There are different kinds of doctors: those who know their own field and those who specialize in a lot of areas. But Chien Sou-hsin was dubbed the "Poet Doctor" by Master Cheng Yen. His mind contains poems, lyrics, quotations, and other classical knowledge. He has a huge memory bank inside of him, incredible and yet daunting.

"Poet doctor," "idealist," and "Renaissance man" have been used to describe him. On weekday nights, he can be seen on television hosting the Home Doctor program on the Tzu Chi TV channel. Many years ago, he was the only surgeon in his field in Hualien. Now he is vice-superintendent of a Tzu Chi hospital in southern Taiwan. Who is this appealing person in such prominent roles?

Glimpse in action

Chien Sou-hsin is a plastic surgeon and vice-superintendent at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital. On a typical morning in October, Chien went about his usual rounds, examining patients at the outpatient clinic. Two medical students in their residency and a nursing student followed him. They made their way to the seventh floor to visit several patients.

Chien approached an elderly man lying in bed and carefully unwrapped the bandages around his foot. The sole of his foot revealed visible signs of healing and scarring, where blood had coagulated in cut areas. As he rewrapped the bandages, Chien asked the patient how he felt. His movements were quick but adept. In no more than ten minutes, he finished examining the patient. In the meantime, he commented on the patient's condition, pointing out things for the medical students to note.

Moving to the next room, Chien examined another elderly man with a bandaged foot. The patient's foot, however, showed less positive signs--the skin was raw and still covered in pus and blood. "The two patients you saw both have diabetes. But this one did not have his condition taken care of immediately, so his foot is not recovering as quickly."

In another room was a man who had an injured arm. The patient's wife and baby daughter were with him. Upon seeing them, the vice-superintendent and the others met them jovially and greeted the daughter with playful smiles and gestures.

The television in the room was broadcasting a Tzu Chi TV documentary on bone marrow transplantation for the upcoming tenth anniversary of the Tzu Chi Stem Cell Center. Chien caught a glimpse of the program and, after examining his patient, used the opportunity to educate the two medical students.

"Who was responsible for successful bone marrow transplants in unrelated donors?" Upon their silence, he explained that Dr. E. Donnall Thomas was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work in transplantation. Conveying his knowledge with passion and certainty, he elucidated other important events in the field and spelled out some procedures involved in stem cell research and bone marrow transplantation. All the while that he was enlightening the two medical students, he was still in the patient's room.

Later, Chien parted from the three who had accompanied him and got ready for an operation.

Keen observer, poet scholar

"When he's checking on his patients, he often finishes very quickly. He doesn't seem to notice anything, but in fact he observes it all." Head nurse Wu Hsueh-tsen has worked with Chien for more than ten years. She portrayed his ability to discern details and to observe carefully in action. Chien is also adept at handling different kinds of patients, including those who are impolite and coarse in their language. When they become unruly or upset, he is able to address their concerns and calm them down.

A Tzu Chi TV staff member, Shih Pi-hua, recounted an experience filming Chien as he was examining his patients. After he finished, he asked the nurses whether they had observed anything peculiar about a patient. When they answered no, he revealed a heart condition the patient had. "He's not just good at observing and explaining things, but also at grasping the right moments to convey them to others."

Many doctors and hospital staff members describe Chien as a man of deep learning and abundant knowledge. Even those who don't know him very well can sense that he possesses a lot of knowledge and information. Chien finds various ways to accumulate knowledge to make the best use of his time. For example, at meetings he is very attentive and listens to what everyone says, including doctors from different departments. He even takes notes and jots things down in his PDA.

Chien has a large store of information in his head. Whenever he recites lyrics or phrases of a poem, he can accurately recall them word for word. In fact, he reads a lot and has read from a variety of disciplines. He also likes to watch movies and once recommended to hospital staff members to watch the movie Patch Adams because he was touched by it.

Tzu Chi TV staff member Shih Pi-hua reveals a quirk about the vice-superintendent that used to put people on the spot. "He likes to ask trivia questions. He'll often share some knowledge and then suddenly quiz us to see if we've remembered and learned it." But Chien also inspires others with his knowledge and ability to convey messages poignantly. What he says often leaves people with something to think about. Head nurse Wu shared an example of something he once said: "When we're showing our love to others, we can't give it all at once. We must do it through small acts over time. Otherwise, patients may not be willing to accept it."

Many have remarked that the vice-superintendent likes to share what he's learned. A general surgeon, Yin Wen-yao, said that he heard Chien would tell stories, anecdotes, or experiences to his colleagues while in the operating room. Indeed, the vice-superintendent tries to make his work more lively and meaningful. He also tries to incorporate what he's learned by applying Buddhist teachings to medicine. He often aspires to take on Master Cheng Yen's humanitarian ideals by recalling her aphorisms and teachings during his daily duties at the hospital.

The vice-superintendent is a man of creativity and originality. For an episode of Tzu Chi Home Doctor, Chien came up with the idea of using petri dishes to cultivate bacteria in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of precautionary measures--wearing a mask and washing one’s hands--in preventing SARS. Bacteria grew when coughing was present without a mask covering the dish. Bacteria also grew when unwashed hands touched a dish. On the contrary, dishes that were masked or touched by washed hands had no bacteria at all.

Dubbed the "poet doctor," the vice-superintendent is a keen observer and scholarly doctor with creative ideas and interests in art and literature. One might be able to sense that he also has high expectations of himself and others. Perhaps Chien has idealistic tendencies because he is always striving to learn and to fulfill his roles to the best of his abilities.

Master of time

"Everyone only has 24 hours a day. But how does Chien plan those hours when he often travels to Kaohsiung, Taipei, and Hualien, and still has to operate, take care of his patients, and film for his program in Dalin? It really baffles me, but I really admire this about him--how he manages his time."

The vice-superintendent is an incredibly busy man. A general surgeon, Wei Chang-kuo, chuckled as he marveled at Chien's ability to successfully handle numerous tasks and duties without getting overloaded. Given the responsibilities of the medical profession, most doctors already sacrifice their personal time and sleep to make ends meet. But Chien is not just a doctor: he holds an administrative position, hosts for Tzu Chi Home Doctor, and does other things for the foundation as well.

On a daily basis, Chien must address various administrative matters that can become bothersome and problematic among people. When doctors and other staff members have problems, Chien often helps. A neurosurgeon, Chen Chin-cheng, who is the only doctor in his department, remarked that Chien assisted him when he had difficulties with medical or administrative tasks.

Aside from administrative duties, Chien has several responsibilities as a doctor--seeing patients, performing operations, guiding medical students in their residencies, teaching or leading classes, going to meetings, etc. Of those responsibilities, operations take up much time. But Chien doesn't conduct as many operations now because of his duties as vice-superintendent. He often lets less experienced doctors try their hand, supervising when necessary. General surgeon Yin Wen-yao reminisced on Chien's roles back then. "At Hualien, he was a leading surgeon busy conducting operations from morning to night. We saw him perform many difficult surgical procedures back then."

The vice-superintendent follows a routine schedule on a regular basis. He wakes up around five and arrives at the hospital to attend the volunteer morning meetings. Sometimes he meets with hospital volunteers to discuss matters afterwards. Later, around eight, he eats a quick breakfast before doing his rounds and examining patients. Then he conducts scheduled operations, attends meetings, and takes care of administrative duties among other things throughout the day. In the evenings he returns home for dinner around seven. Afterwards he may return to the hospital to finish tasks. He usually goes to sleep around eleven or twelve. On Saturdays, he spends time preparing material to host for Tzu Chi Home Doctor. And on Sundays, he does his filming for the program.

Despite contrasting impressions, the vice-superintendent has a fairly well-regulated life. Tzu Chi TV staff member Shih Pi-hua insightfully explained, "His life seems to be full of contradictions. You would think it would be more reflective of the creativity he conveys in his ideas and expressions. But instead, he lives a very routine and simple lifestyle."

Making of a doctor

During high school, Chien was inspired by television programs that featured doctors giving wholesome care and goodness to their patients through close, personal interactions. That spirit of helping made him aspire to become a doctor with such ideals.

Later, he entered the National Taiwan University medical school, the best in the country. His experiences were very different from his ideals. He often felt that his student life was routine and monotonous because of the emphasis on academics--rigid focus on textbook learning and memorization. Also, students were frequently left on their own to figure out what to do without much professional guidance.

Reflecting back, Chien points out some problems in medical education, such as the lack of mentors and role models, especially in the areas of social interactions and relationships with patients. The emphasis on academics causes many students to immerse themselves in studying without taking part in life experiences that could help broaden their views. Perhaps because of this, Chien is aware of the need to mentor others whenever the opportunity arises. Students who have the chance to work with him are fortunate to have such a role model.

Chien did his residency training at the National Taiwan University Hospital. During his fifth year, he was sent to Saudi Arabia along with other medical students to work with patients there. He encountered many challenges and difficulties with language and cultural barriers, but the experience left a deep impression in his mind. He describes how stereotypes of different cultures and races affect people's impressions. In the Middle East, people follow certain customs. The men wear turbans, but the women wear veils and robes that must cover their faces and bodies from being seen. Someone might have the impression that the men are hostile and women powerless in such a culture.

But he conveyed how such cultural differences and stereotypes were transcended in the medical environment to reveal common experiences between doctors and patients. Body language became the means of communication. Simple gestures such as smiling to show caring and friendliness did wonders to change people's impressions. When doctors smiled, patients became less wary and more receptive. When patients smiled to express their gratitude, moments of warmth penetrated through to the essence of human connection. His experiences in Saudi Arabia opened his eyes to the meaning and importance of social connections, as a doctor to his patient and a man to his fellow human beings.

Hualien, then Dalin

During the sixth year of his residency at National Taiwan University Hospital, Chien did some of his medical training at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital (the two hospitals have an established connection). There, he was drawn to the conduct of the hospital staff and found that his ideals matched the Tzu Chi medical culture. He also saw the care and goodness in doctor-patient interactions and sensed the friendly, loving atmosphere in the hospital management.

In 1988, after completing his residency, he left NTUH to work at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital. There was a great need for medical personnel in eastern Taiwan, which desperately lacked medical resources. Since he was the only plastic surgeon in Hualien, his presence would have a larger impact on the quality and availability of medical services than if he had stayed in Taipei. A group of ten other doctors that Chien had worked with at NTUH also went to Hualien. Their friendship and unity was definitely another strong motivating factor.

Chien worked at Hualien for 12 years. He never thought of leaving until he was asked to work at Dalin, where another hospital was under construction. Lin Chin-lon, who had accepted the position of superintendent for the new Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, hoped to recruit more experienced doctors to go with him. Lin believed that Chien would be an apt candidate for the position of vice-superintendent. Open for a new challenge in the spirit of cooperation, Chien accepted the position and agreed to go to Dalin to help Tzu Chi spread its medical culture to southwestern Taiwan--a formidable and unprecedented task.

"An important reason for going was that I hadn't thought too much about it. I took up the opportunity and went along without considering too many factors. Otherwise, it would have been much harder." Some of the difficulties included leaving behind old patients and starting over with new patients, parting with long-time friends and colleagues, and facing the challenges of working in a new hospital environment.

Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital opened its doors on July 24, 2000. The official opening ceremony was held on August 13.

Spiritual connection

Given a doctor's duties, Chien seldom had time to participate in activities outside the hospital environment. He was thus deeply affected by a Tzu Chi experience that allowed him to see his work in a new, more meaningful light.

Seven to eight years ago, while Chien was still at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, he participated in his first international relief mission to the Philippines. There, he saw how deeply immersed Tzu Chi members and volunteers were in helping others. Even the smallest actions in their conduct and behavior let him see the depth of their spirituality. He remembers seeing an elderly Tzu Chi brother who had difficulty moving about but who still took great effort to photograph the event. That volunteer's actions despite his physical difficulties touched Chien.

Another point he realized from the trip was that performing surgical operations was not a simple, straightforward matter in such a situation. Crowds of people had come to the Tzu Chi free clinic. Many procedures needed to take place beforehand, such as screening patients first and determining whether they were suitable to be operated on. Planning such procedures required organization and cooperation. Yet Tzu Chi volunteers were able to follow through smoothly. He was thoroughly impressed and amazed by their careful planning, teamwork, and unity.

The gratitude and happiness he saw in the responses of the Filipinos to the medical staff and volunteers after being treated also touched him. Their reactions reminded him of his experiences in Saudi Arabia, where despite language and cultural differences, doctors and patients found a common means to communicate through body language, such as smiling and gesturing.

There were many factors to adjust to on the relief mission. Chien wasn't used to wearing the Tzu Chi volunteer uniform. After a while, it became convenient and he began feeling a sense of team spirit from wearing it.

He also wasn't used to waiting in lines. "In a group, the individual is not the most important. The individual respects and cooperates with the group while the group helps the individual to develop." Having long valued his independence and autonomy, Chien was accustomed to working on an individual basis, especially in his profession. However, when he had to orient himself to the group during the mission, he learned the value of working with others and even felt a sense of honor in representing the group.

Using a Chinese idiom to describe himself, he explained, "Before that time, I didn't realize the depth of the Tzu Chi spirit. Like being on a beautiful mountain surrounded by thick clouds and not seeing how wonderful the place is, I couldn't truly recognize the environment I was working in until years later.”

In his daily life, Chien feels that his participation in the daily volunteer morning meetings at the hospital has influenced him the most. During the morning meetings, Master Cheng Yen addresses both Hualien and Dalin hospital staff members and volunteers, who get the chance to speak and share their experiences via tele-link communication. From these meetings, Chien not only learns from others' experiences and patients' stories, but he also understands the meaning and importance of gratitude.

"In medicine, a lot of frustrations are encountered... But I often think back to the morning meetings and feel gratitude. I place gratitude above everything else in my work now."

Patients first

Amidst the pressure and demanding schedules of hospital life, Chien says it is possible for doctors to fall into spiritual monotony if they work without reflecting on deeper meanings outside their personal agendas. They may end up focusing on their achievements, thinking of ways to promote their status through higher salaries and better lifestyles while losing sight of the fundamental ideals of becoming a doctor--to help patients.

Thus, Chien believes that doctors should focus on their patients. To promote the Tzu Chi medical culture, he advocates the "Patients First" philosophy: keeping patient's experiences in mind while showing care and respect for them.

Doctors are pressed for time, especially when they have many patients to see in a day. The vice-superintendent tends to be quick at examining his patients, but he provides them with the time and quality of service they deserve. Whether there are ten or a hundred patients, a doctor still has to see all of them. So when lunchtime comes around, doctors may end up rushing through patients to get something to eat. The vice-superintendent still addresses each of his patients thoroughly, no matter how long it takes.

Chien recalls treating a male patient whose oral cancer had reached its terminal stages. Chien and other doctors continued to do their best to treat him after he was eventually released from the hospital to be with his family. After the patient passed away, his wife came back to the hospital solely to thank Chien and other staff members for their efforts in treating her husband while he was alive. The wife's gratitude truly touched him and demonstrated the positive effects of providing quality patient care.

Many factors are involved in the treatment of patients. General surgeon Yin Wen-yao explained that one has to be able to see from another person's perspective by jumping out of one's own perspective and looking at things from the patient's point of view. The next step is to help the patient think and decide in his own best interests. "One has to go beyond one's duties and obligations to develop this sixth sense."

Yin believes that Chien treats his patients using the same philosophy. He is happy to know that the vice-superintendent often points out these matters concerning patient treatment during meetings.

Chien continues to encourage others to promote the hospital's medical culture through the "Patients First" philosophy. He also works with other medical staff to upgrade the quality of services and to orient doctors and staff members to the Tzu Chi culture and spirit. As vice-superintendent, he hopes to make hospital management more humanistic.

Poet doctor, idealist, and Renaissance man. Chien Sou-hsin will continue to serve as vice-superintendent at the Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital while juggling many other roles at the same time. Aside from leading others and managing his time well, he embodies humanity in his practice of medicine. General surgeon Yin Wen-yao summed it up when he stated that the vice-superintendent maintains a balance between the arts and sciences. "From a technical standpoint, medicine is just a science, not an art. However, the vice-superintendent promotes medicine as an art. He's grasped the right concept and philosophy in medicine. You can see it in his actions, from the way he deals with his patients to the way he handles his operations."