03
"…Professor, I'm here."
"Hey."
"Yes, Professor."
"Do you know what you did wrong?"
"…Yes, I understand."
"What?"
"The surgeon performed a chest drain on an emergency patient without the supervision of a professor. This is a procedure that first-year residents are only allowed to perform under the supervision of a preceptor."
"You know that, but you did it on your own? Are you out of your mind?"
"...But it was a really urgent case. I was the only one who could handle it."
"How sudden was it?
Did you need surgery immediately, and would you die on the spot if it wasn't done?"
"Yes, the patient was in a very dangerous condition."
"Well... it's not like there were any professors there. It's weird that only first year residents were there."
"Of course, there were other professors there, but they were all attending to other seriously ill patients..."
"It was a real emergency. I won't say anything more. Please check the chart for details."
"The procedure was completed safely without any mistakes. I have confidence in my skills."
"...How cheeky. You're still in your first year."
"Even though it was only my first year, I was the only one here."
"If you'll excuse me now, I must attend to my patients."
"…Is he really crazy?"
After that, while making rounds around the ward, he performed examinations, wound treatment, and electrocardiogram readings.
I did everything I could to the best of my ability.
I had a little free time, so I decided to take a quick nap.
I headed to the resident lounge in the hospital.
But even that brief moment of rest...
The professor interrupted.
"Even the professors aren't sleeping, so what first years are going to sleep?"
"...Ah, Professor. So you've come to a place like this..."
"I've been looking for you. Wake up."
"Eh? I don't really have anything to do though..."
"Nothing to do in your first year? Are you kidding me? There's loads."
"Try a thoracentesis."
* Thoracentesis: A procedure to remove fluid from the pleural cavity using a needle.
"Do you have a patient who needs a thoracentesis?"
"Yeah. I'll be right there watching over you, so do it properly."
Together with Professor Kim Seokjin,
He went to the patient who needed treatment.
Although I was nervous, I checked the patient’s condition.
I concentrated on the technique.
It was the first treatment,
Despite feeling the professor's gaze on him, he remained calm and completed the task without any problems.
"...You're pretty skilled for your first time.
You didn't come to me in vain."
"I want to learn a lot from the professor.
I believe this period of residency is the most important.”
"Then, put in more effort.
Don't even think about going to sleep."
"Yes, I'll do my best!"
Then I followed behind the professor.
I was taught the techniques and knowledge that I would learn in my second year.
He grew up faster than anyone else.
I couldn't eat properly, I couldn't sleep well,
My condition worsened day by day,
Seeing the patients recover,
Only my heart was full.
Did the efforts pay off?
I became closer to my professor,
I began to receive praise from other professors and nurses.
In this place that I had worked so hard to get into,
Further efforts,
My goal became to someday become a doctor who surpasses Professor Kim Seok-jin.
"Professor, one day I'll be a better fellow than you!"
"...Well, I guess he'll be a fellow who leaves a lasting name behind."
"But you still have a long way to go before you can catch up with me."
"Of course. But I'll definitely overtake you one day!"
"...I see. I'm looking forward to it, you know?"
"Yes, please look forward to it!"