A great Father's Day present

One humid summer day in July 2002, Lin's parents came to visit their son at the Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, where Lin was temporarily seeing patients. Even though Lin couldn't spend much time with his parents, his mother briefly mentioned that his father had fainted the previous month and that he had quickly recovered without any unusual signs. This caught Lin's attention, and he quickly made arrangements for his father to get a checkup. As Lin suspected, his father had a cerebral aneurysm. The diagnosis indicated a marble-sized tumor near a major vein in his head; if the tumor got any larger, it would cause the vein to rupture. Lin immediately scheduled an operation for his father at the end of the month.

Operating on his own father, Lin became the first in the world to devise the "keyhole" technique in brain tumor operations. The keyhole operation was conducted by making a small incision approximately three centimeters wide above the right eye. A scope was then inserted into the skull, allowing Lin to remove the tumor in eight hours. His keyhole procedure was the first to be successfully completed in the most complex part of the central nervous system in the brain. Elsewhere in the world, only one doctor in Germany has used a similar technique.

Throughout the procedure, Lin was calm and steady despite his kinship to the patient. To smooth the process, Lin did not explain too much about the complexity of the operation to his father; he was not too worried because the vein had not ruptured, which would have complicated matters. Since Lin had long been familiar with the surgical procedures, he was confident and at ease during the operation.

After the surgery, Lin's father resumed his life as usual with only a minor scar on his right forehead. He was happy to know that his own son had taken care of the problem for him with his medical skills and expertise. It was the best gift a son could ever give his father--health.

Cream of the crop

Lin grew up in Tainan County, southern Taiwan, in a family with one younger sister and two older brothers. He was raised in the countryside, which fostered his interest and curiosity towards living organisms and the natural environment. As a child, Lin led a simple life. He would make toys and kites out of plants and leaves, go fishing, catch frogs and insects, and play games with other children.

When Lin was in high school, his father, a civil engineer, asked him if he would study the same field as him. But Lin was interested in biology and decided to become a doctor. Thirty percent of the students who graduated from his high school went on to medical school. Along with several classmates, Lin entered the National Defense Medical Center for his seven-year university study and medical program.

Ever since college, Lin has had a habit of helping others. During his first four years, he was a class note-taker who would write down key points presented by the teacher and hand out notes to others. The night before exams, he would help classmates review the material. If students failed a class, they would have to stay behind and repeat it until they passed. So many of them were grateful that there were note-takers like Lin.

Lin developed excellent study and exercise habits in school. He would start reviewing and studying weeks before exams. Each time he reviewed, he would become more familiar with the material until he knew it by heart. In his physiology course (the most difficult course during the second year), he received the highest score--97%, more than ten percent higher than the second highest score. Outside of classes, Lin enjoyed long-distance running and jogging. He also became the school’s ping-pong leader and won a number of competitions.

In 1980, Lin graduated as valedictorian of his class at the National Defense Medical Center. When his friends and classmates asked how he was able to do so well, Lin said it was because he had married early and could save time and energy concentrating on his studies while the rest of them were outside dating and looking for girlfriends. Indeed, Lin had married right after high school. He met his wife during the first year of junior high school; they were neighbors and were together constantly for six years before marriage.

After graduating, Lin became a clinical teaching assistant at the National Defense Medical Center and a resident doctor at the Tri-Service General Hospital. He chose to work in the surgery department, the best in the hospital, where he specialized in neuroscience because it was the most challenging field.

Lin was the first doctor at Tri-Service Hospital to attend research seminars and medical events abroad. He once went to Japan to observe a doctor's neurosurgery techniques. During his sixth year of residency, his superior asked him if he was interested in going abroad to get a Ph.D. At the time, Lin had published two papers in international magazines. After he completed his residency in 1986, he received a scholarship from the National Science Council in Taiwan to study at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He finished his doctoral program in an incredibly short time--three out of the five years it normally takes. In 1989, Lin returned to Taiwan and began doing work in various fields of neuroscience, including the use of fetal dopamine tissue in treating Parkinson's disease, studying malignant brain tumors, and getting involved in cell and gene therapy treatment.

In white for the first time

"It's been a long time since I've worn this white shirt and coat. I used to wear so many different colored shirts back then," chuckled Lin, recalling his first day of work at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital.

He has been there since more than two years ago, but he came to know Tzu Chi five years before that. In 1996, Tzu Chi Vice President Lin Pi-yu (in charge of the foundation's medical mission) approached Lin at Tri-Service General Hospital. She introduced Tzu Chi to him and informed him of their need to recruit talented, professional doctors. Afterwards, she approached Li Chao-chun, Lin's good friend and colleague. Lin and Li had agreed that they would work as a team in the same hospital wherever they went. But through a turn of events involving unclear communications, Li ended up signing with Hualien Hospital before Lin did.

Li Chao-chun worked at Hualien for about five years before Lin came. During that interval, however, Li kept encouraging Lin to work at Hualien. When Li finally told him about a proposal he was presenting to Master Cheng Yen, Lin became interested and later had a chance to go see the Master at the Tzu Chi Kuandu complex. He was amazed by the conduct of the Tzu Chi members there. When he first saw the Master, he sensed a calming presence about her and felt that she was very kind and amiable; he immediately respected her. He was also very comfortable and at ease.

In December 2001, Lin finally came to work at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital. With his medical background and experience, including a Master's degree in medical management from Tulane University in Louisiana, Lin accepted a position as vice-superintendent upon entering the hospital.

In 2002, Chen Ying-ho, the former superintendent, asked Lin if he would be willing to take the position. Chen felt that Lin was a good candidate because he had solid teaching experience and medical training. Surprised as he was, Lin accepted and became superintendent in July of that year. Today, the biggest challenge for him remains fulfilling all his roles as superintendent. Besides taking care of hospital duties, administrative work, and clinical work, Lin also has to provide services, teach students, conduct research, write reports, and finally promote the cultural and humanistic side of the hospital.

Loving treatment

Lin is patient and caring towards his patients, who are mostly elderly people enduring immense pain from neurological diseases. Dr. Shyu Woei-cherng gave a vivid example. He acted out the difficulties cerebral palsy patients had, such as the restriction and paralysis of limbs, the inability to talk clearly, and contorted facial expressions. One time when Lin had such a patient, he was very tolerant and understanding of his limitations. Keen and observant, Lin discovered another way to communicate through the patient's eyes.

Lin treats patients like family members. Suzy Chan, a medical apparatus manager, described how the wife of a Parkinson's disease patient had once told her about an incident when her husband urinated in the hospital bed when she wasn't there. Lin was nearby and saw what happened; he went to bring the patient some clothes and proceeded to help him change and clean up. Not until later did a nurse come by to help. The patient's wife was surprised that Lin, a doctor, would do such things firsthand to help a patient.

Other doctors and hospital staff members have noted the superintendent's friendliness and ability to soothe patients. Lin gives patients a lot of encouragement and enables them to feel at peace. A nurse in the neurosurgery department reveals a characteristic about Lin: he often tells patients to show gratitude to their family members. Patients and family members foster warm feelings from this and get along even better afterwards.

Hsu Ling-ling, a hospital staff member, had a personal experience that left a deep impression on her while she was in the hospital after an operation. Lin was about to go abroad on a trip and told her that he would visit when he came back. As he had promised, the hospital staff member woke up to see him by her bedside after he had flown in the night before. She was stunned to see him there extremely early in the morning, right after his trip. The unexpected surprise really moved her.

Lin never gives up on his patients; he does whatever he can to fulfill their requests. His secretary explained how a good friend of Lin's once drove all the way from Tainan to Hualien to show Lin an x-ray for someone with a serious condition. Even though other doctors had labeled the case hopeless, Lin unhesitatingly took the case. One doctor pointed out a quality that makes the superintendent different from other doctors: Lin shows a different attitude towards patients with little chance for survival--he gives them hope and cheers them up even as they are approaching death.

Lin is sensitive and considerate of patients' needs. One time, he instructed hospital staff to shave off as little hair as possible on a young female patient and to make the smallest surgical incisions to minimize scarring on her face. He was receptive and magnanimous in considering the patient's appearance instead of conducting matters for the sake of convenience.

After learning and adapting to the Tzu Chi culture, Superintendent Lin is more able to relate to his patients and feels gratitude in serving them. When he was at Tri-Service General Hospital, he would merely ask patients simple questions. At other hospitals, doctors were taught to keep a distance from patients to maintain a proper working relationship. But at Hualien, Lin has become more candid and has gotten closer to his patients. Only one thing seems to stand in the way--he is frequently unable to give more time to others because of his extremely busy schedule.

Throughout his career, Lin has seen many kinds of patients: some are amiable and agree to whatever doctors suggest, and some are absolutely defiant. Master Cheng Yen has taught Tzu Chi hospital staff to "enter the patients' hearts" in order to understand and treat them well. Lin states, "One needs to develop and practice skills in dealing with such patients. The hospital is like a field or place of spiritual cultivation, because you encounter many different kinds of people and challenges." He feels that the more difficult the challenge, the more humble one becomes.

Currently, Lin is promoting the concept of "loving treatment" at the hospital, one of Master Cheng Yen's ideals. It is challenging because it involves giving and spreading love to patients so that in turn, they may activate the love inside themselves. In order to do this, doctors must see from the patient's perspective and consider their feelings while treating them. Some hospital staff members have mentioned that loving treatment may often be lacking in hospitals because doctors are so busy; now that medical care is improving in Taiwan, doctors could work on changing their relations with patients. Perhaps one of the biggest changes Lin has gone through comes from promoting loving treatment at the hospital. Because of this, he has become more gentle and loving as a doctor.

The locomotive

Han Hung-chih, a researcher at the Core Lab for Clinical and Medical Research (a research center for the neuroscience department) in the hospital, said that a successful person often has the "three Cs': clarity, commitment, and courage." Lin seems to fit this category because he has a clear mind with clear goals, passion and complete devotion to his work, and courage to take on new challenges.

Some doctors have remarked how confident and assertive Lin is, but he's not conservative in trying new things. One neurosurgeon gave an example: Lin often finds and does new things without keeping them to himself; he shares the information and seeks others to work with him. Even though Lin is open-minded, he still maintains strong principles and high expectations regarding his work and conduct.

Lin is often the first to do things that others find difficult. Various doctors have pointed out his intelligence and industriousness. He works hard to do whatever he can to resolve problems. He is quick and insightful in discerning matters, so he is constantly ahead. But being in the spotlight is not easy or ideal; those around Lin may feel competition or envy. One doctor makes a third point about Lin: he possesses a high degree of emotional intelligence because he knows how to handle various social influences without being impacted by them.

Several doctors think of Lin as a locomotive. The superintendent is like the locomotive, always in the lead. He not only leads others, but also pulls them along with him. While Lin leads them forward, some may feel pressure in keeping up with him because of his fast pace and high standards. Nevertheless, Lin serves as a role model who always strives to do his best.

A glass always full

"One word seems to describe him: super-optimist," stated Dr. Li Chao-chun. Lin treats patients with an optimistic attitude and instills confidence and hope in them. Some doctors may grimly tell patients of their dim prospects for survival, but Lin adds a positive tone by using more uplifting words to convey serious matters in a relaxed way. Patients can still feel at ease with themselves afterwards.

"His smile is like sunshine," reflected Master Te Hsu, a nun from the Abode of Still Thoughts. Others have commented on Lin's cheerful nature and ability to radiate a positive aura. Many hospital staff members have never seen Lin tired; he always seems to have spirit and energy.

Lin is not only cheerful around people but also vigorous and upbeat at work. He often looks in a positive direction towards matters that others may see negatively due to failed attempts. Some doctors remarked that in medical treatment, Lin often goes beyond the expected by looking further and seeing if anything can still be done. He tries new methods because of his belief in positive outcomes.

Dr. Ha Tie-Mu'er used a simile to describe Lin's resolution: "like steel." Dr. Chen Wu-fu demonstrated Lin's perseverance and physical stamina at work--he and Lin once conducted an operation that lasted 28 hours. Amongst the neurosurgeons, Lin was the only one who persisted without taking a break during the entire procedure.

A visionary team leader

Lin has a "vision," a reason for doing things. One doctor observed that to effectively communicate on the same level with Lin, one needs to present a vision, or evidence of some kind to convince him. The superintendent also has many surprises about him. During a presentation this same doctor gave many years ago, Lin stood up and asked a question that amazed him. The doctor thought that no one would know much about his topic--he was flabbergasted to hear the depth and knowledge of Lin's question. Thus, Lin seems to be able to pinpoint and grasp the key points even of issues outside his field of expertise.

A neurosurgeon explains another trait about Lin: he can see trends. He seems to have the ability to accurately predict what will happen in the field of medicine. In research, for example, the superintendent knows where to look to stay on top of developments. He has a strong research background because he often goes abroad to attend symposiums and events. In accumulating the latest information, Lin strives to stay current and to bring the hospital up-to-date. Since he sees and learns a lot during his visits abroad, he encourages other doctors to get involved with research and new developments.

Superintendent Lin is an interdependent leader who emphasizes teamwork and cooperation. According to his secretary, Hualien Hospital has recently changed in this aspect because doctors work together now instead of handling matters on their own. Within the neurosurgery department, for example, some of the outpatient clinics have been set up such that several doctors can see patients together during the same time on a given day. Lin has also been able to pull together different departments and draw out their best qualities in working together. Hospital staff members have observed how Lin promoted the neurosurgery and neuroscience departments by improving the overall work atmosphere. Both departments used to operate individually without much teamwork or unity, but Lin changed this.

Yen Hui-mei, a veteran hospital volunteer who has served for over 18 years, notes how Lin has upgraded teamwork and group treatment at Hualien Hospital to promote the Tzu Chi culture and spirit. He encourages the volunteers, who play a crucial role in facilitating patient treatment at the hospital, to elevate the quality of their services. In fact, the volunteers are now divided into six groups to assist patients suffering from cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis, stroke, neurological diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. Master Te Hsu summed it up, "The biggest change is the spirit of unity at the hospital."

Since Lin came to Hualien, he has helped establish the Core Lab and the Parkinson's Disease Center at the hospital. In the Core Lab, ongoing projects include research and development of new medicines, treatments for cancers, malignant tumors, and strokes, stem cell treatment, and gene therapy. In recent years, the development rate at Hualien Hospital has jumped dramatically. Lin says the hospital has been able to advance quickly due to certain factors and developments. For one, group treatment and teamwork is becoming more apparent in practice. The hospital is gaining the confidence and trust of more people, and more patients are staying in the hospital to continue treatment rather than transferring. Superintendent Lin will continue to endeavor to bring in the newest and best technology, advance the quality and level of services at the hospital, promote "loving treatment," and recruit more doctors to work at Hualien. Ultimately, he hopes the hospital can become an internationally renowned medical institution.

On the Tzu Chi path, Master Cheng Yen has been Lin's greatest guide and mentor. Moved by her way of using praise and gentle words to lead others, Superintendent Lin strives to emulate her behavior and attitude towards patients and hospital staff. He believes that the Master has a vision because she clearly knows what she wants to accomplish in the long run and takes small steps, one at a time, to reach her goals. Inspired to take on her ideals in the medical mission, Lin is always looking at the "bigger picture" in the overall scheme of things. Certainly, Lin's actions and ideals fit his vision: he will continue to lead the hospital to a better future.