking at the screen.

“Don’t look at the computer! Look at the patient’s face when you speak!”

– How can I type without looking at the screen…

“Practice!”

From minor comments to habits, Kim Chunsik tried to change everything I pointed out.

– Your wrist hasn’t improved much yet…

– It must be very uncomfortable. But since you’re coming consistently for treatment, it will get better soon.

– Oh, no! I’ve always come regularly, and my shoulder improving this much is all thanks to you, Doctor. I’m always grateful.

– Ah, thank you. I’ll treat your wrist well too.

His real skills are good, you know?

It seems like a difficult case, but if we can just get them to come as needed, there’s no problem with treatment at all.

However, I gave advice along with praise.

“The opening comment was good, but expressing gratitude together came out too reflexively.”

While I was providing remote guidance like this, a patient I knew appeared.

It was the elbow patient who had fled the clinic after getting scolded during my observation visit.

– Ahem, hello.

I thought he’d never come back, but he still came?

– I’m sorry for speaking harshly last time. How is your condition?

– …It’s gotten worse. But when I was getting treatment here, it seemed to at least maintain the status quo, so I came back.

I couldn’t see the patient’s face, but his voice didn’t sound very pleasant.

However, Kim Chunsik responded without being flustered.

– Well, you’ve been continuously overworking your ligaments.

Unlike last time when he had shouted “Go!”, Kim Chunsik’s face was filled with concern.

– Ah, yes….

The patient was slightly taken aback.

It was natural since he had suddenly switched to formal speech and his eyes had changed.

– You’re not just forcing yourself to go golfing on weekends, are you? Going once or twice a week wouldn’t worsen it this much.

– Ahem, yes. Actually, I hit balls at the screen every day on weekdays too. I’ve been really into it lately.

– I understand. I have that kind of hobby too. Having an enjoyable hobby is also great luck, isn’t it? You wouldn’t want to give up something that gives you vitality in life.

The patient was speechless and nodded his head.

– That’s exactly why we need to focus on treatment when we’re treating. If you keep overexerting yourself, the inflammation will gradually become chronic, and if it leads to rupture, you’ll have to consider surgery. Let’s take a break for just one month while we can recover with acupuncture and pharmacopuncture. Okay?

Words flowed smoothly from Kim Chunsik’s mouth. It was hard to believe this was the same person who had been getting angry indiscriminately just a few days ago.

– …I understand.

Words of acceptance came from the patient.

That patient will rest from golf for a while. And after a month, he will be significantly better.

He found the right doctor and will receive appropriate treatment.

“Your revenge match was a complete success! There’s nothing to criticize this time!”

– Revenge… what?

“I said you were perfect!”

– Haha, it’s thanks to you.

After repeating this for several days, Kim Chunsik’s efforts gradually became a habit.

His shattered return patient rate slowly increased, and new patients through SNS also grew.

He took over the blog that had been left to an agency and managed it directly after receiving know-how, and also announced the opening of the Songpa branch on the Instagram that Chu Miyoung operates.

Soon, in less than a month, waiting patients began appearing at Kim Chunsik’s clinic too.

– I’m really grateful. Thanks to you all, I can now feel at ease. Until last month, I was considering whether to close down… I’m truly thankful.

Through the screen, he expressed his gratitude to me, Chu Miyoung, and Hwang Sanghun multiple times.

And he proposed to gladly provide online study sessions for Chu Miyoung and Hwang Sanghun, who were eager to learn.

– I’d love that!

– Thank you. It’s an honor.

Chu Miyoung and Hwang Sanghun readily accepted.

Having video conferences like this every week?

…So they’re going to teach each other and increase my income?

Of course, I have no reason to refuse.

But are you guys really okay with this? Giving up your holidays to study?

– Hehe, then let’s continue having meetings like this! If there’s ever anything you need my help with, feel free to tell me anytime!

Kim Chunsik’s confident face appeared through the video call.

– I’m looking forward to it.

Hwang Sanghun had a smile all over his face, probably because he was going to learn a lot.

Chu Miyoung also looked happy… or not?

– Um, then may I discuss one thing? Actually, I was going to tell Director Han about this soon, but since we’re all gathered, I’ll talk about it now while we’re all here!

As if she had some concerns, Chu Miyoung suddenly set a serious tone.

Did something happen in Daegu?

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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