The Physician of Traditional Medicine Returns from Murim

That weekend, Kim Chun-sik came down to Busan for observation.

“Thank you for inviting me. Oh… Even this early in the morning, there are many patients waiting.”

He exclaimed as soon as he entered the clinic. Despite it being a weekend morning, the waiting room was packed.

“Welcome. Let’s start with observing my practice this morning.”

As it was almost time to begin, Kim Chun-sik quickly changed his clothes.

At 7 o’clock sharp, patients moved to their respective treatment and consultation rooms.

“Good morning, Doctor! It’s been a while! Who’s that behind you?”

Some patients openly expressed curiosity about Kim Chun-sik’s identity.

“My throat started hurting suddenly three days ago… Oh?”

A new patient, confused about who the doctor was, hesitated upon seeing an elderly gentleman standing right behind me.

This reaction was different from when Mi-young or Sang-hoon accompanied me. The age difference clearly created some discomfort.

“A professor I know asked to observe. Would that be alright with you? If you’re uncomfortable, we can consult privately!”

I handled the situation flexibly as I proceeded with the consultations.

Fortunately for Kim Chun-sik, a diverse range of patients came in.

Simple first-time consultations, slightly tricky herbal medicine discussions, patients with smooth progress, and even those who claimed no improvement at all.

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

“Patients with structural issues naturally recover more slowly. Plus, given your age, you have less energy for recovery.”

“Sigh…”

“From my examination, there’s definitely been a change. If you continue treatment for about two more weeks, you’ll start to notice the difference yourself. Don’t get discouraged and keep coming regularly.”

“Alright. I’ll trust you, Doctor.”

Among them were patients who claimed no change but were clearly improving.

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

“Have you reduced your alcohol intake?”

“…I’m trying.”

“Last time, didn’t you promise me and your son that you’d quit?”

“I meant to, but it’s not as easy as I thought! Shouldn’t I be getting at least a little better even while taking the medicine?”

There were also patients for whom treatment was impossible without controlling external factors.

“For a weak patient, just taking tonics would help. But I prescribed you a treatment to detoxify alcohol, and how can it work if you keep damaging your liver? For every shot of soju you drink, you need to take an extra day of medicine.”

“……”

“I don’t usually tell patients to change habits or exercise. I try to treat within the realm of what’s possible. But in your case, I’m being firm because there’s really no way to help unless you quit drinking. Don’t wait until it’s too late; get proper treatment now.”

I spoke with a genuinely concerned expression.

Seeing the same look as his son who had asked me to take good care of his father during the initial consultation, the patient’s resolve weakened.

“Ah… Alright. I’ll tell my son to take away all the remaining alcohol when I get home today.”

“Call him right now, from here.”

“Here?”

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

“Ah, okay.”

Sometimes, this approach is necessary.

While it wouldn’t be right to yell like Kim Chun-sik did, being too submissive can lead to patients taking advantage.

I admonished the patient politely but firmly, guiding him towards controlling external factors as much as possible.

“Impressive. What medicine did you prescribe? Daegeum-eunja? Saenggangeonbi-tang?”

Kim Chun-sik asked as soon as the patient left after calling his son.

He seemed to have been itching to ask this question the whole time.

“Saryeong-daegeum-eunja.”

“Oh, I see. There must have been issues with urination.”

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

“Of course not. I paid close attention to every word you said, every look in your eye. I understand exactly what you were trying to convey.”

Fortunately, he had observed not just the prescriptions but the consultations as well.

I explained more specifically to Kim Chun-sik.

“You can be kind yet firm. The harsher the content of your words, the softer your non-verbal expression should be. Staying friendly regardless of what the patient says actually builds more trust.”

“I see…”

“Well, that’s my approach.”

“Hmm?”

“Next, let’s observe Dr. Hwang.”

The morning consultation hours had just ended.

With several hours left after lunch, he should experience a different style while he’s here in Busan.

Mi-young once said:

“Doctor, you’re so cool! Even though your words aren’t special, there’s a charisma about you. If I were a patient, I’d trust and follow you without question!”

Actually, I never thought of my style as charismatic.

When I was in Murim, I often had to drag patients who wouldn’t listen to kind words, but here, I thought I was being extremely friendly.

I wondered if my inner energy unintentionally affected my voice to give that impression.

But after seeing Hwang Sang-hoon’s genuinely kind consultations, I realized:

There was indeed a somewhat authoritative aspect ingrained in me from my life as a martial artist.

So wouldn’t it be good for Kim Chun-sik to observe this style too and find a balance? After all, he needs to establish his own style.

“Sang-hoon-oppa~ Professor Kim will be observing you this afternoon~”

So I tried to send Kim Chun-sik to observe Sang-hoon for a while.

“What? Me?”

Is he that flustered? Hwang Sang-hoon dropped his chopsticks in the middle of eating.

“Ha ha, I suppose it might be a bit burdensome. But please, I ask this of you.”

“No, it’s… fine.”

Despite living under the thumbs of his father and grandfather, he ended up accepting the uncomfortable request when a senior old enough to be his father bowed his head.

“Thanks~ I’ll owe you one!”

During the afternoon consultation hours.

While treating patients, I kept my energy senses open to eavesdrop on the consultations in the Deputy Director’s office.

As expected, Hwang Sang-hoon overcame his discomfort and maintained his smile even in front of a vastly senior colleague.

“Now I see why young Korean medicine doctors are doing so well…”

After observing me, he had shared various impressions, but after watching Hwang Sang-hoon’s consultations, he was left speechless.

“It wasn’t anything special compared to Yeowon, though.”

“No, it was very special. Ha ha… I should learn to smile like that first.”

Leaving a head-scratching Hwang Sang-hoon behind, I brought Kim Chun-sik back to my consultation room.

Then I took out a contract.

“I won’t force you to do this. You’ve learned enough that you could probably fix the issues on your own.”

I stepped back to let him make his own choice, but…

“No. I’m not that unprincipled.”

Kim Chun-sik had already made up his mind.

He quickly stamped the contract after confirming it matched the pre-contract and profit distribution ratio I had sent earlier.

“Shouldn’t you hear what I’ll be doing for you before stamping?”

“If I hesitate and calculate too much, how could I earn your trust?”

Kim Chun-sik said proudly.

“I’ve sufficiently confirmed both your character and abilities. I haven’t lived this long for nothing, you know.”

He was confident his choice was not wrong.

I shared the same thought.

With a little correction, Kim Chun-sik could become both a life-saving doctor and a renowned one.

I also stamped the contract.

And so, the director of Seongsu Korean Medicine Clinic’s third branch was decided.

◆◇◆◇◆

Kim Chun-sik quickly memorized the manual I had written.

Originally created for Mi-young and expanded after hiring Sang-hoon, it focused on diagnosis and treatment. But with Kim Chun-sik’s recruitment, it was updated to include scripts for initial and follow-up consultations, as well as methods for handling various complaints.

“What are patients?”

I also instilled a mindset bordering on brainwashing.

Customers are…? Kings.

Patients are…?

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

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

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

We practiced many mock consultations using the manual.

During the two weekend days in Busan, Sang-hoon and I took turns playing patients to train him.

What’s left then?

Of course, real practice.

I had Kim Chun-sik install cameras in the clinic, positioned to show his upper body to check his gestures.

Kim Chun-sik promptly ordered pet cameras, and I spent one of my days off remotely observing his consultations.

“Don’t just talk to the parent when a young patient is behaving! They might be quiet at the clinic because they’re scared, but once home, they’ll refuse to take the medicine and throw tantrums!”

“Oh dear, I’ll be careful from now on.”

I made various comments while watching 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 small comments to habits, Kim Chun-sik tried to change everything I pointed out.

“There’s still no significant improvement in your wrist…”

“It must be very uncomfortable. But since you’ve been coming for treatment consistently, it will get better soon.”

“Oh, no! I’ve always been diligent, but my shoulder has improved this much thanks to you, Doctor. I’m always grateful.”

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

So his real skills are good, huh?

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

Still, I offered advice along with praise.

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

While I was giving remote pointers, a patient I recognized appeared.

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

“Ahem, hello.”

I thought he’d never come back, but he did?

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

“…It’s gotten worse. But I came because I think it at least stayed the same when I was getting treated here.”

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

But Kim Chun-sik responded without flustering.

“Well, you’ve been overworking the ligament continuously.”

Unlike last time when he shouted “Go!”, Kim Chun-sik’s face was full of concern.

“Ah, yes…”

The patient seemed slightly taken aback.

It’s understandable, given the sudden shift to polite speech and change in demeanor.

“You’re not forcing yourself to go golfing on weekends, are you? It wouldn’t deteriorate this much from just once or twice a week.”

“Ahem, well. Actually, I use the screen golf simulator every day on weekdays too. I’ve gotten really into it lately.”

“I understand. I have hobbies like that too. It’s a great fortune to find an enjoyable hobby, isn’t it? You probably don’t want to cut back on something that gives you vitality in life.”

The patient was at a loss for words and just nodded.

“That’s why we need to focus on treatment when we treat. If you keep pushing yourself, the inflammation will become chronic, and if it leads to a rupture, you might even need to consider surgery. Let’s take just one month off while we can still recover with acupuncture and pharmacopuncture. Okay?”

Words flowed smoothly from Kim Chun-sik’s mouth. It was hard to believe this was the same person who had angrily lashed out just days ago.

“…Alright.”

The patient agreed.

This patient will take a break from golf for a while. And after a month, he’ll be significantly better.

Because he’s found the right doctor and will receive proper treatment.

“You’ve completely succeeded in your revenge match! There’s nothing to criticize this time!”

“Reven… what?”

“I’m saying you were perfect!”

“Ha ha, it’s all thanks to you.”

After repeating this for a few days, Kim Chun-sik’s efforts gradually became habits.

The previously devastated return rate slowly increased, and new patients through social media also grew.

He took over management of the blog that had been outsourced, learning the know-how, and also announced the opening of the Songpa branch on the Instagram account run by Chu Mi-young.

Soon, in less than a month, Kim Chun-sik’s clinic also began to have waiting patients.

“I’m truly grateful. Thanks to you all, I can finally relax. Until last month, I was considering closing down… Thank you sincerely.”

Through the screen, he expressed his gratitude to me, Chu Mi-young, and Hwang Sang-hoon multiple times.

And he offered to gladly provide online study sessions for Chu Mi-young and Hwang Sang-hoon, who were eager to learn.

“I’d love that!”

“Thank you. It’s an honor.”

Chu Mi-young and Hwang Sang-hoon readily accepted.

We’re going to have video conferences like this every week?

…So you’re saying you’ll 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 days off for study sessions?

“Ha ha, then let’s continue to have these meetings! If you ever need my help with anything, just let me know!”

Kim Chun-sik’s confident face shone through the video call.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Hwang Sang-hoon’s face was full of smiles, probably because he was expecting to learn a lot.

Chu Mi-young also looked happy… or not?

“Um, can I discuss one thing? I was actually planning to talk to Dr. Han soon, but since we’re all here, I’ll bring it up now!”

Chu Mi-young suddenly set a serious tone, as if she had been worried about something.

I wonder if something happened in Daegu?