A Tale of Two Cities Supporting Xinjiang

The atmosphere at the weekly meeting was completely different from before.

Holding the latest statistics, Dean Zhang's voice carried a rare hint of relaxation: "Since the launch of the specialized TCM treatment program, we have treated over two thousand patients, with a cure rate of 67% for rheumatic diseases and a patient satisfaction rate of 90.6%."

He looked at everyone and then said, "More importantly, the number of patients hospitalized due to acute exacerbations of chronic diseases has decreased by 32% year-on-year. What does this show? It shows that prevention and early intervention are indeed effective."

Zhou Hongmei sat in the corner, taking notes with her head down.

"Based on this achievement, the institute's leadership has decided—"

Dean Zhang's voice suddenly rose: "The Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Rheumatology is officially established, and Dr. Zhou Hongmei is appointed as the head of the department."

There was a moment of silence in the conference room, followed by applause.

Zhou Hongmei looked up, somewhat stunned.

She saw Aygul clapping across from her, her movements were light, but it was definitely clapping.

After the meeting, several colleagues gathered around to congratulate him.

"Dr. Zhou, you truly deserve it!"

"It should have been established a long time ago, look how busy you are every day..."

Zhou Hongmei thanked them one by one, then carried the meeting materials to her newly assigned office—a consultation room specially set aside by the hospital, with a brand-new sign hanging on the door: Traditional Chinese Medicine Rheumatology Specialist.

She stood in front of the sign and looked at it for a long time.

As Zhou Hongmei was organizing patient files near the end of the workday in the afternoon, there was a gentle knock on her office door.

"Please come in."

The door opened, and Ayiguli stood in the doorway.

She wasn't wearing a white coat, but a light purple dress, and carrying a small paper bag.

His expression was somewhat unnatural. He stood at the door for two seconds before walking in and closing the door behind him.

Zhou Hongmei stood up: "Dr. Guli, is there something you need?"

Aygul didn't say anything, but walked to the desk and put the paper bag down.

Then, she took a step back and bowed deeply to Zhou Hongmei.

"Dr. Zhou, I'm sorry."

Zhou Hongmei was stunned.

Aygul straightened up, her eyes a little red: "I was too stubborn and narrow-minded before."

I mistook my ignorance for truth, and your dedication to your profession for hype.

I publicly obstructed the patient, questioned your qualifications, and said many hurtful things to you…

She sniffed. "Most importantly, I may have delayed the treatment of some patients."

I can never make up for this mistake.

But I must apologize to you, a sincere apology.

Looking at her former antagonistic colleague, Zhou Hongmei noticed her slightly reddened eyes and sincere gaze, and the lingering resentment in her heart suddenly dissipated.

"Dr. Guli, it's all in the past," she said softly.

"It's not over yet."

It's something I can't get over.

Dr. Zhou, do you know?

Over the past three months, I have consulted a large amount of traditional Chinese medicine materials and read many academic papers.

I just realized that what I thought was unscientific was simply because I didn't understand it at all.

She stepped forward, her eyes becoming eager: "So... I have a request."

Zhou Hongmei gestured for her to sit down: "Go on."

Aygul didn't sit down; she stood straight, like a student facing a teacher: "I want to follow you and systematically learn acupuncture and TCM diagnosis."

It wasn't just a passing fancy; I genuinely wanted to learn.

I want to combine Western medical diagnostic techniques with traditional Chinese medicine treatment methods to find a more suitable treatment plan for patients in our border regions.

She paused, her voice lowering further: "I know this request is presumptuous, considering how I treated you before..."

But if you're willing, I'm willing to formally become your apprentice and learn from scratch.

Zhou Hongmei fell silent.

After a long while, Zhou Hongmei smiled.

She walked up to Aygul and extended her hand: "Dr. Guli, a doctor's heart is always compassionate, and there is no distinction between traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine."

Any method that can relieve a patient's suffering is worth learning.

I wouldn't presume to accept the title of apprentice, but we can certainly explore and learn together.

Aygul looked at the outstretched hand, grasped it tightly, and said in a choked voice, "Thank you... Master."

"Let's call him Dr. Zhou."

Zhou Hongmei smiled and patted her hand, "Or you can call me Sister Hongmei."

Our hospital doesn't do those superficial things.

Aygul burst into laughter through her tears and nodded emphatically, "Yes, Sister Hongmei!"

From that day on, the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine Rheumatology gained an "unofficial student".

Every afternoon, as long as she wasn't changing clothes, Ayiguli would appear in Zhou Hongmei's clinic.

She carried a notebook and carefully recorded the diagnostic reasoning, acupoint selection principles, and medication adjustments for each case.

Zhou Hongmei shared her knowledge without reservation, starting with the most basic theories of meridians and then teaching her how to identify acupoints and practice acupuncture techniques.

Sometimes, the two would argue about a case, comparing Western medical test data with TCM syndrome patterns, and using TCM theories to explain symptoms that Western medicine could not resolve.

The debate was heated, but there was no longer any hostility; it was all about the pursuit of medical truth.

A month later, Aygul completed her first acupuncture treatment independently.

The patient was an elderly Uyghur man suffering from knee pain.

Aygul's hand trembled slightly when she inserted the needle, but with Zhou Hongmei's encouraging gaze, she steadily inserted it into the acupoint.

After the treatment, the old man moved his knees and said in surprise, "Hey, Dr. Aygul, you can do this too?"

"Great, great! It feels just like the treatment Dr. Hongmei gave me!"

Aygul breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at Zhou Hongmei.

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Since Hongmei's medical skills and reputation spread among patients, her clinic has become extremely popular, with appointments often difficult to obtain.

"Is it possible to get an appointment with Dr. Zhou today?"

"There are no more numbers available! People come all the way from Urumqi because they've heard about it, and they've been queuing since 3 a.m.

In the consultation room, Zhou Hongmei was taking the pulse of a middle-aged man, the medical record on the table almost blocking her view.

At this moment, Ayiguli walked in carrying the patient's medical record: "Teacher Zhou, the injection for bed 12 is finished."

Zhou Hongmei looked up, her eyes lighting up: "Perfect timing, Ayiguli, come here."

Mr. Ma came all the way from Urumqi; could you take a look at his case?

Mr. Ma, the patient, glanced at the young Ayiguli, his face clearly showing distrust: "Dr. Zhou, I came here specifically to see you. This…"

"Mr. Ma, our Dr. Ayiguli is very capable."

Zhou Hongmei stood up and offered her seat to Ayiguli, "Come, sit here."

Aygul was stunned: "Teacher, this won't do..."

"What's wrong with that?"

Zhou Hongmei pressed her down into a chair, then turned to get the needles. "Mr. Ma, I'll be your assistant today, and Dr. A will be the main acupuncturist."

If you're not satisfied, I'll show you three more times for free.

Mr. Ma looked at the two of them hesitantly. Zhou Hongmei had already pushed the treatment station behind Ayiguli and was preparing the equipment like an ordinary assistant.

Aygul's hands were trembling slightly.