Shortly after the opening of the Olympic Family Medical Station, we received an IOC member in low spirits (hereinafter referred to as Mr. D). We are well aware that the discomfort and pain caused by illness can exacerbate psychological stress and vice versa, a common vicious cycle. Thus, helping patients in the closed loop maintain mental health is an important part of our medical services. I received Mr. D together with Rui Xi, from the Department of Intensive Care Unit, and He Ye, from the Department of Cardiology. After completing the pre-examination, we invited Mr. D into the station and we talked to him about his work and life while examining his physical conditions. To our surprise, Mr. D knew a lot about China, he had come to Beijing many times and was very fond of the culture.

The medical team members chatted with him during his examination and Mr. D’s eyes lit up instantly when they told him that the hospital they worked for was located next to Wangfujing, his favorite street. It turned out that he visited Wangfujing on a business trip 12 years ago, when he had his first attack of chest pain and visited the Department of Cardiology, PUMCH. Mr. D described the episode vividly. He told us, “That specialist was magical. He felt my pulse for a while just like this and then explained my condition to me, which was actually exactly the same as the diagnosis I got back home!”

He continued to explain that as a memory from 12 years ago gradually surfaced, he felt that we, doctors from PUMCH, were like a sight for sore eyes that smoothed his feathers ruffled by the disease. Before he left, Mr. D left a special message of thanks:

“Great and easy service! Thank you! Appreciate all of you going into the bubble for us! Keep up the great and enthusiastic work!”

The patient’s gesture of kindness also inspired us and made us feel proud and honored to be medical staff at PUMCH.

Picture of a contented Mr. D with Rui Xi, from the Department of Intensive Care Unit, and He Ye, from the Department of Cardiology.

Written by and picture courtesy of Lin Chen from the Department of General Surgery

Translator: Liu Haiyan

Editor: Lin Chen and Wang Yao