In the realm of doctoral candidates, there are generally three types:
The Standard Route: Applicants use their publications to demonstrate research potential and their clinical skills to showcase medical aptitude, all to win over a doctoral advisor.The Specialist Tracks: These cater to extraordinary talents in clinical practice or research. By demonstrating unparalleled expertise in their respective domains, these candidates bypass traditional application requirements and demand respect even from the most prestigious advisors.
Every top teaching hospital has its own version of a "ladder of excellence." At Hengnan University's First Affiliated Hospital, the "ladder" for hand surgery promised significant rewards—a 50% increase in basic performance metrics—but no one had yet successfully climbed it within the allotted time.
For doctoral students, elite hospitals offered even more finely tuned systems. Specialist tracks, such as the "Professional Doctorate" or "Research-Intensive Doctorate", allowed exceptional candidates to secure a spot purely based on their extraordinary skills or prolific publication records.
Candidates who passed through these tracks could boldly say, "Unqualified advisors, step aside."
The Conversation
Gong Yi's small eyes darted nervously, and he scratched his receding chin, his tone full of self-preservation. "When I said 'unfortunate,' I meant it's sad for that student to be in such a situation."
Zhou Yanqing looked at his mentor, struggling to reconcile his emotions.
Life was unpredictable. To see a talent capable of excelling in a "Professional Doctorate Track" forced to apply for a regular job due to personal hardship was both ironic and sobering.
As Gong had pointed out, competing with such a candidate was illogical. If Zhou wanted to aim high, he should pursue a PhD at a top institution like Ruijin Hospital or Xiangya Hospital instead.
"Understood, Shifu. I'll start preparing for PhD applications," Zhou replied, his tone calm but resolute.
Despite having worked tirelessly toward securing a residency spot, Zhou knew he couldn't afford to waste energy on a losing battle. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but reality left no other choice.
Seeing Zhou's determination waver but ultimately settle, Gong Yi felt both heartache and helplessness.
"No one is obligated to pursue a PhD just because they've been accepted," Gong sighed, downing a large gulp of tea.
He patted Zhou's shoulder and said, "There's another issue. Director Dong found out I arranged debridement patients for you to practice on. He said other students need practice too, and as a senior, I can't be seen as playing favorites. No more arranging patients from other teams for you."
Gong Yi's tone was mild, but Zhou could tell that Director Dong hadn't been gentle in delivering his message.
"Shifu, Director Dong must have said this because Guo Congyu also passed the partial-thickness orange peel suturing stage yesterday and earned clearance for debridement sutures," Zhou deduced, his voice soft. "Sorry for causing trouble."
Carrying Gong's empty teacup, Zhou added, "I'll refill your tea."
As he returned with the steaming cup, Gong reassured him, "It's no trouble. From now on, when Zhong and Tian take emergency shifts, I'll make sure you get priority for practice cases. You'll need the experience whether you're aiming for a job or a PhD."
Zhong and Tian, attending physicians in their group, often managed emergency shifts where such opportunities arose.
"Thank you, Shifu, but if Director Dong disapproves, it's fine. I've already practiced plenty, and Zhong-ge and Tian-ge need those cases too," Zhou replied humbly.
Gong raised an eyebrow and interrupted, "Feeling bad about taking cases from your seniors?"
Emergency trauma cases were considered practice opportunities for attending physicians, and Gong had specifically instructed Zhong and Tian to share them with Zhou.
Gong knew Zhou's situation was precarious. With the residency blocked off, Zhou's only viable path was to pursue a PhD. But to compete with graduates from elite institutions, Zhou would need to hone his skills further, ideally in a crash course or private tutoring—luxuries Zhou's family could scarcely afford.
"If I can't have the emergency cases, I'd like to request opportunities to practice flap suturing in the OR," Zhou ventured, placing the teacup back on the desk.
The Daily Quest and Medal Task
Medal Task: Perform 10,000 Incisions (0/10,000).Daily Quest: Complete 15 High-Quality Flap Sutures (0/15).
Having experienced the benefits of his system, Zhou knew that the medal task was a long-term goal, but the daily quest could yield immediate results. To complete flap sutures, however, he needed his mentor's support.
Gong froze for a moment, his legs shifting from crossed to an eight-shaped stance. His small eyes widened, and his chin jutted out as he raised his voice.
"Do you even know what you're asking for, Zhou Yanqing? This is pushing it!"
In hand surgery, not even a mentor's endorsement could bypass skill requirements for operating room privileges. A single error in a flap suture could permanently impair a patient's functionality.
"I know the rules, Shifu. I've passed shallow tofu sutures," Zhou said calmly, not rising to the bait.
Gong fell silent.
Zhou wasn't one to joke, and his steady demeanor had been consistent throughout his two years at the hospital. If Zhou claimed to have passed shallow tofu sutures, it meant he had.
After a moment of reflection, Gong muttered, "Your progress is... unusually fast. It's almost against the rules."
Suturing was deceptively simple to begin with but incredibly challenging to master. Progressing even a single step often required months, if not years, of dedicated practice.
"Thank you, Shifu. As you've always said, patients are the best teachers and the most valuable training material," Zhou replied, having prepared his reasoning in advance.
Gong nodded, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "If you've passed shallow tofu sutures, forget flap sutures—if you wanted to attempt tendon sutures, I'd support you."
"Clinical work is all about skill, not degrees."
"But given your situation, I'll also look into the 'Professional Doctorate Track' standards at Xiangya Hospital. Your current circumstances leave you no choice but to pursue a PhD."
"Based on your publication record, the professional track might be your only realistic option."
"Thank you, Shifu. I'll give it my all," Zhou replied, his heart tightening as he steeled himself for the challenges ahead.