Doctors were initially resistant

Bao Tiejun, director of Hailun People's Hospital

I was concerned when I first heard of the poverty relief project. I need to be responsible for my patients and to protect the rights of the hospital staff as well.

After visiting Beijing Union Clinic Partner last year with some officials from the local government and examining their credentials and several examples of successful cases, I decided to give it a shot.

I had foreseen some of the problems the project might bring about, such as a hike in doctors' workload and the psychological pressure from talking face to face with renowned Beijing doctors. Therefore, I held a meeting before the project kicked off to help our doctors overcome their resistance. I tried to make them realize that only by improving can they win the respect of their patients.

At the beginning, several doctors showed their resentment by procrastinating on selecting complicated cases and seeking the Beijing doctors' assistance. Gradually, their resistance diminished as they reaped benefits for themselves. Sitting next to China's top medical experts and asking them questions is far better than seeking to improve by attending refresher courses and seminars.

Doctors are also more self-motivated. To provide as much information as they possibly can, they talk more with their patients, which contributes to improving the doctor-patient relationship.

They are also less nervous after such consultations. At first some doctors would stammer, but when they found out that the retired experts are like amiable teachers, they relaxed a bit and became more confident. Some of the experts also remember the names of doctors who frequently join the consultations.

More patients, not fewer, now choose to come to our hospital. Many locals have been saying that Hailun People's Hospital is trustworthy because we have access to top medial resources. In January, we saw a 10 percent increase in outpatients and a 15 percent increase in inpatients. I believe this has much to do with our embracing the project.

Bao Tiejun spoke with Li Lei and Zhou Huiying.