"In the operating theater, eye doctors become heroes, while in the out-patient department they must be like detectives. The mysteries of the eyes require more than a lifetime of study," says Wen Liang-yen, head of the ophthalmology department at the Combined Services Hospital, after working a 12-hour day. Doctor Wen, 41, a native of Hupei, was recently selected as an outstanding military surgeon to be introduced on the TV program "Road".
Dr. Wen hails from a medical family. Both his parents graduated from a medical college in Peiping and became famous surgeons. But they did not force their son to follow in their footsteps. In his youth, they encouraged him to pursue his own interests and early on, he became interested in nature, and this, together with his fondness for photography, perhaps led him to choose ophthalmology when he was admitted to the Military Medical School after graduating from high school.
Some people believe that a famous surgeon such as Dr. Wen could make 10 times as much money in private practice, but he is content to work in a public hospital. "Doctors who practice only for profit cannot be happy. I like the working environment and the opportunities for research which it provides."
Does his devotion to his work mean that he has no time for his other interests? "Not at all," replies Dr. Wen. "Actually, my hobbies such as photography, carpentry and stamp collecting contribute to my medical work. Photography is required in research, and carpentry and stamp collecting develop skills in precision work and organizational ability. They complement each other."
Although Dr. Wen humbly refers to his achievements as good fortune, it is clear that his respect for his profession and his sympathy for other people have contributed to his successful career.
Teaching under way in the department of thoracic medicine.