Thought I'd post a few pics and videos about what's been happening lately here in Chengdu. A couple of weeks ago, the hospital opened a new department which is the first of its kind in China, specializing in 'latent diseases'. The director, Dr. Wu, practices classical Chinese Medicine and developed this department from the perspective of 'disease prevention'. It's an impressive modern facility resembling something more like we'd see in the West. Patients are treated in semi-private areas on new massage tables with other comforts not available in the outpatient clinics of the hospital. There are 'VIP' rooms set up with leather chairs and individual stereo systems! In addition to acupuncture, moxabustion, tuina and herbal medicine, this department offers treatments such as herbal medicinal steams and baths. Not surprisingly, for this kind of care and attention the patients are charged more.
As visiting international students, we were asked to attend the opening ceremony, which was a gala affair fit with government officials, tv cameras and reporters. Eliz gave a great speech on behalf of our group and the tv cameras filmed Michael getting a consultation from one of the departments' Doctors.
Eliz addressing the crowd of Officials, Doctors, Nurses, Students and the Hospital Administration. Michael having a consult amidst Sichuan television cameras in the new clinic.
Nursing students...hmmm.; the foyer waiting area for the new department
One of the acupuncture treatment rooms; Nat pointing to the 'Ghost Crying' moxa treatment we have learned about here.
Some of us posing with Dr. Wu (Director), Wil Morris (President of AOMA), and Mrs. Liu (in charge of International Students for the hospital); moxa on ginger slices - commonly used treatment in this department.
Back to our time in the hospital....For the most part, the outpatient clinics are amazingly busy. There are crowds that hover around the Doctor's desks and lineups of people waiting for their turn out in the hallway. None of the clinics seem to be as busy as the Gynecology department. One of the Doctors that we observed had 3-4 students interns (usually Masters students) simultaneously doing patient intakes, which then have a follow-up consult with the Doctor (which lasts mere minutes). The Doctor confirms the intake information, pulse, tongue, and diagnosis and then verbally tells the intern the name of the formula (and/or modifications) for the patient, which is then written out with any additional instructions by the students. It goes like this for 4-6 hours without a break, and then again, in the afternoon. Here are a couple of photos....
One of the Doctors in the Respiratory department was nice enough to let me videotape an intake with one of her patients. Unfortunately, the sound isn't great, but you'll get the idea. The translator, Xi Tao, is one of our favorites....a Master's student in the Hepatology department. The next video is one of the foyer of the hospital where all of the herbs are dispensed.
Zai jian from the gang,
Lesley
