Jillian decided to join the Huaxia Cardiovascular Institute (华夏心血管研究院), one of the most prestigious heart institutes in China, known for its cutting-edge research and groundbreaking cardiac surgeries.
Upon her arrival, the institute's director, Dr. Zhang Wei, welcomed her but made it clear that despite her impressive background, she would have to prove herself from the ground up.
"Jillian, we recognize your talent and the outstanding progress you've made in Shanghai," Dr. Zhang said. "However, here at Huaxia, we follow strict protocols. You'll start as an intern, gradually advancing as you demonstrate your abilities and commitment."
Jillian nodded, fully prepared for the challenge. She was assigned rotations in various cardiology departments, from patient diagnostics to assisting in surgeries under senior specialists. The institute had some of the best cardiac surgeons in China, and competition among doctors was fierce.
The first few weeks were overwhelming—new technologies, high-pressure cases, and a strict learning curve tested her resilience. Some colleagues welcomed her, while others questioned whether she could keep up. Determined to prove herself, Jillian worked tirelessly, studying late into the night, mastering complex cases, and earning the respect of her mentors.
Her journey at Huaxia Cardiovascular Institute was just beginning, but she was ready to climb to the top, one step at a time.
One afternoon, as Jillian was reviewing patient files in the cardiology wing of Huaxia Cardiovascular Institute, a familiar voice made her pause.
"Well, well… look who we have here," the voice said, laced with sarcasm.
Jillian turned around and was met with none other than Megan Liu, her former university rival. Dressed in the same intern uniform, Megan smirked as she crossed her arms.
"I should've known you'd end up here," Megan continued. "Always aiming for the top, aren't you?"
Jillian remained composed, setting her clipboard down. "And you? I see you haven't changed a bit."
Megan scoffed. "Unlike you, I didn't have professors handing me opportunities. I worked my way in through pure skill."
Jillian resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "We all worked hard, Megan. That's why we're here."
Their tense conversation was interrupted by Dr. Zhang Wei, the institute's director. "Ah, I see you two know each other," he said, glancing between them. "Good. You'll be working together on tomorrow's case."
Jillian and Megan exchanged sharp glances.
Great, Jillian thought. Just when she thought things would get easier, she now had to navigate her internship alongside her most competitive rival.
The next morning, Jillian and Megan were assigned to assist Dr. Zhang Wei in a complex mitral valve repair surgery. As they stood in the operating room, tension between them was palpable.
Megan smirked beneath her mask. "Try to keep up, Jillian."
Jillian shot her a look but remained focused. "Let's just make sure the patient comes out alive."
The surgery began, and as Dr. Zhang guided them, he tested their knowledge.
"Dr. Liu, what's the primary concern when repairing the mitral valve?"
Megan confidently answered, "Ensuring the leaflets align properly to prevent regurgitation."
Dr. Zhang nodded, then turned to Jillian. "And Dr. Smith, if the valve repair fails, what's the alternative?"
Without hesitation, Jillian responded, "A mitral valve replacement using either a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve, depending on the patient's condition."
Satisfied, Dr. Zhang let them proceed with minor tasks under his supervision. But as the procedure intensified, an unexpected complication arose—the patient's blood pressure dropped rapidly.
Dr. Zhang immediately took control, issuing instructions. "We need to stabilize them—now!"
Megan hesitated, unsure of the best approach. Jillian, however, quickly assessed the situation.
"Doctor, I suggest we adjust the patient's fluid levels and administer a vasopressor to maintain blood pressure," Jillian spoke up.
Dr. Zhang nodded. "Do it."
The team acted swiftly, and within minutes, the patient stabilized.
After the surgery, Dr. Zhang turned to Jillian with an approving look. "Good instincts, Dr. Smith."
Megan clenched her jaw, clearly frustrated by Jillian's quick thinking.
As they stepped out of the operating room, Megan muttered, "Don't think this means you're better than me."
Jillian simply smirked. "I don't need to. The results speak for themselves."
This was just the beginning of their rivalry at Huaxia Cardiovascular Institute—and Jillian knew she'd have to stay sharp.
The rivalry between Jillian and Megan continued to escalate. Despite their differences, they were frequently assigned to the same cases, forcing them to collaborate.
One afternoon, Dr. Zhang Wei called them both into his office.
"You two have shown great potential, but I need to see how well you handle pressure—together." He placed a file on his desk. "A critical case just arrived. A 52-year-old patient with aortic dissection. We don't have much time."
Jillian and Megan exchanged glances. This was a high-risk condition—if untreated, the patient could suffer a fatal rupture.
Dr. Zhang continued, "You'll assist in the surgery. Jillian, you'll handle the monitoring and suturing. Megan, you'll manage the graft placement."
The moment they entered the operating room, the urgency of the situation hit them. The patient's blood pressure was unstable, and time was against them.
Jillian worked swiftly, ensuring precise monitoring, while Megan carefully positioned the graft. Despite their tension, they functioned seamlessly, adjusting to each other's pace.
Then, suddenly—a complication. The patient's heart rate dropped dangerously low.
"We're losing him!" the anesthesiologist called out.
Jillian acted instantly. "We need to restart the heart's rhythm. Increase the vasopressors and prepare the defibrillator."
Megan, momentarily stunned, quickly followed Jillian's lead, adjusting the medication while the team worked to stabilize the patient.
After a tense few minutes, the patient's vitals returned to normal. The surgery continued, and hours later, it was a success.
As they stepped out of the operating room, Dr. Zhang observed them with a smirk. "You two work better together than you think."
Megan scoffed, unwilling to admit it, but Jillian simply smiled.
This wasn't just a test of skill—it was a lesson in teamwork. And Jillian knew that whether they liked it or not, they would keep pushing each other to be better.
After their intense surgery, Jillian and Megan's reputation within the institute grew. However, their rivalry remained. Dr. Zhang, noticing this, decided to push them further.
One morning, Jillian was reviewing patient files when a special case was announced.
"Dr. Jillian, Dr. Megan—report to the main conference room."
They arrived to find a panel of senior specialists waiting, along with Dr. Zhang. A large medical scan was displayed on the screen.
"This is Mr. Liu, a 40-year-old businessman," Dr. Zhang explained. "He has been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—an excessive thickening of the heart muscle, making it difficult for blood to pump properly."
Jillian immediately analyzed the scan, noticing the asymmetrical thickening of the left ventricle. Megan, not wanting to be outdone, spoke up, "If untreated, he's at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest. We need to proceed with a septal myectomy to remove the excess muscle."
Dr. Zhang nodded. "Exactly. But here's the challenge—you two will lead this surgery under our supervision."
Jillian's heart raced. This was their first time leading a major cardiac procedure.
Megan, though confident, was also visibly tense. "We'll need a precise approach. A mistake could damage the conduction system."
Dr. Zhang folded his arms. "That's why you'll work together."
Jillian and Megan exchanged glances. This wasn't just about skill anymore—it was about trust.
As the surgery date approached, Jillian spent hours preparing, studying previous cases, discussing strategies with her mentors, and even practicing techniques in the simulation lab.
The night before, she received a call from Chloe and Clara.
"Leading your own surgery already?" Chloe teased.
"You got this, Jillian," Clara added. "Just focus on the patient."
Their support gave Jillian the final boost of confidence she needed.
The next day, as she and Megan scrubbed in, Jillian took a deep breath. This was her moment—to prove herself not just as a surgeon, but as a leader.