Please do NOT hardsub and/or stream this episode
Episode 9
Come in!
Please sit down.
Dr. Jung Ha Yun...
I would think that this incident brought a lot of sense to you.
We feel that this is an experience you need to consider carefully & use this experience if ever you decide to become a better medical malpractice litigation lawyer.
But you need to give us a letter stating that this incident will not be repeated again.
When a similar incident happens and the same feeling arises, you must refer them to me as the Dept. Head
& the person in charge of your internship, Professor Kim Do Hoon, to discuss the content.
If you go against that rule, you need to dismiss yourself totally from the medical profession.
Now, let us hear your views on the matter.
I have already made a decision.
Having gone through this incident, my insufficient knowledge & reckless action had left a great rift between Doctor & patient relationship.
I clearly understand it now.
I wish to take up this challenge,
the patient's suffering and the Doctor's suffering.
I want to experience this for myself throughout the surgical practice.
Until then I will be able to comprehend & experience what it’s all about.
I will work very hard.
This is really dirty.
Yes, this is Choi Jin Sang.
What are you doing? Why aren’t you coming over here yet?
Hyung! I’m in the middle of doing my “business” while answering your call.
I haven’t been able to do it for the past 5 days.
Hyung, can you help me explain to them?
You brat! Why does it always have be me who has to do it?
Hang up, smelly fellow.
I don't see Choi Jin Sang here?
He has some “business” to attend to.
What “business”?
He is suffering from constipation. It has already been 5 days that he hasn’t gone to the toilet. He’s currently in the middle of doing it while answering my call.
He really has all sort of fancy excuse.
Before we start...
Dr. Jung Ha Yun…
Yes.
Since you have given your colleagues suffering & hardship because of the incident, you need to give them compensation.
Your colleagues’ POD (Post Day Operation) patients for 2 days will be under your responsibility.
I understand.
Of course, you also need to do full shift everyday.
Yes.
Is there any hope?
There’s a way to it.
Is it safe?
Of course it is. I guarantee you that this is safe.
Then….the money? How much will it cost?
Someone might hear us here. When I find it, I’ll give you a call.
Yes, fine.
Is it an illegal organ transaction?
There’s a middleman involved in the sales of organ parts…where is he?
In the toilet in front of the consulting room.
Those who are undergoing consultation over there are those patients.
He said if he finds a suitable donor, he will contact him by phone.
That man is really daring to be doing an illegal transaction in broad daylight.
I really wanted to apprehend him. I nearly had him.
Do you think we can view the CCTV to look for them?
Brat! Where can you find such thing mounted in toilets?
That man really needs to be apprehended. Really!
Dr. Jung Ha Yun...
Yes.
What is the penalty when you apprehend someone for selling illegal organ parts?
The buyer & seller who are involved in the illegal transaction will each have a prison sentence above 10 years & a fine of 50 million. The beneficiary of the monetary gain and the transaction will get 7 years and below & a 30 million fine.
This is overwhelming.
How can you able to memorize those articles?
It’s because it involves a malpractice that’s why I’m more observant to those laws.
Dr. Jung Ha Yun...
Is it the time that you can sit your butt onto a chair?
Quickly go to the ER Dept.
What kind of patient?
You’ll know when you get there.
Yes.
Hey, aren’t you a little harsh on her?
She needs to do full shift everyday & look after POD patients.
You have time to worry about people’s problem & hardship.
Why don’t you bring this up in the time report?
Really! How can you call him a Resident chief? Why is there such a person?
Brat! You don’t seem to understand.
A world without concern is our Chief’s concern.
A world without concern. It’s reprimand, why say it’s concern?
This brat, that’s why you need to look ahead.
Now that Jung Ha Yun is so busy, she forgets her hardship.
She is so busy that she doesn’t have time to be concerned by other things; it’s the best medicine for her.
Does this really have such deep meaning that’s going to help her?
Yes, you brat.
I’m seeing this matter crystal clear…
You little brat…
Once you have eaten as much as salt as I have, you will begin to understand.
Why can’t I get the slightest meaning out of this?
Is there any other solution?
It’s because of Hepatitis B, the chronic infection had caused your liver to harden with cirrhosis.
With the present situation, the best option for you is a liver transplant.
Aside from the waiting list at the organ centre, are there other options available?
Money is not a problem.
Come, Hong Joo.
I was outside the hospital, I was afraid that my stethoscope will be cold.
Is this alright?
Come, Hong Joo, this is your turn now.
Wouldn’t there be music coming out of it?
Music?
The music playing from my heart, can’t you hear it?
That’s because Hong Joo is currently not feeling well, the music is a little soft right now.
Once you recover from your illness, I’ll be able to hear that music from your heart.
Wait a moment.
Hong Joo’s mom, I have something to tell you.
Is there something wrong with my liver?
Yes, there is.
We need to have the left part of the liver but since Hong Joo is young, he can’t take an adult donor’s liver.
There’s also the problem that your liver lining is very thick.
It will be very large to put it into the body of Hong Joo.
This is based on the medical science’ suggestion & views.
I’m sorry. We won’t have any problem if the recipient is an adult.
But Hong Joo is so young that’s why.
Then we should wait for news from KONOS? (KONOS - Korean Network for Organ Sharing)
At this moment, we have to hope of good news from there.
Please don’t lose hope.
I had inquired at KONOS.
Then when will that be?
It’s hard for us to estimate or determine when that will be.
Then…
Please rest.
Doctor, excuse me.
I heard that there are donors from overseas.
Is that true?
Why?
There was someone who had told me about it.
Wouldn’t that be by any chance a middle man for organ parts?
Please don’t believe what that person is saying.
Normally, liver transplantation carries a big risk on its own.
Please don’t think of the illegal method of doing it.
However, it’s still better than just waiting and doing nothing?
They can’t do it?
Yes, it’s not possible.
They said it’s not compatible.
That’s the only thing I can give her.
What actually had we done wrong to receive this kind of retribution?
It’s enough already that I’m upset.
This is a secret.
Why is your face so ugly?
I’m really upset, please don’t bother me.
What’s wrong with you?
This world does rotate around with hope.
The patients who need to do organ transplant are just waiting idly for donors; although there are already medical advancements, we still don’t have artificial organs to replace human organs to save lives.
There are a lot people who need transplants.
The organ harvests are not sufficient for transplant requirements.
This is really upsetting.
Piglet, you look human.
Really human.
Yes, this is Jung Ha Yun.
Yes…I’ll be right over…yes.
There isn’t even any time catch a breather…I’m off.
Please try not to move.
The things we say for the sake of the patient, however, from an outsider’s point of view, looks like we are doing defensive diagnostics to protect ourselves.
Having been a Doctor for such a long time, there are times that I find this strange & hard to understand.
Maybe that in itself is the answer.
We always need to have nerves to think long & hard.
We’ve been arguing a lot lately.
Are we?
I never thought of it.
You always make me look like a person who gets upset over small things.
How long must I wait for you people?
When are we going to eat the noodles?
Dr. Hong, you are really…
Why did you say such things?
Senior won’t dare say it so I’m saying it on your behalf.
You are really…
Do you wish to wait for a thousand years for him?
If Senior Kim Do Hoon is still unaware on what’s happening, you need to be the one to initiate to catch him.
If not, there won’t be a head or tail in the relationship.
A donor?
Didn’t you say that you don’t have a suitable donor from your family?
Who’s the donor?
It’s Hong Joo’s mother.
Your neighbor room’s patient, Hong Joo’s mother.
Yes.
She’s a friend that I’ve been chatting with lately.
We found out that we are of the same age & came from the same hometown.
She said that she couldn’t donate it to Hong Joo that’s why was very sad.
We then found out that our blood types are compatible, she made the difficult decision.
It must be hard for you to make that decision.
Thank you.
Hong Joo’s mother had decided to donate part of her liver to my patient Hwang Eun Hee.
We share the same predicament.
Although I can’t donate it to Hong Joo I can donate it to Eun Hee.
She was waiting for a flicker of hope so it must be very hard for her.
You really made a very big decision.
How are you?
Are you going for the medical test?
We’re going to do liver function test & MRI scan.
Just to test if I have any disease or abnormality.
Everything should be normal, you’re in the best of health.
Please look after Hong Joo while I’m away.
Yes, please don’t worry & go to your test.
Really, she is indeed an angel that’s not easy to come by.
Yes, she is.
How are you?
How do you feel today?
I’m feeling I won’t require any surgery after knowing that I’ll be receiving a living organ donor transplant.
It’s been said that the most important is the will of the patient.
Yes…but…Hong Joo’s mother…
Did the results come out already?
That’s why we're here to inform you about it.
The donor’s liver is very normal.
The surgery is scheduled tomorrow or the day after.
Doctor, thank you.
Thank you so much.
Don’t thank us. It all depended on Hong Joo’s mother decision to do it.
During the liver transplant, we need to piggy bag the spleen with the liver by using a coronary stent for the hepatic artery.
This will be the 1st in our country.
It will stir attention from the medical field.
Before it was only Kim Do Hoon’s team who had attempted it.
This time, the surgical procedure will be broadcasted to the Asian & European organ network conventions & during that time you’ll be with me.
This will have a significant meaning.
The hospital & society will reap great benefits from this.
Do well.
Yes.
Go & get the surgical consent.
I understand.
Look, Hong Joo.
You can wear this like earrings then you can hear this casually.
I can listen to it.
- Doctor, you are a pig. - What?
Who said pig?
How can I look like a pig? How can I be a pig?
What pig? Why do you say I’m a pig?
I’m really clever.
Jin Sang...
Have you see the patient Hwang Eun Hee?
I saw her went out with Hong Joo’s mother.
Did she?
How are you?
The monetary compensation should be considered.
If I don’t do it, I’ll be uneasy.
Hong Joo’s mother, you are my life’s savior.
Aren’t we now considered family?
I’m not that type of person who can’t understand matters.
Of course, there’s a need to be compensated.
Do you by any chance understand the conditions of Hwang Eun Hee?
Such as?
Family members, the people who visit her or her admission records.
Nurse Jeon, do you know anything about that?
There aren’t any visitors nor family members.
She wanted originally to go to China to do her transplant then decided not to go.
Jin Sang...
How are the finances of Hong Joo’s family?
If this continues I don’t think it’s very good.
Initially, Hong Joo had blockage of the bile flow & underwent the Kassai Operation to restore that & had always been hospitalized.
The Kasai operation failed which lead to cirrhosis & it’s getting worse by the day. She really needs a transplant quickly.
Hong Joo’s father went overseas to find work because of the medical expenses.
But…why?
Come out with me for a while.
What? Are you sure?
I had overheard them talking.
It’s clear that after the organ donation, there will be monetary compensation to be given.
Are you sure? Did you hear it correctly?
You have to be sure because the patient’s life is treading between life & death.
You need to decide on that.
After knowing this, should I just stand by & do nothing thing about it?
Why does this has to happen?
No, we must confirm this.
I need to ask you a question.
Do you, by any chance, planning to give monetary compensation to Hong Joo’s mother for the organ donation?
Who said this?
I overheard you discussing it.
Is it true?
It isn’t. There’s no such thing.
None at all.
If I want to use money to do the operation, why would I be here?
Doctor, I think you’re gravely mistaken.
Then…
What’s with the monetary compensation?
Please be honest.
This matter is really of great importance.
No, it’s just that I was worried with Hong Joo’s medical expenses.
That’s why I mentioned it in passing.
There’s really no such thing.
Dr. Baek Hyun Woo misunderstood it.
You had no plans to accept the compensation?
Yes.
I was really grateful that she wanted to foot Hong Joo’s surgical bills.
She just wanted to help a sick child so why would we want to do such a risky operation?
No matter how much I think about,
the issue changed so suddenly.
But looking at the situation, it may be just as it is.
So, are we both jumping to conclusion & misunderstanding the whole picture here?
Honestly speaking, even your own family finds it very difficult to make that choice. After deciding to donate, they were many family members who had cold feet & ran away from it.
No matter what the situation is, I don’t think I’ll be able to comprehend this.
I don’t think about it as such.
In the hospital, people tend to develop strong relationships where they share similar situations even if they’re not related by blood. They will try to encourage & comfort each other.
You’re too intelligent that’s why you may not understand that kind of situation.
But I can understand the situation.
Regardless, we need to think about this.
This matter concerns someone else’s life.
You want the surgery to be put on hold.
It’s not easy handling the schedule, so what is the reason for the change?
While making the decision to donate the organ, something came up.
What is it?
It’s a very sensitive issue and we need to confirm it first before we inform you about it.
It’s a buy & sell organ transaction?
We still haven’t confirmed yet if it’s a buy & sell transaction.
However, it’s true that both of them had discussed monetary compensation.
This is really treading on a very complicated issue.
Taking monetary compensation for organ donation is not against the law but what’s forbidden is taking advantage of the emotionally weak that can eventually hurt them.
Do you really want to confirm this once again?
I'm still thinking about it.
Can’t you just pretend that you didn’t see this taking place?
Can’t you just to let this pass?
Let this pass?
According to Hong Joo’s Mother, even if she won’t receive any money she will proceed with the surgery.
Hong Joo’s mother is really a good person.
It’s not because of money that she’s doing this.
No! It’s not because of monetary benefits she made the decision but the discussion of compensation that I find doubtful.
This is the same as using money to buy & sell one’s life.
How can we protect the poor who are suffering?
How can it be like that?
No matter what, there is always some sort of token of appreciation.
Finding a purse then taking a token of appreciation is justifiable. How much more when there’s someone who’s voluntarily giving it?
In accordance to the law, buying & selling of human organs is forbidden,
however it’s hard to define it if the donor considers the money given to him as a token of appreciation.
Do you believe a deal was made?
Yes.
Hwang Eun Hee doesn’t have any family and she even wanted to go to China to do the transplant surgery there.
With that kind of desperation, it will be seen as she really had those thoughts.
No matter what can be said on this matter, we can’t decide on our own.
We need to report this directly to the organ network.
Please relay this to the patient Hwang Eun Hee.
I understand.
Although they’re from the same hometown, it’s relatively far-fetched that they know each other. Moreover, they came from different economic background.
I think that there’s a high chance that monetary compensation is the likely reason that the agreement was made.
What’s your opinion Dr. Bok Ji Ja?
I have met the donor, based on her financial situation, it’s probable that the issue of compensation has been brought up. However, she had already rejected the offer.
Also, it was only brought up after the donor agreed so in principle we don’t see this as a problem.
The only matter is the Doctor in charge overheard it.
I believe we need to compare the Doctor’s righteousness and the person’s sincerity.
When she decided to donate, there was not a promise of compensation but it’s possible that she may have an underlying reason behind it.
The surgery has been cancelled.
From the beginning we felt that this was a genuine intention.
However, there are some truth to the conversation and that leaves us with no other choice.
It’s not because I wanted the money that I decided to donate.
You need to consider both parties’ situation.
You should all know that it is after careful consideration I decided do it.
I know, of course I know that.
Doctor, you need to help on this. Is there no other of way around this?
Doctor…
I need that liver transplant and Hong Joo’s mother needs the money.
We’re just exchanging things that we have.
This is how people live, isn’t it?
Can't you just tell them that you wrongly overheard the conversation?
This has everything to do with my survival.
Really…I beg you please.
I’m sorry.
I have to abide by my principles.
Doctor, why did you want to become a Doctor?
Towards the patient’s desperate attempt to survive, you’re in the least concerned of the patient’s grievances.
Why did you become a Doctor?
Is a Doctor someone who saves life and yet pushes the patient to death?
Dr. Baek...
When I was an intern, I had come across the same experience where a friend from my hometown is involved in transaction of human body parts.
The reason was because of money he was willing to sell his own kidney.
No matter who the buyers or sellers were, how can human beings have such kind of thoughts?
Initially it was hard to understand however after seeing a lot of patients I was able to understand that it’s not just about money.
If they need to sell their souls for somebody else, they will do it.
Why does a Surgeon have to be a robot?
It’s because they need to be accurate & precise to be able to save a patient.
However, there should also be a robot that can cry to experience the patient’s sufferings.
The patient Hwang Eun Hee will now hate you the most.
It will also be hard & difficult for you.
But you need to persuade & pacify her nicely.
I heard that the surgery had been cancelled.
Yes.
You just need to forget about it.
This is the patient’s own selfishness.
She will not be expected to last long.
You shouldn’t have overheard what was said.
If you didn’t see nor hear it, this would have just passed without an incident.
Is that all you can say?
Come, let's go have a drink.
Yes, this is the best time for a drink to forget about the incident.
We’ll come back.
Carry on & go.
Aren’t you coming?
I’ve been doing full shift everyday.
I need to look into the patients in the morning.
Welcome!
Baek Hyun Woo,
your intention was admirable.
But as I see it, you are also completely hopeless.
You compared to me,
the patient gets upset.
Do you know why?
You don’t have any common sense, no common sense at all.
The outstanding Dr. Baek Hyun Woo, your rapport with the patient is very weak…That’s the reason why.
The soju is taking over the ability of the surgeon.
Then I must be really bad & rotten.
You keep telling me that I’m bad & rotten.
Honestly, it’s because of envy.
I may not be outstanding, but have I done anything wrong against you?
It is not just 1 or 2…1 to 2.
What is it then?
When we did the dissection lesson…
Everybody wanted to be in the same team as you were & I was neglected.
During exams, it’s also the same thing.
Whatever test subject you do, it will be part of the exams.
It was only me who needs to revise, don’t you know?
Saying this these things…really makes me think of my mother.
Towards the patient’s desperate attempt to survive, you’re in the least concerned of the patient’s grievances.
Why did you become a Doctor?
Why does a Surgeon have to be a robot?
It’s because they need to be accurate & precise to be able to save a patient.
However, there should also be a robot that can cry to experience the patient’s sufferings.
Ms. Hwang Eun Hee…
Ms. Hwang Eun needs emergency support, quickly.
The patient Hwang Eun Hee?
Yes…I’ll be right over.
What?
Has something happened?
Please don’t move too much.
Don’t move.
Please don’t move.
- Shoot! - Shoot!
- Shoot again. - Shoot!
Fine, it's done.
- Clean this up. - Yes.
What happened?
When I was doing my rounds, I discovered that the patient was in hematemesis (Hematemesis is vomiting of blood. The source is generally the upper gastrointestinal tract. It is common with the history of liver disease)
Gastroesophageal variceal bleeding?
We need to do an emergency endoscopy to stop the bleeding.
If Dr. Jung hasn’t discovered her, it would have been fatal.
Thank you.
I just found her.
The liver function?
We’re waiting for the results.
Is it likely that she may vomit blood again?
Yes. There’s a possibility.
If the bleeding is excessive then we need to insert the SB tube.
You must call me if it happens.
We know. Well done.
Eun Ji, well done!!!
Vitals?
Her condition has not been stable.
Liver function?
AST & ALT are rising to level high. Jaundice indicator is really rising. (AST - Aspartate Aminotransfere & ALT - Alanineo Aminotransfere are liver enzymes)
Contact the organ network, report the status of the patient to them promptly.
Yes.
Vomitted blood?
Yes.
Then…
what will happen after that?
She’ll be in the same category 2A as Hong Joo but it wouldn’t be that fast. (2A is the category ranking listing in an Organ Network)
Hong Joo’s mother said that if it’s still possible to do the transplant, she’ll donate her liver.
At this stage, it should be sincerity.
I doubted her sincerity.
I’m now regretting it.
Hopefully, Hwang Eun Hee’s donor will come quickly
or else Dr. Baek will not be released from this burden in his heart.
This is really a grave matter.
Kangin Hospital, there is a deceased female donor.
Hong Joo can receive her liver.
Really?
We need to inform the Professor & Hong Joo’s mother then prepare for surgery straight away.
Yes.
Really! This is so great!
Is it true that Hong Joo can receive surgery immediately?
Yes, as we speak, the organ is coming here straight from Kangin hospital.
Doctor...
The surgical fees...
It's nothing.
It’s good news…really good news.
It’s because Hong Joo’s mother is an angel.
The heavens will help them.
Right…
Hong Joo’s surgical fees…
I will pay for that.
That's not a sale transaction, right?
They also said there’s no problem with that.
I’m sorry.
I had allowed Ms. Hwang Eun Hee’s chance to life be taken away.
What’s the matter? It has already been examined before.
What’s wrong with him?
Baek Hyun Woo!
Yes.
Is something bothering you that you can’t concentrate?
I’m sorry.
It’s because of the patient Hwang Eun Hee that I can’t concentrate.
Hong Joo can already have her surgery and I feel really guilty about the whole matter.
Doctors…in front of patients are always guilty.
Professor, is there no other way to this?
Come in.
What's the matter?
Can we talk for a while?
I heard that the patient Hong Joo had received a donor.
It is doing fine.
I have a suggestion.
What is it?
One is to two. How about if we split the organ to 2?
One is to 2 surgeries?
We will split the left lateral segment for Hong Joo.
The remaining right trisegment side, we’ll give it to Hwang Eun Hee.
Of course, we need the permission of Hong Joo’s mother.
If permission is granted then the surgery is possible.
It will get the attention of the medical profession.
What do you think? Can we give this a try?
I have no interest.
Why?
We don’t really need the recognition of the medical profession.
Why is that?
Isn't it great to be recognized by the medical profession?
Do you know why I brought out this suggestion?
The patient Hwang Eun Hee’s life is hanging on the balance.
Our country’s organ network will not permit to have this opportunity to come around often.
Two people can share the use of one organ. Wouldn’t that worth an experiment to give it a go?
Professor Kim, do you think that I only want be recognized by my peers that’s why I brought this up?
It's definitely not.
I've said it before, the recognition will come after & it is really common.
The most important thing now is saving the patients.
Please give great consideration to this thought.
This is a risky surgical procedure.
To have a patient survive this transplant is already a surgical feat in itself.
It is already not easy to do such major surgical operation.
I believe that surgery needs to safe guard the survival of the patient.
I wish to save both patients but there’s also the possibility that both patients might die.
Although we can’t guarantee the success of this new surgical procedure,
there are already success rates in other countries.
Senior Han & Professor Lee have done extensive research on this case.
Professor Han, aren’t you just using this opportunity to attract attention from the medical peers?
This will create a misunderstanding on your end if you’re doing this with that intention.
I know.
Please let me do this.
I have the confidence that’s why I brought this out.
If Hong Joo’s mother allows it I will proceed with it.
Is that possible?
It can be done. Using one liver organ can save two lives.
I don’t know what I’m supposed to do?
Won’t it be risky to our Hong Joo?
This is very hard for me to say, compared to just Hong Joo being the only recipient, the procedure might create a greater risk.
If Hong Joo’s mother wouldn’t permit it, there’s nothing we can do.
If you’re not comfortable with the procedure, you can reject the suggestion.
How is it?
She hasn’t decided yet.
It looks like she is hesitating.
It’s easier for her to decide to donate her liver to someone else than deciding on concerns of her daughter’s health.
I can really understand what she’s going through.
Come in.
Professor…
Hong Joo’s mother has given her permission.
Go & prepare for surgery.
Yes.
You really made a very difficult decision.
Professor, your wish is to save another patient’s life that’s why you had brought out this suggestion.
I will do my best to render you a great result.
I will also do my best as well. Please don’t worry.
Yes.
Hong Joo...
We must survive this to see each other.
Promise!
Thank you very much.
The organ needs to be split to two patients.
During the partition, please take considerable care in removing the artery & vessels.
The problem lies in the splenic vein vessel & the hepatic arteries position.
The right trisegment liver will have the hepatic portal vein which is the most important.
I will proceed to do a left lateral lobectomy to prevent any massive bleeding.
Professor Han, you will do the remaining harvested organ.
Hong Joo, we'll be going in now.
- Cut! - Cut