PICTURES: A doctor's life of precision and scholar

BY JINGWEI JIANG

Before COVID-19 took hold, Dr Yanling Yin allowed one of our photographers to capture her day, as she conducted her rounds at a hospital in the centre of China’s Shandong Province.

Her work day typically starts with a handover from the other doctors on duty.

In a dedicated conference room at Yiyuan County People’s Hospital, Dr Yin says she discusses her patients’ conditions with the doctors and records notes in a book.

“I can make the best judgment if I know the patient as carefully as possible,” she says.

The 48-year-old, who has been working in the field for 29 years, says her next job is to check on the patients.

First is Xinlian who had surgery just two days ago.

“I like to communicate with my patients with laughter, they will feel relaxed because of my smile, and I don’t want my patients to remain nervous during treatment,” Dr Yin says.

“Even if I wear a mask, I believe the patient can see a smile in my eyes.”

The doctor checks the patient’s injection bag and her drug dosage.

She says she checks them very carefully – even if the likelihood of a nurse making a mistake is small.

It is the early afternoon before Dr Yin is able to take her first break.

“Choosing to be a doctor requires lifelong learning,” she says.

After carefully completing some medical records, she briefly falls asleep on a book out of exhaustion.

By the late afternoon, Dr Yin is tasked with training a new doctor at the hospital.

She dutifully explains the hospital’s protocols to the newcomer and tests his CPR knowledge.

“CPR is common but important, not just for nurses, but for every doctor,” she says.

“Hospitals need to ensure that every doctor can complete the process without any mistakes.”

After a hard day’s work at the hospital, Dr Yin heads home for some well-earned ‘me’ time.

“Yoga helps me relax,” she says.

“My work is so intense, I need to relax.”