Chapter 175: You Are Indeed the Medical Director (3)

Chi-i-ik.

Chijung Gopchang - ‘Fond Tripe’.

As its name suggested, it seemed like only regulars frequented this establishment. There were greasy tables despite being empty, and the wallpaper had turned dingy over time.

Retro sentiment might be trendy these days, but this place wasn’t retro or anything; it was simply shabby.

“When should I eat?”

“Once it’s roughly cooked.”

Neither the owner nor the staff members could be described as friendly. In fact, they came across as quite rude. Suhyuk, who rarely ate outside due to his work as a resident doctor, found their behavior disconcerting.

“[Did he say ‘once it’s roughly cooked’?]”

‘Yes. My hearing seems fine.’

“[Huh… Look at that confidence! How delicious can it be for him to act like this?]”

‘Well… I’ve eaten there a few times, but it doesn’t… particularly stand out.’

Then was it worth enduring everything for the taste? Sadly, that wasn’t the case either. The only advantage was its location near the hospital.

One might wonder why such a hospital exists, but upon visiting the area, any motivation to improve would likely vanish. Despite serving mediocre tripe dishes, people with no time to venture even close to downtown paid premium prices due to convenience.

“Will you provide service?”

“You ordered just six portions. Here’s some soda.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Despite the poor quality, they could charge exorbitantly and get away with it. Remarkably, customers still expressed gratitude. Ji-sang, now officially labeled as an easy target, pushed aside the soda he had received before opening his mouth.

“Hey, Suhyuk. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you like this. Want to drink?” He poured soju into Suhyuk’s glass.

It seemed overly polite for colleagues.

“Huh? Sure, why not. Thanks.”

Suhyuk found it strange but accepted the drink anyway.

“I’m sorry that we’re treating you at such a shabby place.” The colleague sitting across from him, whose last name was either Kim or Lee, continued chatting.

“It’s not shabby; I often come here.”

“If I knew you were the director’s son, I would have asked you to treat me somewhere fancier.”

“I genuinely thought you were poor because of your worn-out clothes and part-time job. Looking back, it’s incredible how you managed to graduate fourth in class while tutoring on the side. It doesn’t make sense.”

Since they hadn’t met in a long time, their conversation topics were limited.

Not just these two, but most of them continuously talked about the director’s son for quite some time.

Seriously, I ranked fourth while tutoring.

[Is that really difficult?]

‘Dude, studying for medical school isn’t easy! It’s not something you can do while teaching others.’

[Hmmm.]

From Suhyuk’s perspective, this conversation was unproductive. However, if he had to pick one positive aspect, it would be Baruda’s attitude during their discussions. Previously, whenever anyone mentioned doing well academically before meeting him, Baruda would dismissively scoff. But now, based on his colleagues’ stories, Suhyuk noticed a slight improvement in Baruda’s perception.

“Well then…”

Suhyuk didn’t intend to continue wasting time with idle chatter.

[Let’s get started quickly. These lazy bastards don’t study and just drink all day, huh? No wonder Taehwa Medical Center is falling behind.]

‘No, that’s not fair. It’s not their fault as residents.’

“It is because Internal Medicine, the pillar department, is falling behind. Are you saying Internal Medicine isn’t the backbone anymore?”

‘That’s quite a logical leap?’

“Anyway, let’s quickly discuss our business and leave. We have fallen behind on our studies.”

‘Remember when he used to insist we should go home?’

“I had no idea doctors wasted so much time.”

It had only been half an hour, hardly enough to be considered wasting time.

However, it has already been two years since Suhyuk started working with Baruda. They were more than just colleagues; they operated as one entity for this long period. Unconsciously, Suhyuk had become very similar to Baruda, just as Baruda had adapted traits from Suhyuk.

“So, regarding today’s meeting at Ji-sang’s place…it was mainly because Manager Shin Hyun-tae mentioned the Director of Medicine position.”

“Ah… Director of Medicine.”

“Oh.”

“Well, there is no one else who could do it.” Some nodded as if they expected this, while disappointment flickered in others’ eyes. It wasn’t just about being closer to becoming a professor. To Suhyuk, the first thought associated with the title ‘Director of Medicine’ was annoyance, but for others, it represented power.

“As Manager Shin personally asked me, I cannot refuse… But I wanted to hear your opinions.” Suhyuk continued, directing his words towards either Lee or Kim, whom he couldn’t quite distinguish but noticed seemed particularly disappointed. Despite his smooth tone, the underlying message was clear: “I’m going ahead with this; raise your hand if you oppose.”

Do I really have to go through with this?

“If you want to become professors quickly, let’s work together. We need to churn out research papers.”

‘Understood…’

Although Suhyuk might still be conflicted internally, his eyes displayed unwavering determination externally. No one present dared to openly defy him.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t fit in with others; it was just a matter of differing interests. Suhyuk had indeed connected well with several individuals during his time as a resident. The issue lay more in their varying approaches to leisure and socializing.

Suhyuk was already considered at the level of an associate professor among the residents.

“Huh? That sounds great if you’re up for it.”

“Yeah, we’d feel confident knowing you’ll handle the presentation preparations.”

“If I give you the second authorship on a paper… would you help me then? In that case, I’m definitely supportive.”

Despite some boasting personalities, everyone expressed their agreement.

“Ah, of course. As the second author, you’ll also contribute to statistical analysis.”

Suhyuk didn’t need to be reminded about this issue. He also did not require Baruda’s advice as he had managed his relationships well until now. In other words, Suhyuk was adept at handling human interactions.

[That is good. Well… these people won’t aim for journals with high SCI scores, but having more than ten papers as the second author will still benefit your appointment as a professor.]

‘Ten would indeed help, but can we achieve that?’

[Everyone will be eager to request favors from you… Once you become the Director of Medicine, they will have a reason to approach you. With my assistance, writing two research papers should take only a couple of hours, provided we have the data.]

‘Hmm.’

Writing two research papers in just a few hours might prompt others to label him arrogant and give him a slap if they heard such a claim. However, it was entirely possible for Suhyuk due to Baruda’s presence.

However, it was possible for Suhyuk because he had Baru. Of course, to write a good research paper, ideas and a research plan were important. But if data accumulated according to an established research plan, then it could be done quickly.

‘Good.’

[Yes, isn’t it great? Moreover, try being nice to your juniors. You will create Lee Suhyuk’s faction. Have you seen it? The position of Director Lee Hyunjong within cardiology.]

‘It is impressive.’

Lee Hyunjong achieved remarkable academic accomplishments within cardiology. He brought many procedures related to myocardial infarction, which were once considered exclusive to cardiothoracic surgery. However, his influence couldn’t be explained solely by that.

This was due to his influence during his tenure as Director of Medicine when he broke bad habits and used his own money to buy meals for others, creating ‘Lee Hyunjong’s Brigade’. Most members ended up becoming professors at regional hospitals because Taehwa Medical Center couldn’t accommodate them all. It also meant there were always opportunities for Lee Hyunjong across the country.

‘Great… This year will be even busier.’

“Don’t neglect your studies despite this.”

As Suhyuk envisioned a rosy future with Baruda, the rest of the group continued their discussions on different topics than those raised by Suhyuk.

“By the way, who will be the head pharmacist?”

“Hmm… Right, I wonder who it will be.”

The discussion was about who would be the new Director of Pharmacy. In some ways, many people might covet this position. The role of Director of Medicine had intangible benefits, but the Director of Pharmacy held tangible advantages. During the days when rebates were active, there were instances where the Director of Pharmacy wielded more influence than the Director of Medicine. There was even a saying that one could buy a Lexus with the kickbacks received from pharmaceutical companies.

“Isn’t it within the authority of the Director of Medicine?”

“Well, the Director of Medicine can choose whoever they want.”

Although not as prevalent as before, various perks still existed for the Director of Pharmacy. For example, attending symposiums hosted by pharmaceutical companies at hotels often included meal vouchers or accommodations. Additionally, during lunch or dinner, they could enjoy meals without having to pay out of their own pocket, which otherwise might have been financially burdensome.

While not illegal, these benefits were ethically questionable. Moreover, some individuals abused their position. A prime example was Kim Jinyoung, who had graduated from residency a year ago. He bought a Genesis, a luxury car brand, which was unaffordable on a resident’s salary alone. As the pharmacy manager, albeit still technically a resident, he held significant sway over prescription decisions, even for less critical medications.

“So here’s the thing… The pharmacy manager assists the Director of Medicine.”

At that moment, Ji-sang opened his mouth with a slightly disgruntled expression.

“It seems you’re deficient in digestive enzymes. Well, it’s quite common among Asians.”

While observing Ji-sang, Baruda casually mentioned various medical facts. Suhyuk remained silent, wondering what this guy was trying to say.

“Since…I am closest with you, Soohyuk, right?”

Then he uttered something quite obvious.

‘Oh… No wonder he was so enthusiastic about forming this group.’

“He is an ambitious friend.”

Despite being predictable, it took audacity to state such blatant intentions. Both Suhyuk and Baruda were impressed by his boldness.

“As Director of Pharmacy, I can make things easier for you, Soohyuk, as well as others in several ways. What do you think?”

Not everyone was impressed; some frowned as if witnessing something distasteful.

Not all doctors at Taehwa’s Internal Medicine department were graduates of Taehwa Medical School. In fact, due to it being such a large hospital, most of his colleagues were not from his alma mater. Consequently, some individuals didn’t quite fit as friends with him. These people couldn’t resist showing off their connections on social media.

“Hmm, well… I think it’s fine.”

However, none of their opinions mattered. The decision rested solely with Lee Suhyuk.

“So…you’ll be the pharmacy manager?”

“Yeah, but you’ll have to help me a lot.” Suhyuk intentionally placed his hand on Ji-sang’s shoulder while emphasizing the words “really” and “a lot.”

Even if someone was dull, they would’ve noticed it. Ji-sang also realized this, although he felt uneasy about it. He recalled the photos posted by Jinyoung, who used to be a pharmacist:

‘I can sleep and eat at a hotel…’

Some people might think it insignificant but for Ji-sang, it was a kind of dream.

“U-understood.”

Despite knowing that Suhyuk’s offer was akin to drinking from the poisoned chalice, Ji-sang accepted it.

“Good. Shall we go inside?” With their business concluded, Suhyuk stood up, glancing at his phone.

The caller ID showed An Dae-hoon—a name recognizable even without checking. It indicated there must have been a patient neither An Dae-hoon nor the second-year doctor on duty could handle.

[Continued in Chapter 176]