It was uncertain whether there would be a spectacle of people fighting over disciples in the future, but what was certain was that Liu Banxia and Liang Xiaolin playing with plucked chickens in the waiting room had already become quite a scene.
He tended to be quite talkative and would joke around with patients to lighten the mood during their consultations. So, in Liang Xiaolin’s eyes, many people knew him. In any case, any patient coming for a follow-up, dressing change, or suture removal would stop to chat with him for a bit.
Lunch was these few chickens, along with some side dishes Liu Banxia had bought. Zhou Shuwen didn’t stand on ceremony and ate with everyone.
Of course, some people didn’t join them—Qin Hai and Qi Wentai.
Never mind just chicken; even if it were abalone, sea cucumber, shark fin, and fish maw, they wouldn’t have joined. Their conflict had reached such a stage; how could they possibly eat this meal?
"Liang Xiaolin, let Liu Banxia guide you from now on. While he may not yet be an attending physician, he is quite competent at guiding others," Zhou Shuwen said.
Liu Banxia’s chest swelled with pride; This is an acknowledgment of my abilities.
"You must do at least four night shifts per week, without affecting your work in the day," Zhou Shuwen added.
Liu Banxia was taken aback. Is this an attempt to work me to death? There are only seven days in a week. If I have to pull four night shifts and still manage my daytime duties, I might as well cancel my apartment lease and move into the hospital.
Although no one else spoke, they felt that this was Zhou Shuwen’s true punishment for Shoutian, just that this punishment was a bit heavy.
"What’s the matter? Think it’ll be exhausting? Not satisfied?" Zhou Shuwen glanced at him.
"No, no. It just feels like I’m almost on par with the chief resident," Liu Banxia hastily replied.
Zhou Shuwen nodded. "The Emergency Department only has you as a full-time doctor right now. In that case, you can act as the chief resident."
This was like a stone stirring up a thousand ripples; everyone’s chopsticks paused for a moment, and their gazes couldn’t help but turn to Liu Banxia.
Liu Banxia was also taken aback; he hadn’t expected Zhou Shuwen to bestow this position upon him merely due to a casual remark.
Chief resident, short for chief resident physician, is a type of doctor’s position. It’s an exhausting role because it operates on an around-the-clock on-call system. This truly meant making the hospital one’s home; apart from compensatory days off, one had to be on call 24/7, unable to leave their post or be off-duty, and communication had to be maintained at all times.
Being chief resident was indeed tiring, but it wasn’t a position given to just any resident physician. This was because the Second Affiliated Hospital had too many residents, and the scope of a chief resident’s work was vast and crucial. They needed to assist the department director in managing the department, grasp the detailed conditions of patients, and also handle the training of interns, advanced-study doctors, and rotating doctors.
In simple terms, this position was equivalent to the department director’s assistant. The rank wasn’t high, but the responsibilities were many. It was also a way for the hospital to cultivate talent; only by undergoing such tempering could one hope to rise to higher positions in the future.
If this was considered a punishment, then many residents wished such punishment would come even more fiercely. As long as one endured it, never mind how outstanding their work was, it would be a significant mark on their future résumé.
People now understood that Zhou Shuwen was truly aiming to cultivate Liu Banxia.
"Unwilling? Then wait until other people come to the Emergency Department, and we’ll talk about it then," Zhou Shuwen casually threw in after a bite of food.
"Willing, willing, extremely willing! Director, rest assured, I will definitely do my best to be a good chief resident," Liu Banxia quickly replied, all but beating his chest in assurance.
"Don’t just talk the talk; go ask Shi Lei about it later," Zhou Shuwen nodded.
Although Director Qin Hai was the overall director, since Zhou Shuwen had spoken, the matter was settled. What followed was merely the approval process; no one would reject Zhou Shuwen’s application.
"Shoutian, congratulations are truly in order now. Keep it up!" Zhou Li said with a smile after Zhou Shuwen finished his meal and left.
"You’re amazing, Dr. Liu," Xu Dan gave a thumbs up.
"Silly boy, report to the Integrated Office later, and you can get a dormitory room. Then, while you’re not busy during this period, cancel your rented apartment to save money," Wang Ying added.
"Sister Wang, they even provide accommodation?" Liu Banxia exclaimed in surprise.
"Of course, they do. But there will be plenty for you to handle," Wang Ying said with a smirk.
Liu Banxia paused, finally understanding why this perk existed. The dormitory is right next to the hospital; it’ll be convenient to call people.
Then he looked troubled again, his face crinkling up.
"What’s wrong?" Zhou Li asked curiously.
"Sister Li, if I’m this busy, how am I supposed to go out and earn extra money?" Liu Banxia pleaded pitifully.
Zhou Li gave him a helpless look. "What’s more important, money or your future? Money can be earned slowly. How rare is this opportunity? You’re being silly. Come to my place tonight. You’ve been promoted, after all. I’ll make you some braised pork knuckles to celebrate."
Liu Banxia scratched his scalp. "That’s true. The future is more important. I just need to get through this."
"You’re lucky enough," Zhou Li continued. "You stayed on at the hospital and even became the chief resident. Right now, only Doctor Liang is rotating in the Emergency Department. Other doctors have their own attending physicians guiding them, so you’ll have at least half a month of relative peace."
Liu Banxia thought about it carefully and nodded. That was indeed the case. Because the Emergency Department had a weak foundation, there weren’t many patients in the upstairs wards; most were transferred to other departments after initial consultation. He was still the only full-time doctor. As for the two directors, he didn’t need to think too much about them.
As for Qi Wentai, he might even be transferred back to General Surgery and probably wouldn’t be left under his command to gather dust. Does this mean Liang Xiaolin is the only subordinate I have?
"Why are you looking at me?" Seeing Liu Banxia’s gaze, Liang Xiaolin felt quite troubled.
"You need to perform well. After all, I’m sort of your superior now. You can’t just glare at me whenever you feel like it," Liu Banxia stated seriously.
This amused everyone nearby and also exasperated Liang Xiaolin.
It’s true that Liu Banxia has his strengths; his professional skills are very solid. But this guy has quite a few shortcomings too! How many times has she been unknowingly taken advantage of by him, attracting so many odd looks?
Liu Banxia’s mood was currently soaring; he was truly happy.
Although the chief resident’s job was tiring, it was a crucial step towards becoming a true attending physician. Without this experience, even if he passed the attending physician exam, the hospital wouldn’t grant him the corresponding status and benefits.
Just like with residency training, many doctors complained about the chief resident position. But in his view, this was the best opportunity for him to undergo intensive training and level up. He could legitimately see more cases. It was as if, instead of finding individual monsters to grind alone like before, a huge wave of monsters was now frantically rushing towards him.
Not to mention, this was considered a promotion. He was a permanent staff member, so his monthly income would also increase somewhat.