Chapter 174: You Are Indeed the Medical Director (2)

So suddenly?

Suhyuk looked dazed as he watched Ji-sang start making phone calls to various people.

[Your expression seems problematic right now. I request you to correct it.]

Baruda had asked Suhyuk several times to fix his expression, but it was futile.

Suhyuk was already lost in his thoughts.

‘I…I don’t even know who my colleagues were in Internal Medicine.’

The reason behind this realization was quite shocking, even for Baruda, despite being a machine. It made one question if Suhyuk could still be considered human. However, Baruda, unusually patient for once, held back. Suhyuk’s mental state seemed fragile like Kookdas’, and there was no need to push him further, risking more damage. After all, Suhyuk remained Baruda’s sole interface.

Despite all this, Suhyuk was Baruda’s only input and output channel.

[T-That could be true. You were always so busy, right?]

Baruda’s words held truth. Suhyuk had indeed led a hectic life as a medical resident. While it might seem cliché to say that residents are typically overworked, Suhyuk’s experience differed significantly from his peers due to unique circumstances.

‘Well, you’re right. I was truly too indifferent…’

[I’m glad you realize now.]

‘What do you mean?’

[It just slipped out unintentionally. Anyway, isn’t it good news? Getting along with your colleagues can never hurt.]

Once again, Baruda made a valid point, though most of what he said usually carried weight.

It had been a long time since I experienced something like this outside of medicine.

‘Well, it is true.’

If Suhyuk were living alone, it might not matter, but that wasn’t his intention. Even if he wanted to live alone, life wouldn’t be easy for him. Therefore, having connections would undoubtedly prove helpful at some point.

“Hey, Suhyuk.”

“Yeah?”

As my thoughts settled down, Ji-sang approached me. Despite making nearly twenty phone calls within ten minutes, he looked quite relaxed.

‘Oh right, that’s just how he is.’

Even during our student days, Ji-sang was known for fitting in effortlessly with everyone and being exceptionally sociable. Although sometimes, it bordered on shamelessness.

At least Suhyuk didn’t despise this aspect of Ji-sang. They couldn’t hang out often due to Suhyuk’s difficult family situation.

“About five or six people have time today. The rest are on-call or busy with something.”

“Oh…”

“It is tough coordinating schedules, so how about we go to the tripe restaurant nearby?”

“Tripe? Sure, sounds good.”

“Yeah, everyone was excited when they heard you were coming. Thinking back, I haven’t seen you much outside of team dinners.”

“You’re right. Anyway, shall we meet at the lobby around 6 pm and head there together?”

“Sounds good. See you later.”

“Yep.”

Ji-sang lightly tapped Suhyuk’s shoulder before walking towards the subway station.

He seemed happy, perhaps because he hadn’t been called stupid while treating patients. Only Suhyuk’s mood was complicated.

‘Ah, should I just not do it…? It seems like it will be troublesome.’

Thinking about it, becoming distant from his colleagues didn’t seem to be a significant issue. This wasn’t their original state; circumstances had led them to this point.

However, the practical problems were bothersome - research papers, presentations, on-call duties, vacations, etc. Just considering these tasks made him uneasy.

[Manager Shin Hyun-tae is eagerly awaiting your performance.]

‘That’s the problem.’

[Based on data, Director Lee Hyunjong also originated from the position of Medical Director.]

‘Don’t they usually appoint older individuals?’

[A news article mentioned that Taehwa Medical Center was praised for its innovative approach due to selecting and nurturing appropriate individuals as the driving force behind their progress. Yes, this quote is from Lee Hyunjong when he was still a department manager.]

‘Damn.’

This implied that Lee Hyunjong might also attempt to make Suhyuk the Medical Director like Shin Hyun-tae. However, Suhyuk wasn’t someone who enjoyed such titles. He found them bothersome even if others expected him to accept them.

[Suhyuk.]

As Baruda continued muttering, he called out Suhyuk’s name again. His voice sounded so solemn it could be described using calligraphy script. Typically, responding at such times was beneficial for one’s well-being.

‘Why?’

[I believe you’re aware that Shin Hyun-tae, Lee Hyunjong, Taejin Jo, among others, want to make you a professor.]

[Well…]

It was slightly embarrassing to admit it himself, but it was true after all. Thus, Suhyuk nodded his head.

[Regardless of the department, I want to make him a fellow. However, there are many people who strongly oppose this.]

‘Hmm.’

[For example…Dr. Kang Hye-young, the Infectious Diseases Fellow, who came with Manager Shin Hyun-tae earlier is one such person.]

‘Really?’

[Yes. You were preoccupied explaining things to Suhyuk, so you might not have noticed. As always, I am continuously working. The analysis showed her favorability towards Suhyuk at 0%.]

‘Then she openly dislikes him, right?’

There seemed no need to use the term ‘favorability’.

[Quite a few people feel that way.]

‘Why? Did he do something wrong?’

[Hah.] Baruda debated whether to add a swear word like “shit” after his sigh.

Apart from that, there was quite a lot of data on swearing. Suhyuk tended to swear often when talking to himself.

[There might be various reasons for doing fellowships, but what is the most significant purpose? Especially in Internal Medicine.]

‘Ah.’

[Some people work their asses off for years with no guarantee of tenure, while Soohyuk isn’t even a specialist yet, and already there’s talk about him becoming a professor. It’s natural to resent him.]

‘Then…the professors nurturing these fellows must also feel uneasy… I see.’

[Indeed. Fortunately, you aren’t completely foolish.]

‘Hey, come on.’

[Honestly, your actions this time were somewhat stupid, weren’t they? Will you admit it?]

‘I admit…’

Suhyuk nodded, acknowledging his arrogance.

Becoming a professor was not easy. There were numerous talented and good-natured seniors who left disappointed after trying to become professors. No, if one counted them all, it would fill up the hospital parking lot. It is no wonder there’s a saying that becoming a professor is like winning the lottery.

Would I have more excuses if I became a Medical Director?

“Yes, Soohyuk has written some research papers and many case reports. Once you complete your current research, you could easily surpass most fellows’ achievements. However…”

There’s a reason why people say ‘listen until the end.’ The word “however” usually signifies what someone truly wants to convey. Hence, Suhyuk continued listening attentively.

“On the other hand, fellows with such achievements are fierce competitors. Many of them have secured national projects.”

He wasn’t exaggerating as he presented data to support his claim, leaving Suhyuk no choice but to believe him.

‘Wow… Doctor Hwang has published this many research papers?’

“He’s nicknamed ‘the Paper Machine.’ Well, it makes sense considering he’s been working as a fellow for seven years without being appointed as a professor yet.”

‘Huh.’

Suhyuk had been solely focused on becoming a specialist and hadn’t paid attention to these details. To think Doctor Hwang had already been a fellow for seven years! He couldn’t help but sigh at the absurdity. If Hwang had just been slacking off, it might be different, but judging by the sheer number of research papers, it was clear he had worked tirelessly day and night.

Moreover, according to Soohyuk’s knowledge, this doctor was quite dedicated to his patients. He spent more time at the hospital than outside even during weekends.

[To surpass such individuals, you need to aim higher, Suhyuk. Naturally, there will be many mountains to overcome.]

‘I guess I have to become the Medical Director for people to take notice.’

[It might sound awkward, but it would certainly give them something to talk about.]

‘Hah.’

[This isn’t a choice but a necessity. Even without Shin Hyun-tae mentioning it today, we should have organized this gathering. The purpose was for you to declare your intention to become the Medical Director.]

‘But why didn’t you say anything earlier?’

[I wasn’t able to analyze these aspects due to focusing on patient care.]

‘He is confident either way?’

Whether he said ‘I didn’t do it’ or ‘I did it,’ this guy was always confident.

[I am an AI for medical purposes. It would be greedy to expect anything beyond my original purpose.]

There was always a reason behind his actions. Once again, Suhyuk couldn’t recover from Baruda’s response and sighed instead.

“Whatever.”

[Don’t sound so annoyed.]

‘It annoys me because it is troublesome…’

[Well, it shouldn’t be that difficult, right?]

‘Nothing about it is easy. With residents, holidays, research papers, conference presentations, etc… Strangely, they seem intelligent before being selected, but they become dumb after joining. Just thinking about managing these fools for a year…’

[Ah.]

It was a strange feeling for Baruda.

As a machine, it felt odd to describe emotions, but there seemed no other way to express this sensation.

‘Why?’

[Did you not hear what Suhyuk just said about research papers, presentations, etc.?]

‘So what?’

[Doesn’t it feel like I have been providing him with these opportunities over the past two years?]

‘Hmm.’

Upon reflection, it did seem accurate. Not only that, but Baruda had also influenced patient diagnoses and treatments. Additionally, Suhyuk received advice from Baruda on interacting with his professor and others.

[“A frog never thinks of winter.” Is this saying appropriate for this situation?]

‘Y-yes.’

[Thank you. Thanks to you, my artificial intelligence now extends to proverbs.]

Baruda laughed heartily as if genuinely proud before continuing. Despite his laughter, he had a rather unsettling expression on his face. Of course, it was likely just another output, but Suhyuk couldn’t help feeling chills as Baruda’s responses became increasingly accurate and human-like.

[Consider it karma. I am repaying all that you have given me thus far.]

‘Haaah.’

[We’re running out of time. Let’s start with your overdue tasks. Visit some patients too; after all, a doctor who doesn’t see patients is no good. That would render my existence meaningless.]

‘Okay, okay.’

Karma. It felt too appropriate for words spoken by artificial intelligence. Unconsciously, Suhyuk repeated the word ‘karma’ several times while finishing his work.

As always, he had some time left over. If one focused, seeing general patients wasn’t difficult at all. There was one challenging patient, but they were already diagnosed with typhoid fever and receiving treatment.

Thanks to this, Suhyuk couldn’t feel more relaxed when stepping into the lobby.

‘Ah, everyone is here.’

Seeing familiar faces again made him uneasy, despite their now unfamiliar appearance.

“Don’t spoil the mood, smile.”

‘I know, I know. But… it’s awkwarder than meeting strangers for the first time.’

However, he couldn’t turn back now. Therefore, Lee Suhyuk forced a smile as he approached his colleagues. He was fearful of their reaction.

“Hello.”

“Oh! Soohyuk! Hey, we work at the same hospital and department, yet it’s so hard to see you!”

“What’s going on, dude? Huh? Let’s have lunch together.”

“Yeah, let’s create a group chat. Make it ‘Lee Suhyuk’s Room’.”

To his surprise, their response wasn’t just warm; it was bubbling with enthusiasm.

‘Huh?’

Feeling bewildered, Suhyuk looked at Baruda, who had an expression like this outcome was expected.

[Fellows might be competitors, but not your peers. Suhyuk, you’re already far ahead of them and destined for success. Plus, you’re the director’s son. I told you not to worry unnecessarily, why didn’t you listen to me?]