I focused all my attention in an instant. "All hands on deck. Initiate resuscitation now."
Jase had extensive experience and worked seamlessly with me.
It was just like our school days, where a single glance was enough to understand what the other one intended to do.
Three minutes later, Gillian's heartbeat returned, and her blood pressure stabilized.
My mind was clear of distractions. My eyes and my heart were solely focused on successfully completing the surgery.
The operation lasted an exhausting eleven hours. Even Andres sweated nervously.
Fortunately, the surgery concluded successfully.
Gillian was transferred to the ICU for monitoring, and I collapsed in the hospital corridor. I was utterly exhausted.
Jase was also relieved. He removed his mask and sat beside me.
He took out a snack from his pocket. "I just bought this from the convenience store downstairs. After such intense work for hours, you must be feeling dizzy from hunger."
I nodded and indeed felt the effects of low blood sugar.
I took the snack from his hand and took a big bite. He sat beside me, and shared the snack.
Suddenly, I chuckled while holding the snack. "Jase, it feels like our internship days. We sat in the hallway, exhausted and shared quick bites."
"You're much more accomplished than during our internship," he replied.
I turned to look at him and noticed his eyes were full of seriousness and admiration. "Lorna, you completed a surgery that everyone said was doomed to fail."
In the following days, good news kept coming in.
"Dr. Sini, Gillian has shown no signs of infection."
"Dr. Sini, Gillian's vital signs are stable. She can be moved to a regular ward."
The day Gillian was successfully transferred to a regular ward, the office burst into applause and cheers.
Surrounded by the jubilant voices, I felt a long-lost sense of achievement and joy. I hadn't experienced such a feeling since marrying Nicolas.
That afternoon, Andres shared another surprising piece of good news with me.
"Your surgery on Gillian has been recognized as a pioneering case and will be used as an advanced learning experience for major hospitals. The committee has extended a sincere invitation for you to attend the Premier Medical Summit. You will receive an interview there."
The news completely surprised me.
Nicolas would also attend the Premier Medical Summit.
My hands clenched involuntarily.
Andres smiled and continued, "Once you've completed your interview, many major hospitals will compete to recruit you. Whether you choose to stay with us or pursue opportunities at another hospital, I have only one request."
"Professor, please go ahead."
"Continue to maintain the kindness and commitment expected of a doctor."
I nodded solemnly.
Andres gestured for me to prepare for the summit. "Jase is waiting outside for you. Remember to thank him. It was his suggestion to report your surgery as an exemplary case."
As I left the director's office, I encountered Jase.
He was still in his familiar, clean white coat. He smiled and said, "Dr. Sini, congratulations on achieving a medical miracle."
"Jase, I should be thanking you. I know you have many outstanding cases worthy of reporting, but you gave this opportunity to me."
Jase smiled candidly and said, "You misunderstood me. I didn't give it to you. If I had a more exceptional surgical practice, I would have competed with you. But for Gillian's surgery, I wholeheartedly concede to you."
In Jase, I saw an independent and straightforward character.
I looked at him and said, "You deserve credit, too."
I would never forget how complex and challenging that surgery was.
Everyone thought it would fail and that Gillian would die on the operating table.
But during those critical three minutes of emergency resuscitation, Jase remained exceptionally calm. He systematically performed the procedure and repeatedly said to me, "There's still a chance. Lorna, don't give up. There's still hope."
Those few words provided immense psychological support in such a high-pressure, overwhelming atmosphere.
