Chinese medicine: from rural hospitals to top three hospitals in Kyoto

Chapter 1297 The Road Ahead Is Not Easy

"This plan is good, but it requires everyone's concerted efforts."

Chen Yang said, "In fact, many hospitals have similar measures, but they are often not implemented properly. The reason is that once you teach the master, the apprentice will starve. I hope everyone can try to be less selfish."

As he spoke, Chen Yang looked at Zhuang Qiwen and Xun Jiahong: "Qiwen, Jiahong, you two will take the lead in refining this plan."

"Yes!" Zhuang Qiwen and Xun Jiahong nodded.

At this moment, Yu Shiyun raised her hand and whispered, "Director Chen, I have another suggestion regarding the exploration of folk Chinese medicine experience."

“Poetry, you say it,” Chen Yang encouraged gently.

Yu Shiyun stood up. Although she was still a little nervous, her tone was much more firm than when she first arrived: "Professor He Wenliang's suggestion of a 'Folk Traditional Chinese Medicine Certification Committee' is very good, but I am worried that if there is only certification and no follow-up support, many folk doctors will still find it difficult to pass on their experience even if they pass the certification."

“I have surveyed some folk TCM practitioners who have obtained local certification and found that they generally face three problems: first, they lack a stable place to practice; second, they lack opportunities to communicate with their peers; and third, they lack financial support to take on apprentices.”

"So I was thinking, could we set up a special area in the new hospital campus to establish a 'Folk Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Studio'? Certified folk doctors can take turns coming here to see patients and mentor apprentices."

"We provide venues, basic equipment, and certain subsidies. At the same time, we regularly organize exchange activities to allow face-to-face exchanges between folk doctors and between folk and academic institutions."

Zeng Yunhui added, "We could also establish a 'Folk Remedy Transformation Fund' to fund the standardized research and clinical validation of remedies that have proven efficacy."

"If proven effective, it can be converted into an in-house formulation, or even further developed into a new drug. This way, folk healers can not only gain recognition but also obtain tangible benefits, which will further motivate them."

Chen Yang smiled and nodded: "Great! Shi Yun and Yun Hui's suggestions are very practical. Director Gao, please include this in the plan as well, and add these two functional modules to the 'Folk Experience Compilation and Innovation Base'."

"Understood." Gao Anliang quickly took notes.

The meeting lasted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

When everyone left the meeting room, although they were tired, their eyes were shining.

The blueprint for the new campus gradually became more complete and clearer through these discussions.

Just as Chen Yang and his team were pushing forward with the construction of the new hospital, some undercurrents began to emerge in the TCM community.

On Friday afternoon, Chen Yang received a call from Chu Yiyun.

"Xiao Chen, are you free tonight? Come over for dinner, Lao Song will be there too." Chu Yiyun's voice sounded the same as usual, but Chen Yang still keenly sensed a slight difference.

“Okay, Elder Chu, I’ll be there around six o’clock,” Chen Yang replied.

After get off work, Chen Yang bought some fruit and tea and drove to Chu Yiyun's residence.

Chu Yiyun lived in a quiet courtyard house in Xicheng District. The courtyard was not large, but it was elegantly decorated and planted with some herbs and flowers.

When I entered, Song Luojun was already there, playing chess with Chu Yiyun under the grape trellis.

Upon seeing Chen Yang enter, the two put down their chess pieces.

"Elder Chu, Elder Song," Chen Yang greeted respectfully.

"You're here, have a seat." Chu Yiyun gestured to the rattan chair beside him: "Lulu and Jinghuai aren't here?"

“Jinghuai is still young, and Lulu takes care of him at home.” Chen Yang placed the gift on the stone table: “It’s just a small token of my appreciation.”

Song Luojun laughed and said, "You're such a busy person these days, it's already good enough that you could come, why did you bring anything?"

The three sat down, and Chu Yiyun's wife brought tea and some side dishes. After exchanging a few pleasantries, she went inside, leaving the three of them to talk.

Chu Yiyun took a sip of tea and slowly said, "Xiao Chen, the construction of the new hospital campus is progressing smoothly, and you've been riding high lately, which is a good thing. But the bigger the tree, the more the wind blows, and there are some things I need to remind you of."

Chen Yang sat up straight: "Please speak, Elder Chu."

"Your recent actions—the special training courses, the speeches, the new hospital campus planning, and especially your proposals regarding 'certification of folk TCM practitioners' and 'integration of TCM and Western medicine'—have touched upon the interests of some people," Chu Yiyun said seriously.

Song Luojun picked up the thread: "The traditional Chinese medicine circle has its own inherent ecosystem. Some senior experts enjoy special status and benefits based on their 'unique skills' and reputation. In their view, your proposed 'experience sharing' and 'standardization' are disrupting this ecosystem."

"And then there are those hospitals that advertise traditional Chinese medicine but actually practice Western medicine."

Chu Yiyun added, "You emphasized that 'traditional Chinese medicine hospitals should be Chinese in nature,' which is tantamount to criticizing their practices. Although Minister Shen supports you, there will be considerable resistance at the implementation level."

Chen Yang paused for a moment, then asked, "Seniors, what specific objections were raised?"

Chu Yiyun and Song Luojun exchanged a glance. Song Luojun sighed, "Let me put it this way, there were a few gatherings of old friends recently, which I didn't attend, but I heard some things. Some people questioned whether you were too young and moving too fast; some worried that your so-called 'innovation' would lose sight of the fundamentals of traditional Chinese medicine; and others..."

After a pause, Song Luojun said, "Just say you are a 'traitor to traditional Chinese medicine,' using Western medical standards to reform traditional Chinese medicine."

These words were harsh, but Chen Yang remained calm.

Chu Yiyun looked at Chen Yang's reaction and a hint of appreciation flashed in his eyes: "It's good that you can keep your composure."

"What I want to tell you is that reform is never a dinner party; it is bound to be accompanied by controversy and resistance. The key is to distinguish between well-intentioned criticism, malicious obstruction, and the backlash from vested interests."

"I see."

Chen Yang nodded: "But some things cannot be stopped just because some people oppose them. For traditional Chinese medicine to develop, it must break down sectarian barriers, establish standards, and engage in dialogue with modern medicine. I believe this direction is correct."

"We didn't say you were wrong."

Song Luojun said, "I'm just reminding you to have a strategy."

"For example, the certification of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners can be implemented at a slower pace. We can start with pilot programs to accumulate experience before gradually promoting it. For example, criticism of certain hospitals can be addressed by establishing positive role models rather than by directly accusing them."

Chu Yiyun nodded: "Old Song is right. Now you have a platform and influence, but you also need to learn to unite the majority of people. There are many highly respected seniors in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. They may be a little conservative in their thinking, but their original intentions are good. You need to strive for their understanding, not confrontation."

Chen Yang carefully considered the words of his two predecessors. He knew that these were valuable experiences from those who had been through it all.

"Thank you for your guidance, Elder Chu and Elder Song."

Chen Yang said sincerely, "I will pay attention to the methods and approaches. But I will not compromise on principles, such as the unique characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine, the sharing of experience, and the systematization of talent cultivation."

Chu Yiyun smiled: "You should stick to what you should stick to. We're telling you this not to make you back down, but to help you walk more steadily. Remember, Lao Song, Wen Lao, and I all support you. We'll speak up for you when necessary."

This statement carries significant weight. Chu Yiyun, Song Luojun, and Wen Xiuping are three pillars of the traditional Chinese medicine community, and their support is Chen Yang's greatest source of confidence.