“Any update of your daughter’s college application?”

“Her score is not bad, and we hope she can be admitted to the school she expects."

“Dr. Xie, you come to work so early. Don’t work too hard.”

-These were conversations between Dr. Xie Ke from Cancer Center of Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital and her patients while waiting for the computer to start up before she began her diagnosis. She asked about the college entrance examination results of a patient's daughter while giving her prescription.

This patient has been under the treatment of Dr. Xie for 15 years, and we can see how familiar they are with each other. No doubt this is an amiable doctor.

Dr. Xie is recognized as an “amiable” and “good-tempered” doctor by a lot of patients.

I also noticed that when Dr. Xie talked to her patients, it seemed as if they have been acquainted to each other for a long time. For example, during her diagnosis, she approached the patients like a family member rather than doctor in a persuasive manner, "Shall we have a gastroscope check? It might be better to have one, huh?"

For patients with their first visit to her, Dr. Xie will explain in detail the treatment and risks of each plan, so that patients can choose between conservative treatment and surgery.

Many patients come all the way from other places to the Provincial People’s Hospital. Dr. Xie fully takes this into consideration during diagnosis. If necessary, she recommends some patients go to Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital Xinjin Branch, which is closer to their homes, or recommends the effective drugs which are within the social insurance coverage. And thus she tries to provide the best economic solution for the patients.

Incredible memory

For a patient, it is very fortunate to be treated by an oncology doctor who responds positively to the condition even more than the patient himself or herself.

Patient wait outside the diagnosis room

One patient said that Dr. Xie always remembers everyone patient’s condition clearly. With such good memory, she’s acquainted with their symptoms like a family member.

Today, I noticed how an elderly man with a lung problem was caught smoking by Dr. Xie. "You still smoke in secret, huh? Don’t you know I can smell that?" The elderly man acted like a child caught in mischief, "Well, oh... I will give it up from today!"

There was also a patient who was very worried whether the cancer is in late phase. Dr. Xie calmly comforted him: You can still eat and work like anybody else. So don’t worry. Just do what you are told by us doctors.

Why is Dr. Xie so acquainted with their conditions?

That is because the recovery of patients with oncology takes a long time, and most of the patients come here for regular review who need Dr. Xie's  prescription, or come for further examinations. Patients who have already had surgery will need Dr. Xie’s opinion on pathological diagnosis report, and give feedbacks to Dr. Xie regarding their recovery. Dr. Xie will give her opinions on whether it is necessary to continue the chemotherapy, or to be transferred to other departments or hospitals, as well as recommendations on follow-up treatments. Therefore, Dr. Xie usually has a long time interact with her patients, and they naturally become like a family~

Dr. Xie, an Enthusiast of Charity

In addition to medical treatment, Dr. Xie is also very enthused about charity projects backed up by cancer funds. At least five aided patients came for Dr. Xie’s signature or seal today.

Aided patients means those who benefit from some aid programs. The patient receives assistance from some programs on cancer immunotherapy for lung cancer patients. The project aims to relieve the economic pressure on patients by providing drug assistance to patients with low-income and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This way more patients can extend their life span and improve their life quality. Low-income patients can receive up to 4 cycles of drug assistance after they pass the review.

Different doctors have different attitudes towards such charity fund projects, and Dr. Xie’s attitude towards such projects can reflect her concern for each patient with different circumstances.

Photo with Dr. Xie Ke

Introduction to Dr. Xie Ke

Xie Ke, female, chief physician, medical doctor. Graduated in 2008 with a Doctor’s Degree in oncology. A academic and technical leader of Health and Family Planning Commission of Sichuan Province. She has been engaged in tumor radiotherapy, chemotherapy and general treatment of tumors for 24 years, specialized in tumor biotherapy. She is currently the deputy director of the Oncology Multi-Disciplinary Treatment (MDT) Committee of SCIMEA and member of the Standing Committee of the Biological Immunotherapy Special Committee.

Reporter’s Note

During several hours of observation of Dr. Xie, I noticed that a large number of patients with different symptoms came and went. Under such a high-intensity work load, Dr. Xie remains amiable and caring to the patients like an old friend, which was a great comfort to them. I can’t help thinking that medication is not only about the pass down of medical studies and skills, but also the empathy and respect of doctors towards patients, which is especially precious today when the relationship between doctors and patients is tense. Thanks to every doctor with a kind heart. It is fortunate for a patient to get treated by you. ~❤