Dr. Shin Seonhan: The Doctor Who Sees The Future [EN]: Chapter 52

#52 Stove League (2)

Interns gathered in the cafeteria were surprised by the text messages they received on their phones.

[Intern Announcement]

We are sending this notice to prevent confusion due to frequent schedule changes. All interns are required to finalize their schedules by May.

Deadline: May 30th, Noon

—Talent Development Team

“What’s this all about?”

“Today is the 27th.”

“They want us to finalize our schedules in three days? Isn’t that a bit much?”

Geun-wook and Joong-won hyung [older brother or male friend] looked flustered.

Looking across the cafeteria, I could see the other interns at different tables also buzzing with confusion.

Suddenly, a 72-hour time limit was placed on the trade market.

“Wow, this is more urgent than I thought. We need to hurry.”

“I don’t even know if there will be any available slots.”

Everyone seemed to be getting anxious.

And I leisurely finished my meal.

I felt like a Mansour-level [referring to Sheikh Mansour, owner of Manchester City, known for his wealth] club owner all of a sudden.

That’s because I had so many cards in my hand.

* * *

Life depends a lot on luck.

It starts from birth.

Some are born with a silver spoon in their mouth [born into wealth], others with a dirt spoon [born into poverty].

I’ve always been curious.

What does it feel like to have a silver spoon in your mouth?

And for the first time in my life, I was able to indirectly experience what it’s like to have a silver spoon.

“Sun-han, shall we grab a meal sometime?”

“Sun-han, I’ll treat you!”

“Sun-han hyung [older brother or male friend], do you have a moment?”

“Sun-han oppa [older brother or male friend, used by females]!”

What’s with everyone?

Suddenly, everyone’s acting friendly.

Even colleagues who weren’t close to me before were now approaching me warmly.

“I can’t get used to this.”

They never even glanced at me before because I was from Ilwoon University…….

I finished my shift and returned to the dorm.

And I checked my schedule.

[Schedule]

March ― Internal Medicine

April ― Emergency Medicine

May ― Intensive Care Unit (←Currently here)

June ― Dermatology

July ― Radiology

August ― Psychiatry

September ― Plastic Surgery

Etc…….

My schedule was definitely good.

Because I had several so-called A-list or higher popular departments.

‘But I don’t really need them.’ I wasn’t very interested in the popular departments.

Rather, I wanted to explore the unpopular surgical departments.

That’s why other interns probably saw me as a gold mine.

‘Well, I should trade the departments I’m not interested in appropriately.’

With that thought, I went to the lounge.

At that moment, I saw a familiar silhouette.

A small frame with a hamster-like impression.

“So-dam.”

“Ah, Sun-han.”

So-dam looked up.

She had been staring at her smartphone in the corner of the lounge, deep in thought.

It seemed like she was reading the schedule exchange board on the intern community.

“What were you looking at? Schedule exchange?”

“Yeah. I heard about it. They say your schedule is golden, right?”

How far has the rumor spread…….

It seemed like my story was already well-known among the interns.

“It is, but there aren’t any departments I want.”

“Ah, right. You said you wanted to go into surgery, didn’t you?”

“Yeah. Should we see if there are any schedules we can exchange?”

“Should we?”

I sat next to So-dam.

And we compared each other’s schedules.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the Thoracic Surgery department I was looking for in So-dam’s schedule.

On the other hand, So-dam looked at my schedule and said enviously.

“Wow, you even have Radiology?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m so jealous. I wanted to check it out in advance.”

“You’re aiming for Radiology?”

“Yeah. I think it would suit me……”

So-dam nodded slightly.

Usually, the reason why people want to include Radiology in their schedule is often because ‘it seems easy.’

But So-dam seemed to be seriously considering her career path.

‘Come to think of it…… So-dam is a good fit for Radiology in many ways.’

First of all, you don’t have to see patients.

And Radiology is characterized by having to read images in the same spot for several hours in a row.

In that respect, it goes well with So-dam’s unique introverted and calm personality.

‘And So-dam has a surprisingly good eye.’

Back when we were working in the emergency room, So-dam was the first to find the bleeding area of a traffic accident emergency patient.

Even when interpreting images such as X-rays, So-dam’s judgment never went wrong.

I thought it was a path that suited So-dam in many ways.

“Then you can have it.”

“Huh……?”

“Let’s switch schedules. July.”

I said coolly.

Then So-dam’s eyes widened.

“Are you really giving it to me?”

“Yeah. It would be good to check if it suits you in advance.”

“Hey, no way.”

“Why?”

“I think it’s too much of a loss for you. I have Neurosurgery in July.”

So-dam tried to stop me.

There’s a good reason for that.

Neurosurgery is just as avoided as Thoracic Surgery.

It is famous for being one of the most difficult departments for interns.

I shrugged.

“I’m okay. I wanted to rotate through as many surgical departments as possible.”

“Are you really okay with that?”

“Yeah. I have a lot of other good cards anyway.”

“Wow…….”

So-dam’s mouth dropped open.

Is this what they call flex [showing off]?

It feels like I’m showing off how much money I have.

So this is what it feels like to have a silver spoon.

So-dam was restless.

“I…… I don’t have anything to give you?”

“What, we’re friends.”

“What can I do for you, Sun-han? Should I buy you a meal? Should I buy you drinks?”

“It’s okay. Just make sure you get into Radiology.”

“Yeah…… Thank you!”

So-dam’s cheeks relaxed.

She seems to be in a good mood.

I feel good because my friend is happy.

Then, So-dam suddenly clapped her hands and said.

“Oh, right, it’s not much of a thank you, but…… I’ll give you a tip I heard from a senior. You should definitely choose an easy department for November and December.”

So-dam continued to explain.

November and December are important times for interns.

Because they have to study hard from the end of major applications in October until the residency exam at the end of the year.

In other words, the more free time you secure, the better grades you can get.

“Oh, that’s a great tip. Thanks!”

“I’m more grateful, Sun-han. I’ll definitely repay you someday!”

So-dam clenched her fist and said.

For some reason, it doesn’t sound light when So-dam says that.

Come to think of it, I got help from her during the disciplinary committee last time.

Of course, I didn’t do it expecting a reward, but building a good relationship with So-dam is not bad in many ways.

Aside from all that, So-dam is one of the few good friends in the hospital.

“Okay, then how should I use the rest of my cards?”

I left the lounge with a light step.

Of course, I’m not a volunteer, so I plan to use the remaining cards in a profitable direction.

In particular, Dermatology is the best card, so I can’t just pass it on unless the conditions are really good.

* * *

“Sun-han, hi.”

“……?”

The next morning.

A really unexpected guy came to find me.

It was Jo Jin-gi.

He had an awkward smile on his face.

He was holding a drink in his hand and approaching me in a friendly manner that didn’t suit him.

“How was your rotation in the Intensive Care Unit? How was it?”

Suddenly acting friendly.

It’s making me awkward.

By the way, he still hasn’t taken off his cast?

Rumor has it that he caused a few more accidents after drinking.

I answered nonchalantly.

“What’s up?”

“You…… you have a Dermatology schedule, right?”

He hesitated and asked me.

“Are you thinking of exchanging with me? I happen to have Thoracic Surgery in June.”

Seriously?

This guy was also aiming for Dermatology.

I’d give it to anyone but you.

I didn’t really want to associate with him, but I thought it wouldn’t hurt to listen, so I said.

“What can you give me?”

“Huh?”

“We need to have matching conditions to exchange.”

“You’re looking for Thoracic Surgery. It’s a win-win if we switch.”

“Are you kidding me?”

I frowned.

Jo Jin-gi flinched.

“I can get a Thoracic Surgery schedule anywhere, but you can’t. The scarcity is different, so you want to exchange 1 to 1?”

“Ah, okay.”

Then Jo Jin-gi hesitated and said.

“……How about 500,000 won [~400 USD]?”

Money, huh.

Money is good too.

But 500,000 won is too cheap.

My expression didn’t change, so Jo Jin-gi’s voice became urgent.

“700,000 won [~560 USD]!”

“…….”

“A…… 1 million won [~800 USD]!”

I yawned.

That’s not enough.

One million won is not a small amount, but it’s not enough compared to the value of my schedule.

Besides, considering that he approached me from the beginning trying to rip me off, I can’t give it to him easily.

“Okay, fine. 2 million won [~1600 USD]!”

“Is that all? Is that all you can invest in your future?”

“…….”

“I’m leaving.”

I shook off my clothes and got up from my seat.

Then Jo Jin-gi shouted.

“3…… 3 million won [~2400 USD]! I really can’t give you any more even if I wanted to! Sun-han nim [formal title], please!”

“Forget it, give me your schedule.”

I held out my hand.

And soon I found a golden timetable in his schedule.

‘Oh ho…… This guy. He was hiding this good stuff?’

November ― Family Medicine

December ― Pathology

Both are departments where interns have relatively more free time.

As So-dam said, securing personal time in November and December is very important.

Because you have to prepare for the residency exam at the end of the year.

In that sense, Jo Jin-gi’s schedule was like a hidden honey pot.

“Give me this.”

“Huh?”

“November and December. Both.”

“Wow……!”

Jo Jin-gi’s face turned blue at my words.

“Hey, isn’t it too much to ask for this? It’s a really sweet schedule…….”

“This is how we can balance things out, right? You won’t be able to get a Dermatology schedule anywhere else.”

“Ugh…….”

“Suit yourself. I’ll pass it on to someone else, then.”

I turned my back.

Then Jo Jin-gi hurriedly grabbed me.

After hesitating for a while, he reluctantly said.

“Ugh, fine. Let’s switch!”

“Deal.”

I quickly exchanged schedules.

Profit!

To survive in Yeonguk University Hospital, the year-end exam score is also important.

And with the deal I just made, I secured a lot of free time.

It was a deal that was definitely worth more than a few million won.

Besides, I also secured the Thoracic Surgery schedule that I wanted so much.

“By the way, Jo Jin-gi, were you interested in Dermatology from the beginning?”

“Of course.”

“Why?”

“Hehe. Of course, it’s because of the money. Do you know how much Dermatology doctors make a month when they open their own practice?”

Jo Jin-gi grinned.

He seems to be in a good mood just imagining making money.

“Well, if I become famous, I’ll give you a spot. Contact me later if you have a hard time making a living!”

Jo Jin-gi puffed out his chest.

He’s already counting his chickens before they hatch.

I looked at him with pity.

‘Will you make it?’

Dermatology has a high competition rate.

There’s no chance that Jo Jin-gi, who’s been doing poorly since the intern evaluation, will pass.

Is he the only one who doesn’t know that the hospital is rumored to call ‘Jo Jin-gi = malignancy (cancer cell)’?

But I decided not to say anything.

It’s free to have delusions.

“Then I’ll send you the deposit address via message.”

“Huh? What, does that include the 3 million won [~2400 USD]?”

“Of course. Why, you don’t like it?”

“…….”

“Suit yourself.”

Jo Jin-gi received my account address with a miserable expression.

Is this the joy of power abuse?

In fact, Jo Jin-gi’s flustered expression is more enjoyable than the money.

I should buy my fellow friends some delicious meat.

* * *

By evening, the schedule exchange was almost over.

I secured two Thoracic Surgery slots, and I also secured enough time at the end of the year.

In addition, I divided the necessary departments to Geun-wook and Joong-won hyung [older brother or male friend], respectively, and in return, I got a promise to help with intern work whenever needed.

I’m not expecting a reward, but the things I’ve given will eventually come back as favors.

This was a successful completion of the schedule, and there was nothing more to wish for.

‘Should I wrap it up?’

I lay leisurely on the dorm bed.

Now I just have to go to the office tomorrow and report it.

At that time, Geun-wook’s head peeked down.

“Sun-han, are you sleeping?”

I was startled!

I thought it was a ghost.

Only Geun-wook’s head was sticking out from the bunk bed.

I’m afraid I’ll have nightmares because of you.

“I’d have nightmares because of you even if I was sleeping.”

“Should I tell you something interesting?”

“What is it?”

“Check out the community. It’s a mess right now.”

The community?

It’s a place where all sorts of stories come out because it’s anonymous.

It’s even called Dispatch [Korean tabloid news website] among the interns because all sorts of rumors come up.

“What kind of story came up?”

I checked my smartphone screen.