CHAPTER 839: CHAPTER 336: THE SKILL LEVEL OF PAPER CUTTING AND CORRECTING FAST KNIFE FLAWS

"The person Xiao Zhou recommended is indeed reliable!"

Director Hu Kan already had great trust in Zhou Can, and now, having initially assessed Jin Mingxi’s stable surgical skills, he seemed quite pleasantly surprised.

"Have you ever held a scalpel on the operating table?"

"Yes, but only for Level 1 and 2 minor surgeries," Jin Mingxi answered honestly.

"Hmm, pretty good!"

Director Hu Kan nodded slightly. He then took out a sheet of A4 paper with trembling hands and folded it twice.

He retrieved a brand-new scalpel and a pack of blades from the desk drawer.

"Attach the blade and test your surgical skills."

It’s rare to see anyone use A4 paper to test surgical skills.

After Jin Mingxi attached the blade, he looked at Director Hu Kan.

"Xiao Zhou, draw a 5cm long straight line for him."

Director Hu Kan’s hands shook violently, so if he were to draw the line, it would definitely be an irregular wavy line. Even a Level 1 chief physician couldn’t meet such high incision requirements.

Zhou Can drew a straight line about 5cm long.

He had practiced drawing, so the line he drew looked like it was made using a ruler.

"Alright, start cutting. Make sure the cut is just through the first layer of paper, with the length matching the line."

The requirement from Director Hu Kan was quite strict, but in the eyes of such a top-level cardiothoracic surgery director, this was just basic skill testing.

After hearing the requirement, Jin Mingxi couldn’t help but show a troubled expression.

"Old Jin, just go for it. Haven’t you been practicing your steady surgical skills daily? Just perform normally," Zhou Can encouraged him.

If he didn’t find a successor for Director Hu, it would be hard to get away today.

This was a chance to solve Director Hu’s successor issue while also helping a good friend get a big opportunity, killing two birds with one stone.

Jin Mingxi gritted his teeth, took two deep breaths, then steadied himself immediately, gripped the scalpel, and his eyes gradually became sharp. He pressed the blade firmly on the paper and then pulled it back along the line drawn by Zhou Can.

The speed was neither too fast nor too slow, remarkably steady.

This time, if not exceptional, was at least a normal performance.

Reaching the end of the line, he lifted his wrist and retracted the blade.

"Unveil the first layer of paper!"

Director Hu Kan instructed blandly.

Unfolding the first layer of paper showed a faint knife mark on the second layer. The situation wasn’t too bad; at least the second layer wasn’t cut through.

"Not bad!"

Director Hu Kan’s tone didn’t sound particularly satisfied.

"Xiao Zhou, draw another 4cm straight line for him."

It seemed this was going to be a further test for Jin Mingxi.

Zhou Can obliged and followed the order.

"This time, cut through two layers of paper!"

Director Hu Kan said to Jin Mingxi.

Jin Mingxi barely passed the first test by luck. Now, with increased difficulty to cut through two layers of paper, his face involuntarily showed fear.

It was like facing a steep cliff, without the skill to climb up it—anyone would be daunted.

Cutting two layers is significantly more challenging than cutting one.

Jin Mingxi didn’t have that skill and naturally felt intimidated.

"Old Jin, be bold but cautious!" Zhou Can noticed Director Hu Kan’s face already showing a hint of displeasure, so he quickly reminded Jin Mingxi.

As a surgeon, one must be bold. Being timid like a woman is absolutely taboo.

Any senior doctor would shake their head and feel disappointed upon seeing it.

Director Hu Kan’s requirements for choosing a successor were extremely high; Jin Mingxi’s performance was somewhat lacking, and things did look grim today.

Fortunately, Jin Mingxi had considerable social experience and some insight.

Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he summoned his courage, grabbed the scalpel, and cut along the line again.

This time, the force with which he cut was noticeably heavier.

It had to be heavier, otherwise, he wouldn’t reach the second layer. Yet controlling this force was very delicate, truly testing a doctor’s surgical skills.

"Unfold it! If I’m not mistaken, you’ve already cut through to the third layer."

Director Hu Kan was so skilled that he could tell how many layers were cut just by the sound.

Jin Mingxi, a bit in disbelief, unfolded the paper layer by layer.

His face flushed immediately.

Not only had he cut to the third layer, but the starting point of the second layer was not adequately cut. The ending part was cut too heavily, directly cutting through the third layer, and even the fourth layer had clear knife marks.

If this were conducted on a patient, it would have already resulted in an accident.

Many medical students don’t understand why dissection must be done layer by layer during gross anatomy classes, not rushed. Only when actually practicing on the operating table do they appreciate the painstaking care of the anatomy teachers.

It’s actually not just school anatomy teachers who require students to dissect layer by layer; senior doctors in hospitals do the same.

Finding someone ignoring the advice would directly result in stopping their surgical privileges.

"The tests ahead need not proceed. Though your surgical strength seems good, your technique and mental resilience are a bit lacking. Based on your current performance, you’re not qualified to be my successor. However, on account of Xiao Zhou, I can offer you an opportunity for training. If you’re willing, starting tomorrow, you can follow me and learn surgeries in the Cardiothoracic Surgery department."

Director Hu Kan evaluated him.

Jin Mingxi lacked guidance from a distinguished mentor, and mostly relied on self-practice. Thus, his basic surgical strength was decent, but he was lacking in advanced skills and experience.

As for mental resilience, it can only be honed more in practice; there are no shortcuts.