A Week of Healing at the City Hospital

Li Na had one clear ambition: she wanted to become a doctor. Even as a child she was enterprising, and she was determined to reach her goal. Some people thought she was too competitive, but she was kind-hearted and never rudely aggressive. Her aggressiveness was really just the energy of a dream, and she chased her ambition aggressively but fairly. With confidence and quiet faith in herself, she decided to study medicine. She devoted herself to her books, and her devotion and dedication soon impressed every teacher. Her loyal friends called her the most ambitious and dedicated student they knew.

After medical school, Li Na started her internship at a large hospital downtown. The hospital stood in the central part of the city and was the biggest medical center in the region, a true hub of health care. Every morning she would head to the clinic by bus. The building was clean and bright, with white tiles on the floor and new computers on every desk. She wore a white coat and carried a stethoscope in her pocket. As a new intern, she felt a little tense and even a bit afraid at first. But she did not blink when the senior doctor welcomed her.

Her supervisor was Dr. Wang, a kind physician and a skilled surgeon. He was careful and cautious, and he examined every patient with attention. 'Medicine is serious work,' he told her. 'A careless or casual mistake can hurt a person. Never act in an arbitrary way. Follow the rules, use caution, and build your clinical skills step by step.' Li Na listened attentively. She promised to work conscientiously and to become a responsible practitioner.

On Monday a skinny old man came in with a complaint of anemia. He looked ill and had no appetite. Dr. Wang checked his blood and examined his body. A little boy with a loose tooth was afraid and cried, and he gave the nurse an angry glare. Li Na was patient and kind, and the dentist soon helped him. A woman had a painful ache in her abdomen, and the doctor studied her abdominal pain with care. Each case taught Li Na something new.

To diagnose a patient, a doctor must look at the symptoms and decide what is wrong. Dr. Wang explained the difference between an acute illness and a chronic disease. 'An acute infection can appear suddenly, while a chronic condition lasts for a long time,' he said. He wrote a prescription for a woman with a bad stomach. She took one capsule after each meal and swallowed a small pill with a glass of water. For another patient, a mild drug and a simple herb were the best medicine. 'There is no magic cure for every illness,' he added, 'and some wild plants are pure poison, so never use them without advice.'

That week the news reported a dramatic outbreak of a serious epidemic in Spain. Many Spanish doctors worked day and night to care for the infected. The virus could infect a healthy person through the air, and the infection spread quickly. Anyone could catch the disease, so people were told to stay alert. Li Na learned that illnesses like Ebola and AIDS still scare the world. She was not afraid for herself, but she was deeply concerned about the sick.

During an epidemic, a doctor must not be impatient or fearful. She must breathe slowly and keep a clear mind. Dr. Wang stayed sober and calm. 'Panic helps no one,' he said. 'The immune system needs a strong body, so stay fit, exercise, and eat well. Fear and worry can affect the whole body.' Li Na took a deep breath. She knew that a sound mind and a sound body go together. She also knew that a doctor must stay physically strong.

The hospital had a department of psychiatry and psychology. A gentle therapist named Li Mei worked there. She gave psychological and psychosocial support to people who felt depressed, hopeless, or heartbroken. 'Some sickness is not in the body but in the mind and the soul,' she said. 'A low mood can hurt a person mentally and psychologically. Music therapy and talk therapy can help. We must also protect our spiritual health and our peace of mind. We must respect patients with a disability and treat disabled people with kindness.'

One afternoon a man fell and broke a rib. His bone hurt badly, and the pain made him tense. A little blood came from a cut on his skin, and the wound began to bleed. Li Na cleaned it and wrapped it with soft gauze. The surgeon said the bone would knit together slowly. The next morning the man said he felt fine, and a tear of relief ran down his face. Li Na looked into his eyes and reassured him with a kind smile.

The same week the surgeon made a careful decision. A patient with a dangerous illness needed surgery, so the doctor decided to operate at once. The operation went well, and the patient recovered quickly. It was a dramatic moment for everyone in the room. Li Na saw that a good doctor must combine a steady hand with a warm heart.

Dr. Li Mei also ran a special test. She asked a patient to wear a blindfold and listen to different sounds through a headset. This was a multisensory test of the ear and the brain. The patient had to stay alert and attentive. Later the patient put on headphones and relaxed to soft music. Li Na found the method appealing and refreshing. That evening she browsed a few psychology books on her laptop.

On Friday Li Na attended a lecture on biomedicine. A young analyst explained how a virus enters a cell. 'The genetic code of RNA has four bases: A, U, C, and G,' she said. 'Unlike cold-blooded animals, humans keep a steady body temperature, and our cells work hard to protect us.' The lecture ended with a small refreshment for every listener. Li Na found the topic fascinating. She realized that an ambitious doctor must never stop learning. Her resolution grew stronger: she would study the core of medical science with a determined heart.

On Saturday Li Na went downtown to run some errands. She walked through a large mall and a sunny plaza to buy a gift. She picked up a healthy sandwich and a fresh cabbage at the market. She saw a forgetful old man in a red fez sitting quietly; he looked sober and content. Nearby, a doctor gave a short talk about nutrition. 'Eat nutritious food and take in plenty of nutrients,' he said. 'Good nutrition and lower salt consumption can prevent obesity and even anemia.'

The hospital was orchestrating a public health campaign that week. Li Na joined the team with real initiative and a clear intent to help. She was responsible for a small but important task. She learned that medical negligence can hurt a patient, so every step must be done with care. 'Do not judge yourself too harshly, but never be careless,' Dr. Wang said. 'A cautious doctor earns trust.'

At the end of the week Li Na thought about everything she had seen. She felt confident but humble. Her conscience was clear, because she had done her best. She learned to be thoughtful, to treat others with consideration, and to show concern for every patient. She kept her focus on the sick. A kind word can lift a person's morale and change their mood. She understood now that a healthy mind needs a positive mindset.

She realized that small acts of care can start a domino effect. One smile can reassure a fearful patient. One attentive listener can make a sick person feel secure. Her dream was no longer just a job; it was a sacred duty. She would stay loyal to this calling, and her loyalty and devotion would never waver. With patience and stability, she would keep learning and keep caring.

That week Li Na understood the real meaning of health. It is not only about the lungs, the heart, the stomach, or the other organs. It is about a fit body, a clear mind, and a warm soul. A doctor must be energetic and sober, compassionate and strong. 'Do not be an airhead about your own health,' she smiled to herself, 'and never tease a patient who is trying to get well.' With strong determination and firm resolve, she decided to devote her whole life to healing, caring for both physical and mental health.