The Great White Tower
Good morning, everyone. -- Good morning.
Hey, Yanagihara. -- Yes?
Get the patient's CT scan and MRI ready. -- All right.
Coming in.
Mr. Tsurukawa from Room 2365.
Did you sleep well last night? -- Yes.
Everything's ready. Just relax.
Give me your hand, please.
Naniwa University Hospital
It feels just like a festival, doesn't it?
It's because they're a bunch who depend on other's lives for a living.
Director, we're the same, aren't we?
Prepare for anesthesia. -- Thanks.
Mr. Tsurukawa, can you hear me?
You'll now be under general anesthesia. Take a deep breath, please.
Excuse me.
Good morning. Good morning!
Just in time.
This equipment upgrade that you directed
is really something, Prof. Ugai.
(Prof. Ugai Ryoichi -- First Internal Medicine, Faculty Head) The other medical universities can't match it.
We'll need to show it off at today's news conference.
(Naniwa University Hospital -- Director Noriuchi) Of course!
I hope there won't be any problems.
Such an important surgery. If there's any mistake....
Don't worry. Dr. Zaizen, the doctor in charge, has good skills.
(Professor Asuma Teizo - First Surgical Dept) Isn't that right, Professor Asuma? -- Uh huh.
Tsukuda!
Where is Dr. Zaizen?
What? Ah, in the morning....
So slow on the uptake.
You're the new guy. Fetch him quickly! -- Yes!
Is Dr. Zaizen here?
I'm looking for him too.
Sorry!
It's time. Where is Zaizen?
Sorry, we've just....
First Surgical Dept. -- Asst. Prof. Zaizen Goro
Ready? -- Yes!
How's the patient?
Blood pressure 100/60 Pulse 85
Condition stable.
It seems he's slept well.
Dr. Zaizen, Prof. Asuma is up there. Prof. Ugai also...
The esophageal carcinoma operation is now in progress.
Due to the patient's age, we should minimize the time required.
I'll be counting on you all.
Thank you.
Scalpel
Ow!
Are you OK?
Sorry!
Ms. Kameyama!
Yes?
Where's Dr. Zaizen?
Already in the operating room. -- What?
(Nurse -- Kameyama Kimiko) There's no way anyone'd be late for such an important surgery.
Important surgery?
Hadn't you heard?
The patient is Councillor Tsurukawa.
Ah.
That's why the media was here so early.
Everyone in First Surgical is nervous.
It's unusual to operate on an incumbent councillor.
When the news was released about his cancer, his support started to rise.
All according to plan, I guess.
Esophageal cancer operations take a long time.
I'll come back later.
First Surgical Dept. resident -- Yanagihara Hiroshi
Who's he?
You talked to him without knowing who he is?
He's First Internal Medicine's Dr. Satomi. Dr. Zaizen's classmate.
Classmate?
There are all kinds of assistant professors.
Dr. Zaizen's operation will be over if you don't hurry.
First Internal Medicine -- Asst. Prof. Satomi Shuji
Dr. Satomi?
Thank you so much for everything. -- You're welcome.
Excuse me, everyone.
Yes?
There are patients standing.
Sorry!
Scissors
Pardon me.
It's already extended to the main artery. -- That's trouble, doctor.
What should we do? -- Should we consult cardiology?
No, we'll cut by small sections.
Just follow the plan.
Clamp
Tsukuda, clamp the artery at this angle.
Yanagihara, hold it. -- OK
Got it.
Scalpel
Don't stretch!
Sorry.
Tsukuda, what are you doing?
Quick!
Suction!
Huge blood loss, 400
Blood pressure descending 50
Prepare for blood transfusion! -- Yes!
Stop the bleeding.
Wipe my goggles. -- Yes.
Tsukuda.
Tsukuda!
Don't let go before the blood vessel is repaired.
If you mess up, the patient will die.
But you won't die. Be calm.
Blood transfusion ready! -- We won't need it.
It's OK now.
Yes.
Scalpel. -- Yes.
Marvelous!
He's really shown his skills.
I'm envious that Prof. Asuma has such an outstanding successor.
You can retire next year with your mind at ease.
It'd be nice if that were true!
Are you dissatisfied with Zaizen? -- No.
Well, he has great ambition.
What's wrong with ambition?
Nowadays, young people are too complacent.
It's not bad to have an ambitious doctor every once in a while.
Perhaps he acts that way to make people like him.
Let me listen.
Thanks, doctor.
Take a deep breath.
Very good, one more time.
OK, it's done.
Good job.
Thank you.
Let me take off your goggles.
Operation time: 4 hr 35 min
The Great White Tower Chapter One
First Internal Medicine - consultation room
Is the pain around here?
Yes, it hurts there.
Here? -- Yes, there.
OK.
The pain woke me up last night.
Doctor, can you start the treatment soon?
I still need to do some more testing.
Dr. Satomi, why do you need so many tests?
Dr. Ugai said she has a small tumor in her stomach.
He said surgery would take care of it.
Could it be stomach cancer?
It's true that there is a small tumor.
To be safe, it's better to carry out a gastroscopy.
It's necessary to test further.
Would you please explain the surgery in detail?
I am Asuma.
Councillor Tsurukawa's operation was planned last month...
Excuse me, would the doctor in charge, Dr. Zaizen, explain the procedure to us?
Zaizen, please answer.
Yes, sir.
I am Dr. Zaizen. As he himself revealed to the public...
Councillor Tsurukawa has an esophageal carcinoma.
I will explain the procedure to you in detail later.
Our surgical team, under the guidance of Prof. Asuma, has completed this surgery successfully.
Why is the operating time less than expected?
Please pass me the microphone.
Thank you.
It's because of the accurate actions of Dr. Zaizen, no other reason.
This is the result of advanced medical skills.
Dr. Zaizen.
The cancer cells were completely removed. There's no sign of metastasis.
I can assure you all...
He will recover in four weeks' time.
What is the nature of Councillor Tsurukawa's cancer?
The cancer cells extended to the outer membrane...
Hey, what are you doing?
Ah! Have a nice day!
Hey, hasn't Kyoko arrived yet?
Wasn't that her car out front?
I don't know. -- What? You don't know?
So noisy! What are you shouting about?
How could I not shout! Take a look!
Oh.
Oh, she says! Your husband is on TV!
Papa, don't make a fuss. It's embarrassing.
Who's making a fuss? Don’t act like you don't care.
You should be more supportive of him!
I can't wait to hold my grandson!
That's sexual harassment.
There's no such thing as sexual harassment in obstetrics.
This'll be headline news.
Goro, you'll be a full professor for sure.
You saved an Osaka councillor's life.
Papa. -- What's the matter?
It shifted.
Oh, the toupee doesn't fit well.
That's not important. Hurry up and call Goro!
Shall we celebrate tonight, Goro?
What, bleeding from the main artery?
I seriously thought that was it.
Idiot.
If that was it, we would have been screwed.
Here's your coffee. -- Thank you.
When Dr. Zaizen took charge, it was like the chill left my body.
Don’t talk when you didn't do anything.
Your performance wasn't bad today, Tsukuda.
Thank you. Thank you.
I'm very sorry for my mistake today.
Who is on duty tonight in ICU?
Dr. Kobai.
Tell him to note the blood pressure and lung capacity every 48 hrs.
Got it.
Also...
Take this and buy something tasty with everyone.
This...
Is that so? -- Ah...
Just kidding.
Thank you, everyone. -- Thank you.
Doctor, thank you.
Excuse me, doctor. He's Internal Medicine's Takeuchi.
We were classmates.
I am Takeuchi. I brought the info for the coordinating meeting.
Good work.
That's Dr. Zaizen.
Tell it to someone who doesn't know!
First Surgical Dept. -- Prof. Asuma Teizo
First Surgical Dept. -- Asst. Prof. Zaizen Goro
Hey, honey, I'm at Papa's clinic.
He's so happy!
Give me the phone, give me...
Move, move! You're in the way!
Hi, Goro! I saw the TV!
With things like this, you'll be the professor's successor for sure.
It's too early to tell, Dad.
You don't need to be so humble.
Come here quick after office hours.
Sorry. I have to go to dinner with the staff.
Oh, is that so? Guess it can't be helped. Too bad.
OK, having a good relationship with subordinates is also important.
Alright, I understand. Just come tomorrow after office hours.
I will. Yes. Bye.
(You have mail)
I want to consult with you on a patient. Would you come over for a look? -- Satomi
(Mail deleted)
Dr. Satomi, there's a seminar tomorrow morning. I'm counting on you.
Prof. Ugai, do you have a minute?
About this patient.
This is my patient.
Your diagnosis is gastric cancer.
But the electrolyte level is too high.
So?
So besides gastric cancer, there's a possibility that it's pancreatic cancer too.
To be on the safe side, it's best to do an MRI and consult Surgical.
You still have that bad habit.
How could it be pancreatic cancer as well when she's only in her thirties?
It would be an overreaction to do an MRI.
What about the other 500 surgical patients?
It's better to go ahead quickly with the gastrectomy
and let the patient feel at ease.
Good work. -- Thanks.
Doctor, the info you need. -- Thanks.
What are you going to do? About that matter?
What we should.
If it's pancreatic cancer, we have to act fast.
I'll consult Surgical tomorrow.
Come along too. You'll learn a lot.
But won't that conflict with Prof. Ugai's view?
We're racing the clock with pancreatic cancer.
Petty concerns will delay treatment.
Goro!
Why?
Are you going to operate properly today?
Just diagnosing is meaningless.
Got it.
Seems it was an interesting operation today.
But it seems like it was a bit overboard.
No good? -- I like it.
Showing off too much in front of the media can get you disliked by the Medical Society.
That's something for the incompetent to worry about.
Goro...
Prof. Asuma from First Surgical will begin his morning round.
Thank you, professor!
Prof. Asuma is on his morning round.
Is it alright? The doctor is coming.
Prof. Asuma is coming for the morning round.
(Naniwa First Surgical Dept.'s Rising Young Authority)
It's fine to just lie down.
Professor Asuma. Thank you.
Good morning.
You look much better!
Five days after surgery
Abdominal condition normal.
According to the test reports, you'll recover in no time.
Get well soon. -- Thank you.
Good morning. How do you feel?
Surgery was 10 days ago.
Blood sugar is around 150.
Any sign of gallbladder infection?
No.
Then just follow the plan.
Don't worry.
How do you feel?
Misdiagnosis by the previous hospital delayed treatment.
The problem was resolved after last week's surgery.
Noticing a miss by the previous hospital is no reason to gloat.
Anyone can diagnose the problem from a detailed gastroscopy.
It's just that the former hospital's personnel failed to notice.
Everybody should remember this.
Good results, don't worry.
Yesterday's operation on the councillor was too reckless.
Reckless... sir?
You think it was too reckless?
Surgery is not like running a marathon.
It's not just the speed that matters.
You should consider the patient's age and strength and proceed carefully.
And you even made a guarantee in front of the media.
Only police officers would do that.
I wanted to make sure all of the tumor was removed, because further treatment would be delayed after closing the incision.
That's why I had to hurry.
Are you rebuking me?
No.
Don't be overconfident about your medical skills.
I'm very sorry.
Doctor.
What's wrong? Go on.
It was first diagnosed as gastric cancer.
It can't be confirmed like this.
The possibility of pancreatic cancer is high.
Would you look at her?
How about tomorrow?
Today I have to do an interview and take care of VIP patients.
Got it.
What's up?
Nothing.
Are things all right? -- Why do you ask?
Nothing in particular.
Ah, don't worry about Prof. Asuma.
When you're old, you grow jealous.
He'll retire in 6 months. I'll learn from him while I can.
I see. See you later.
(Naniwa First Surgical Dept.'s Rising Young Authority)
Father, welcome back!
I'm home.
Is Mother out?
She went to the Medical Wives Association again.
You seem very tired.
I'm going to retire next year. Of course I'm tired.
I wish you'd get married before I step down.
That again?
You're graduating next year. How about it? I could introduce you to someone from Tohto University...
Father, I want to tell you something.
I want to marry someone who isn't from your or grandfather’s world.
If I have to marry someone in the medical profession, then I'd prefer a general practitioner.
General practitioner?
A university professor's daughter marrying a general practitioner?
I'd never agree to that!
The medical world is advancing so rapidly.
Even doing university research, it's hard to keep up.
Father, rather than someone who would fight for power and lose himself,
I'd like to marry someone who tries to stay true to who he is.
For the sake of my late brother.
Sorry, I shouldn't have mentioned him.
Welcome back, Mother!
Medical Wives Association meeting over?
Dear, what are you doing?
I completely lost face today at the Crimson Club!
Why is your face cut in half in today's magazine while Zaizen's is in the front middle?
Recently, everyone is saying that Zaizen is the head of Naniwa, not you.
It's because you're slacking off.
I have to go out again.
Why do you act like that?
You're going to retire.
You need to gather more influence.
And you let Zaizen get in front! I don't know what you're thinking.
Singing: "Use oars to check the water's depth...
"That's the fisherman's idea..."
Sorry I'm late. -- Goro, you're here!
Come... Sit, sit!
Welcome! -- Why are you still sitting there? Hurry!
Thank you.
Glad you're here. -- Thank you.
How are things? -- I'm just a regular hospital employee.
What are you talking about?
Young, rising authority on esophageal surgery, eh?
You seem to be doing well, Dad.
Just so-so.
The birth rate is falling. Obstetrics is not going to survive.
Business is a bit slow.
Not many people in the waiting room.
I have more nurses than patients. -- My sympathies.
In a state of oversupply, doctors should be concerned with more than ethics.
Mathematics is also important.
Mathematics?
I think your calculations aren't half bad.
After this surgery, you should be able to secure the professor's chair.
About that...
My expertise is fine. But personal relationships are a concern.
Of course!
If expertise could solve everything, then nothing would be difficult.
How to overcome this depends on you.
That is why I treasured you, and let you be married into my family.
And now you say your expertise is fine but your relationships aren't.
It's troublesome to see you vacillate.
Anyway, I want you to get the professor's chair at Naniwa University.
I will gain prestige because of you
and all the insults and shame of the past will be gone.
You know, when you have money, you want prestige.
The ultimate goal for a person is prestige.
When you get prestige, money will follow.
But money can generate only money.
Take this.
If you want to be a professor, this sort of thing is par for the course.
But this is so expensive...
You'll earn that back in no time.
Investing in you as a blue chip is a worthwhile use of money.
Don't stand on ceremony, take it.
I won't disappoint you.
That is Zaizen Goro!
My chosen son-in-law!
Thank you, Dad. Have a drink, please.
I appreciate that you came despite your busy schedule.
Don't say that. We're all busy.
Any worries?
Nothing special.
Something concerning the selection of my successor
that troubles me a bit.
I wondered when you talked about Zaizen's ambition.
That man has a strange desire to show off.
I feel his ethics don't measure up to being a professor.
You can blame me for not understanding him well enough
before selecting him to be asst. professor.
It's convenient to have such a competent assistant.
Unlike my Dr. Satomi, who just has ideals.
Ideals are the mark of a great soul.
But ambition is the mark of a small one.
Then why not select someone else?
In that case, that person would just follow your policies after you retire.
I haven't steeled myself to that yet.
Welcome! -- Ah! "Mama"!
Such a rare combination today!
Why so late?
Let me give you a light.
What are you discussing? Sounds interesting.
May I join you?
Welcome!
I'll take this for you.
Welcome!
How are you? Nice to meet you.
I am Zaizen Mataichi.
I run a maternity clinic in Dojima.
Please.
So you're also a doctor!
Just a small-time physician.
Can't compare to a university medical faculty member!
Tonight, we have all famous doctors here.
We'll have to celebrate a bit.
Mami? -- Yes?
What a beautiful "Mama".
That's why this is a venue for university professors.
You're lucky to have such a talented son-in-law.
Goro is a good son.
I love him more than my daughter.
Excuse me. It's from the hospital. I have to take this.
Hello.
Goro...
I may be saying too much.
Do you know what those two are talking about?
No.
You may not be the professor's successor.
Well?
It seems Professor Asuma feels some dislike for you.
Medical school faculty are strange, just like I said.
Who can be the successor besides me?
So aggressive! You really want to be professor.
I worked so hard for that old man.
Not only on research grant applications...
and reading research papers...
I take care of everything for him.
So he promoted me to asst. professor but not professor? Ridiculous!
That's true.
Most people might think asst. professors and professors aren't that different,
but authority-wise, there's a big gap.
Not like director and asst. director.
No, more like director and secretary!
I'm hanging up.
Goro, you've had good luck recently. Best be careful.
What good luck?
Overconfidence will ruin your future.
If you want to climb higher, you need to be more cautious.
Both of you should know this.
Zaizen Goro comes from a single-parent family.
His father died when he was young. He depended on a scholarship to attend Naniwa University.
We worked together. I agreed to marry him into my family.
Frankly, I didn't think he could achieve so much.
Dad, don't say any more.
A university is a venue for fair competition.
Not money, not power, but your own strength.
Yes. Maybe I misspoke.
Perhaps this is the view of a small practitioner.
I thought power is everything.
Not at all.
That's why Prof. Asuma made me asst. professor.
You have to thank him.
If you are my parent in married life...
Prof. Asuma would be the father of my medical career.
Everybody's here. Let's toast!
Yes, let's! -- Please.
I'll come tomorrow morning at 10:30.
Um ...
Is it possible that I have cancer?
To address your concerns, I've asked a surgeon to see you tomorrow.
Surgeon? Sounds worrisome.
I've found a most reliable surgeon for you.
Um...
Have a second?
What?
Concerning Mrs. Konishi's sickness...
can you act as if you didn't mention it to me?
What? -- I don't want to be in conflict with Prof. Ugai.
This is not a problem of conflict. It's a matter of...
Excuse me, I have to go.
Hey, Takeuchi!
Welcome back! -- Still awake?
You haven't eaten yet, right? -- No.
Yoshihiko's fever seems to be going down.
Seems he can attend the athletic meet.
Even though he doesn't want to go.
Tell him that I'll go see him on Sunday.
Is it good to make promises so easily?
Don't force yourself. I'll videotape it.
Here you go.
You have a drink too. -- Ah, how nice!
Hi, Mom. How are you? -- Goro?
I've sent the money for this month. -- Thank you, Goro.
I will be promoted to professor next year.
Once that happens, you can relax a bit. You'll come and live with me.
Don't worry about me. I don't want to be a burden.
No one will say anything once I'm professor.
Goro, don't push yourself too hard.
I was very satisfied when you became a doctor.
I'm not just working hard for you, Mom.
I'm working for myself too.
I want to test my own strength.
Saeko?
These clothes are for your father.
After school, take these to him at the hospital.
Me?
What's wrong with that? It's so close to your school.
I don't want to go to the hospital. If I see Dr. Zaizen,
I might not be able to behave myself.
Here you go. I'm counting on you.
I'm off. -- Be careful.
Don't bother Miss Nurse.
No doubt about it. Pancreatic cancer.
You think so too?
Gastric carcinoma alone wouldn't be like this.
It's amazing that you discovered this.
Can you do something for her?
This is a rare case.
Even if you didn't ask me, I'd want her as a patient.
Anyway, let me see her.
Thanks.
But... -- What?
I haven't told her about the cancer yet.
The patient is very afraid of surgery.
Please be considerate when you tell her. -- Got it.
Is it painful here? -- Yes.
That's all I need. Please sit up slowly.
Doctor...
I'll explain now.
You have cancer.
It's an early-stage stomach cancer, and you also have pancreatic cancer.
Zaizen...
It's a lucky thing. -- It's lucky?
Thanks to Dr. Satomi, it's been discovered early.
If it'd been too late, the pancreatic cancer would have been inoperable.
You're truly fortunate.
I need an operation? Are you going to cut me open?
Since it's cancer, it has to be removed.
Is it dangerous? Can my wife be saved?
Mama!
Don't worry. If I operate on her, she'll be just fine.
You'll be operating, Dr. Zaizen?
Yes.
So don't worry. I can guarantee you'll be saved.
I'm in your hands! -- We're in your hands!
Hey, Zaizen!
What do you think you're doing?
You promised to be considerate when you told her!
Yes, I considered very carefully before breaking the news.
You call that considerate?
Zaizen...
Is it because you got a rare case that you forgot yourself?
This really is a rare case. I don't want other doctors to have it.
But Satomi, cancer is cancer. It has to be removed.
No need to soft-pedal the news.
That's a surgeon's view.
You can't just remove bad cells to make people live.
If you don't care about their pain,
is that really treatment?
And...
And what?
Why did you tell her she'd be alright after the operation?
The cancer may have already spread. You're being irresponsible!
It's very unlikely to have spread.
Would a patient give herself to a doctor without confidence?
The patient accepted the facts after my explanation.
She has the courage to receive the operation, doesn't she?
Rather than seeking patients' consent with confusing medical theories...
a doctor who says, "Don't worry" does the most to ease patients' worries.
Excuse me.
A doctor is not God.
A doctor is only human, just like patients.
Stop it with those childish words.
What's most important now is the treatment.
I'll inform you when I have the operating room arranged.
About Mrs. Konishi Midori. -- Konishi, huh?
I have too many patients, I can't recall.
The female patient you diagnosed with gastric cancer.
But I believe she has pancreatic cancer too.
Are you still on that patient? -- Yes.
Because pancreatic cancer is highly probable, I've consulted Surgical.
Give it a rest already!
Not that I doubt you, but that's gastric cancer for sure.
It's extremely unlikely she has pancreatic cancer as well.
You can't overgeneralize.
At this hospital, in the last 5 years, there were 8 cases...
So?
So what you want to say is that my practice is flawed.
That's not the issue.
Enough! I don't have time for your absurd theories.
Carry out the gastrectomy quick.
If you waste so much time on one patient, how can our university survive?
Handle this case quick.
Then you can take care of all these patients.
Ah, this is Faculty Head Ugai...
Your gift was too generous...
Take care of the CT for Mr. Takai.
Dr. Satomi, excuse me! Please sign here.
Dr. Satomi!
Schedule change for the operating room?
Yes, there is a patient who urgently needs surgery.
I hope you can change the schedule.
What surgery?
Gastric carcinoma and some unidentified shadow.
It's not a VIP patient.
It won't trouble you, professor.
If there's enough manpower, I have no comment.
All personnel concerned are agreed.
Then why ask me?
You absolutely need to be asked.
All surgery should be approved by Prof. Asuma.
What's the matter, why so humble all of a sudden?
I know you don't value my opinion,
young esophageal surgery authority.
You're too kind to me.
I have a lot to learn from you. I'm not an authority at all.
Even though you say so, in that magazine interview
it referred to you as "young authority."
I'm sorry. I don't know why they wrote that.
Why are you apologizing?
If you did nothing wrong, you don't have to apologize.
Sorry, I said too much.
It's because I overspoke that they wrote that.
I felt responsible.
So easy to make an apology.
It seems there's no place for me now.
I'm really sorry.
I acknowledge the schedule change.
Be careful. Don't make mistakes.
Don't forget you're next in line to be professor.
I understand.
What are you doing?
Thank you! -- Here you go.
Thank you.
All right! Kazuko, let's go!
Doctor, you suck!
Sorry!
Can't you kick better than that!
There!
Don't use your hands!
All right!
Kazu. Here.
Wiped out!
Goro, come and entertain me!
The surgery date is set.
I'll give you the necessary info later.
I'm counting on you.
Just relate the misdiagnosis to her first doctor.
I will.
I'll tell Prof. Ugai the next chance I get.
Professor Ugai?
The misdiagnosis was Professor Ugai's?
What of it?
That's bad.
What's wrong?
I'm sorry. Let someone else handle this.
I'm off the case.
Wait!
You said that it's a rare case, and that you'd take it even if I didn't ask.
Yes, I said that.
But pointing out Prof. Ugai's mistakes will bring trouble.
Is it because Prof. Ugai is the faculty head?
You don't want to affect your future, and so you refuse the case?
I am not that cowardly.
I just don't want to make Ugai lose face.
If I do, Prof. Asuma will give me an earful.
It'd mean all kinds of trouble in the university.
As a doctor, shouldn't you do your best for your patient regardless?
A doctor is not God.
A doctor is only human.
Prof. Asuma is on his morning round.
You have cancer.
Don't worry. If I operate on her, she'll be just fine.
A doctor is not God.
A doctor is only human, just like patients.
Don't be overconfident about your medical skills.
Well, he has great ambition.
Then why not select someone else?
You might not be the next professor...
The ultimate goal for a person is prestige.
Pointing out Prof. Ugai's mistakes will bring trouble.
As a doctor...
shouldn't you do your best for your patient regardless?
A doctor is not God.
A doctor is only human.
Then what happens to the patient?
Konishi Midori is not your toy.
I'm afraid Konishi Midori is not my only patient.
If I ruin my relationship with Prof. Ugai,
the trouble will affect other patients too.
Anyway, I'll do what I can in other ways. So spare me the surgery.
Sorry, Satomi.
On Friday, there is a VIP patient scheduled.
That day, Prof. Asuma will be on a trip to Tokyo.
Would you help?
Mr. Shimizu, president of Mikasa Bank
(First Surgical Dept. -- Yanagihara, resident) If the patient doesn't object, it's fine with me.
The patient thinks it's good luck that Professor Asuma will be out of town.
(First Surgical Dept. -- Tsukuda, team leader) (First Surgical Dept. -- Anzai, resident)
(First Surgical Dept. -- Asst. Prof. Zaizen Goro) Joking has limits.
The leader of the First Surgical Dept. is Prof. Asuma.
Show him more respect.
Ow, ow, ow...
(Relationship of Early Esophageal Carcinoma's DNA abnormalities and consequences) -- Are you OK?
But I think it's a good thing.
Because a famous doctor like Dr. Zaizen will be operating on you.
(First Internal Medicine Dept. -- Asst. Prof. Satomi Shuji) But if it's pancreatic cancer,
why didn't Prof. Ugai say so in the first place?
For doctors...
the most important issue is the matter of misdiagnosis.
(First Internal Medicine Dept. -- Prof. Ugai, Faculty Head) As imaging technology improves,
misdiagnoses are decreasing.
Have you found someone to replace Zaizen?
I haven't decided to bypass him yet.
It won't be long before your retirement.
If you're thinking along those lines, better decide soon.
(First Surgical Dept. -- Prof. Asuma Teizo) Thanks for your suggestion.
Everybody, please look at this.
You chose a difficult topic!
Everyone else just chooses the easy ones.
I want to be a doctor like you.
Like me?
I...
I come from a poor family. I have 6 siblings in the countryside.
That's why I needed a scholarship to complete medical school.
When I learned you used a scholarship as well,
it encouraged me.
You've had it rough.
But no excuses will be accepted here.
University success depends on one's own strength.
No one will pity you. -- Yes.
I'll read it. -- Thank you very much.
Pardon me.
Don't compare me to you.
(Doctor -- Satomi Shuji) (Patient: Konishi Midori) (Age: 32)
On Friday, there is a VIP patient scheduled.
That day, Prof. Asuma will be on a trip to Tokyo.
How do you feel?
Somehow, I feel resolved.
Dr. Satomi, when will the surgery be?
We also need time to prepare.
It's said that when a doctor with high standing does the surgery...
one should address him properly.
You mean the thank-you gift?
We know nothing. How much should we pay?
Stop that. You're insulting Dr. Satomi.
No gift is needed. Just the hospital fees are enough.
But Dr. Zaizen is a famous doctor...
Absolutely no need.
Then, even if we don't provide a gift,
Dr. Zaizen will still carry out the surgery?
Mr. Konishi, I have something to talk to you about.
Sure.
I decided to operate on her after all.
What are you doing?
In the surgical department, I'm the only one who can do this operation.
Stop being so capricious!
Then are you refusing my help?
The surgery date will be changed to Friday.
That's really soon.
We'll do emergency surgery.
With emergency surgery, the patient's name will not be listed.
Prof. Asuma is on a trip that day. Therefore his approval isn't needed.
And Prof. Ugai won't know either.
You mean a secret surgery?
Don't make it sound so awful.
I'm just doing an emergency surgery.
If pancreatic cancer happens to be found, I'll remove it as well.
I can't go along with this.
Why do we need to do this under the table?
I recognize your skill, but not your methods.
Hey, then what happens to the patient?
Konishi Midori is not your toy.
I just want to save her as a doctor.
I feel the same way you do.
The Great White Tower Chapter Two
Please remember, Saeko.
Everyone at the Surgical Society dinner is of high standing.
Don't forget your manners.
If you're worried, why don't we go together?
I'd like to, but I have to attend the Crimson Club.
If you don't want to, don't go.
That wouldn't do. I am vice president of the Medical Wives Association.
This time it's Mrs. Ugai's birthday. There's a lot to do.
Any mistake will affect your standing in Naniwa University.
I'm off. -- Watch yourself, Saeko.
Remember to have good manners in Tokyo.
Sorry to gather you all on such short notice.
The patient is Konishi Midori, age 32.
She has early gastric cancer that may have already spread to the pancreas.
Stick to the schedule.
Pancreatic cancer too?
It's rare to discover that cancer at such an early stage.
Please remember the procedures.
Yes.
So why are we doing an emergency surgery?
What do you mean?
If it's pancreatic cancer, we should do a regular surgery.
Everything should be mapped out beforehand. That would be more proper.
Because of a certain reason, this surgery cannot be made public.
Is it...
Is it what?
(First Surgical Dept. -- Dr. Kanai, lecturer) Is it because you want to hide this from Prof. Asuma?
That's right.
Why? Can you tell us why?
You don't need to know the reason.
I want you all to know that the main goal is to save the patient.
It's a secret surgery.
If anyone can't go along with this, that's fine.
Please leave immediately.
Now I am going to explain...
Excuse me, it's not that I distrust you.
But, no matter the reason,
I don't want to participate in a secret surgery.
Dr. Tsukuda, take Kanai's place.
Yes.
Don't worry. With Dr. Zaizen in charge, nothing will go wrong.
Don't worry. Don't cry.
Please stop crying, don't worry.
Sorry.
Weren't you Prof. Ugai's patient?
Yes, he was the first doctor to see us.
Closing. No. 3-0 suture.
Cooper scissors
Don't touch the knot. -- Sorry.
Ultrasound probe
You're late. Hurry up.
Yes, sir.
Found it! It's here.
It's about 1 cm.
Got it.
It's the first time, isn't it?
To operate so early on this kind of tumor.
Is it really wise to be doing this?
You asked to pretend that I hadn't told you about this case.
If Prof. Ugai learns about this...
Don't worry about petty things.
You're also a doctor. Watch and learn.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime surgery.
This is a trifling thing; please accept it. -- Thank you.
Prof. Ugai, this too...
My, my.
Forceps
Thank you for coming such a long way.
No, no. We are all from Tohto University.
It looks delicious!
Thank you so much!
I'll take this.
The pink one? Good choice!
A little bit hot.
Lower the temperature. -- Right away!
The target is appearing.
Yes.
If you know anyone suitable, please introduce him to my daughter.
Since we have so many young and single doctors,
it is I who has to say this.
5-0 suture
Hurrah!
You don't need a knot. -- OK.
We're done.
Thank you, everyone. -- Thank you.
Thank you.
Four hours sharp!
Your diagnosis was on the dot.
You can't blame Prof. Ugai for overlooking it.
It was amazing you discovered it.
I just confirmed it
after looking at the test reports.
You're act as if anyone could do that.
I don't think that's the case.
Zaizen.
I'm just an Internal Medicine doctor, but it was a magnificent operation.
To operate on pancreatic cancer so perfectly.
You're the only one who could do it.
I never thought I'd hear you praise me.
It was amazing.
But it's really a pity...
that such a marvelous surgery had to be done in secret.
It would have been good if other researchers could have seen it.
Well, we've saved the patient, so it's all right, isn't it?
How about it? Like old times?
To celebrate our skills.
Sorry, I have to take samples from an experiment every 3 hours.
Then excuse me.
To be honest, I'm amazed.
(Tohto University Medical Faculty -- Prof. Funaho) I never thought you'd withhold the baton from Zaizen.
I don't know whether you know someone suitable to be a successor.
Well, it's not that I don't.
If your people come to Naniwa,
it will extend your influence.
It's not a bad offer.
Come in.
Sorry to disturb you.
Too naive.
Why act so childishly?
Childishly?
Get rid of your vanity!
Goro, do you know what you did?
You performed surgery that contradicted the faculty head's diagnosis?
Forget being promoted to professor.
You'll be lucky not to get dismissed!
If it's about that, don't worry.
As a precaution,
I did the operation as emergency surgery.
Idiot! If you get found out
you're sure to be dismissed.
But the patient is not a special patient. Just a regular one.
Prof. Ugai has over 300 cases every month.
How can he remember a patient he saw just once?
That's where you're naive.
For a scholar who puts on airs, jealousy surpasses everything.
He has an evil heart.
Goro, why did you touch a surgery that steps on Prof. Ugai's toes?
Because...
pancreatic cancer surgery is rare.
I wanted the experience myself.
Despite the risk of being dismissed?
I specialize in esophageal cancer.
Recently, doctors are starting to use chemotherapy for treatment.
I want to add the specialty of pancreatic cancer.
Esophageal cancer is not enough to sustain a professor's career.
Oh, so your ultimate goal is not professorship?
In that case, I have to find another hand.
No way to retreat now.
I'll absolutely make you a professor.
To keep Prof. Ugai from finding out,
take care of the after-effects carefully.
If you mess up, everything will be finished.
After-effects?
Now, as in the old days, it's the same thing.
Expertise alone isn't enough.
Yoshihiko asked me to give Dad this.
He's drawn so many!
Today, I received a call from the director's wife.
The director's wife?
Next week, Mrs. Ugai has a birthday party.
She wants to know if I'll be going.
Are you?
I'm not good at those situations. I really don't want to go.
Then don't.
But Prof. Ugai is your boss.
If you don't want to go, then don't go.
Professor and assistant professor.
It's because of hierarchy that I'm going crazy.
I dare not do the right thing.
Sorry, I'm a bit tired.
Today, I made chestnut rice.
It's a pain to peel the chestnuts, but Yoshihiko likes it too.
I'm not so great a person.
Good night. -- Thank you.
If you really want to sleep,
why not just go home?
I want to sleep here.
That difficult surgery went well, didn't it?
Pancreactomy.
It went off perfectly.
Because your wife can't appreciate the excitement of surgery,
that's why you came here?
As a medical school dropout...
you understand a surgeon's mind.
But the truth is, you're not the one who saved the patient.
What are you saying?
The pancreas is a silent organ.
The doctor from Internal Medicine who discovered the cancer should get the real credit.
Angry?
You wanted to hear my praise?
Get angrier!
It excites me to see you angry.
It blows all my troubles and boredom away.
Does Prof. Ugai go to the bar often?
Why bring him up all of a sudden?
Taking care of the after-effects is important.
About once a month.
He's so cheap. Doesn't like wine or women.
What does he like?
Something that can leave a lasting impression.
Like money or status...
And...
It's 10 a.m. I'm heading out.
Before you do, would you join me? -- Eh?
I'm off today. I'm looking for a change of pace.
Gross.
To hear that from someone who only thinks of the hospital.
It's alright if you don't want to go.
Not at all. I'll join you.
I'd like to go out with my husband once in a while.
Let's do it then.
Oh that? Your mom sent that.
I shared them with my club members.
There were so many, there's no way we could finish them.
Did I do something wrong?
No, just thinking about something Mom said.
A gift is nothing if people don't appreciate it.
To think that you wanted to see paintings.
Your dad is always telling me.
A doctor is no good unless he has a hobby.
That one is very good.
Kyoko, let's go and look over there.
That's Majorca in Spain.
Oh, that's right!
You remember our honeymoon?
I was just a resident back then.
Well, if it isn't Zaizen!
Professor Ugai!
What a coincidence!
Remarkable to see you and your wife at the gallery.
I heard that you have a busy schedule every day.
I have a lot of time to spare for good paintings.
Perhaps it's you who has no time.
With a busy schedule, and needing to do those news interviews.
To think you're saying that as well. It makes it look like I'm grandstanding.
People will misunderstand.
Misunderstand?
I'm easily misunderstood.
Today, to correct my wife's misunderstanding, we came out to the city.
We all love our wives.
Honey, it's rude to disturb their date.
Well, we're off. Have a good time.
Pardon us.
Isn't it about that time?
What?
Don't make your friends wait. You'd best hurry. I'll stay here and look at the paintings some more.
University Hospital doctors really have to work hard.
See you.
Though I'm not Papa,
you should hurry up and become a professor.
If I had the choice, I'd prefer to be a professor's wife.
Excuse me. -- Yes?
How much is this?
About 4 million yen.
Four million!
Thank you.
The persimmons arrived yesterday.
They're delicious, Mom.
That's great.
I know it's not good to send you the same thing every time, but they were your favorite since you were young.
No. I was tired after a complicated surgery yesterday.
It made them taste even better.
Don't work too hard, Goro.
You worked hard and climbed high.
More won't necessarily make you happier.
Don't worry, Mom. I save many lives every day.
Patients thank me.
Professor Asuma values me.
Everything is going smoothly.
Honey. Honey!
This is a gift from Zaizen Maternity Clinic in Dojima.
Zaizen's father-in-law?
I thought Zaizen was just a bumpkin. He has remarkable taste.
Well done.
The surgery was very successful. Take care.
Dr. Zaizen, pardon me.
Thank you very much!
This is a trifling thing.
We are university employees; we cannot accept gifts.
It's just some sweets.
I have a wagashi shop.
This is something to show our appreciation.
In that case, I'll accept it.
Prof. Ugai from First Internal Medicine will begin his morning round.
Thank you, Professor!
Alright, let's go.
Today, we have 83 patients.
Satomi, nothing special to report, right?
Yes.
What?
Dr. Satomi?
Excuse me, I'll be back in a second.
It really is just sweets.
Come in.
What's the matter?
Hey, Zaizen.
I think it's better to tell Prof. Ugai the truth.
What are you saying now?
I've thought this through seriously.
Prof. Ugai should admit his misdiagnosis.
How many times do I have to tell you?
He'll lose face if you do that.
Even if the medical faculty makes a wrong diagnosis,
it's taboo to correct it.
That's why I can't let things continue like that.
That's the norm.
A professor's authority is higher than a correct diagnosis. That's the reality.
If you don't compromise with reality, you can't be a professor.
You can't be a professor just by compromising.
You have to do the work to be recognized.
That's the difference between our values.
Maybe we'll discuss this another day.
Zaizen!
Satomi, think!
For everything, including the research you like most,
you need the professor's support,
and donations from pharmaceutical companies.
If you antagonize Professor Ugai,
then forget all your research.
Even so, I don't care.
Do you really not care?
If you go to a university outside the city,
financially and equipment-wise, you won't have the support you need.
Compare that with the support you have now.
Are you really able to accept the consequences?
I can't.
I can't, for sure.
Dr. Satomi is inside.
No, I'm looking for you, Dr. Zaizen.
From Professor Ugai.
Good work.
Excuse me.
Tonight, see you at that bar.
Looks delicious; I'll have one.
Yana, get some tea from Second Surgical.
Doctor, you try one.
I don't like sweets.
Dr. Kanai, try one?
Thank you.
Good morning! -- Good morning.
Thank you for your hard work on your trip.
Anything special happen while I was away?
Nothing at all.
This is the info for the president of Mikasa Bank.
Since you were away, I treated him in your place.
This is from the patient? -- Yes.
It's the hospital's rule not to accept anything from patients.
Sorry.
The family insisted; it seemed a shame not to accept.
Accepting a small thing like this will spur rumors that you accepted millions.
I was ignorant; I'll return it immediately.
No need to go that far.
What I want to say is medical skills aren't enough.
Good ethics are important too.
I'm truly sorry.
Happy birthday, dear President Ugai
Happy birthday to you
(From the Crimson Club)
President Ugai, happy birthday! -- Happy birthday!
It's really touching.
To have so many people celebrating my birthday at this age.
Please have a seat, everyone.
Without President Ugai, there is no Crimson Club.
You're growing more beautiful by the year; I'm so envious!
I always tell my daughter to learn from you.
Pardon me.
I've invited other young people as well!
Come in, come in!
Happy birthday.
It's Mrs. Satomi, isn't it? How rare to see you.
Sorry I haven't come more often.
Doesn't matter, glad you could come! Please have a seat.
Professors' and asst. professors' wives should get along better.
Yes.
Isn't that right?
Yes.
(Mama)
Thanks for your hard work.
Well, if it isn't Satomi.
What brings you to Surgical? Anything special?
Nothing.
Dr. Satomi wanted to see the transfer patient from First Internal Medicine.
How impressive!
Doctors shouldn't just chase results.
They should be as genuine as you.
I'm not genuine.
What do you mean?
Was there a problem with that patient?
No.
That patient's surgery was very successful. It saved her life.
I heard that she's taking graduate studies?
French Literature. -- Wonderful!
President!
Sorry!
This painting is marvelous!
Really beautiful.
Excuse me, let me see.
President, is it by Giard?
That's Mrs. Asuma; you're so knowledgeable!
I've seen it in the gallery, but it was out of my price range.
I can't afford it either.
This is a gift from someone.
Surely Mrs. Asuma has received something even better?
After all, Asst. Prof. Zaizen is so ostentatious.
Not at all.
Here you go. -- Thank you.
I'm not used to this type of occasion.
I was asked by my mother to come.
Rough, isn't it?
Yes, it really is.
Happy birthday to you
Let's drink.
Let's.
Long time no see, doctor.
He's here.
Sorry I'm late.
Zaizen, what's with that painting?
It's about that, I see.
Of course.
I'm not so shameless as to accept a several million yen gift without a word.
That's from my father-in-law.
It's not necessary for your father-in-law to send me a gift.
My father-in-law is a member of the Medical Society; he hopes you can attend a meeting.
You mean make a speech there?
No other reason?
Yes, no other reason.
What's happening here?
How rare to see you two together.
Today I wanted to learn from Dr. Zaizen about his excellent skills.
Dr. Zaizen's skills sound really amazing.
They really are.
Don't tease me.
No, I'm not teasing.
For example, let's start with that pancreatic cancer patient.
Don't you remember?
The patient's name is Konishi Midori.
I've seen her once; I can't remember her face.
This morning, Mr. Konishi gave this to me.
He said thanks to your surgery, his wife was saved.
He's very happy.
I remember now.
That patient had exactly what you diagnosed, early stage pancreatic cancer.
That's why I carried out the pancreactomy.
I diagnosed pancreatic cancer? -- Yes.
It's because of your correct diagnosis that I did the surgery.
How lucky for the patient.
Thanks to you, I've learned a lot.
Well done. -- Not at all!
Please.
And? What did Prof. Asuma say?
Ah...
That day, Prof. Asuma was on a trip. I haven't mentioned this to him yet.
That's no good!
It's a great mistake for an assistant professor to cross the line with his own decisions.
With pancreatic cancer, Prof. Asuma might have wanted to do the surgery himself!
Tea...
It's too sweet.
Oh! Of course.
It's alright. The patient was very happy.
I'll stay quiet about this.
Thank you for your understanding. I may need your help in the future.
Zaizen, concerning that painting...
Yes?
Should I accept it or not?
For the time being, I'll just keep it for you.
Prof. Ugai, Prof. Ugai!
Pardon me.
Please accept it.
It would be troublesome if it were considered a bribe.
Excuse me.
Professor, your tea.
I've got to go. -- Thanks for coming.
Hello? This is Zaizen Mataichi.
May I ask you a favor?
Yes.
Yes, Zaizen's father-in-law.
This is very important.
You've got to listen to me.
You have to help me!
I need your tremendous influence...
English subtitles: ImageHaHa Adapted from Chinese(TaiTanJuRan) Edited by Gobbler41