I was assisting for 2 hrs. surgery in the afternoon with Dr Changmin. So we directly headed towards operation-theater for the preparations as soon as we reached the hospital. A quick meeting on the case review of the patient was held in the meeting room near OT and we went to change into our surgery scrubs thereafter.

This was the 3rd major surgery I was assisting with Dr Changmin.

It was very beneficial for my future to assist at Dr Changmin's surgeries. He was one of the most renowned cardiac-surgeons of the country who had a success rate of 90% in all the surgeries he had performed. I was learning a lot from him. 

And above all, he was a kind person, who was in this profession to genuinely help people, unlike many examples, I had as my professors in the medical school. I was near to believing how this field is full of selfish people too, in spite of the tag of noble profession, but it changed when I met him. And, that’s why he was my huge inspiration.

I have always looked up to him for my career aspirations.

When he returned back to the country, after completing his fellowship in cardiac-surgery from USA, he started more than 20 public health centers in 4 countryside areas with help of his batchmates, to help the countryside citizens to get consulted for critical diseases & get treated at cheaper cost at the same place they lived without causing delay, which had caused few deaths in past. He has accomplished the dignity & ability to host more than 1000 free health checkup camps for patients with chronic heart problems per year in his 3 years in the country now. He was now part of numerous social health clubs and NGOs.

He had a quite impressive image as a cardio-surgeon of the country. He had achieved a lot for his young age. It was an honor to work with him & have him as my mentor in the hospital.

Assisting Dr Changmin's surgery as usual was an honor, we completed the surgery in 2 hr 15 mins and I was instructed to finish up the surgery as he was done with the main procedure. 

As I got busy in my work, I found him waiting for me in OT observing me from the side after a while, which got me nervous then.

He was quietly observing if I was doing the appropriate job or not, guiding me at few steps simultaneously.

He had instructed some minor details during surgery & I had taken my notes obediently as I was supposed to.

I always had this feeling of pride yet nervousness, to attend such surgeries with him, I was not sure if I was getting any better at it but I was learning to do my best with him.

We came out together and bowed to each other, cheering for our hard work. We had to inform the family as we approached the exit door.

Dr Changmin was surrounded by the whole family looking forward to his word on the progress of surgery as soon as we opened the exit. Dr Changmin informed them that the surgery went well and they can wait in the waiting hall till the patient is taken to the ward. And we walked ourselves towards the doctor’s room.

I was walking alongside Dr Changmin writing on my notepad, “Do you have any plans today?” I heard him which made me look up startled.

“Yes, I was meeting my friends.” I was simultaneously shifting my eyes from the notes in my hand to him, as I was filling notes for the surgery before i could forget anything.

“Is there anything important?” I asked to confirm any important schedule if I missed it.

“If possible, do you want to get some coffee now?” he asked casually, looking straight ahead.

I watched him confused for a while, “Oh!" I wasn't expecting a coffee question.

Why a coffee suddenly?

That too in the late-afternoon?

"It’s my shift for the afternoon rounds in the ward today" I blurted observing him, "I’m so sorry, I need to be there in 10 mins now.” I said holding the pad with notes, near my chest tightly.

"Oh I see! See you tomorrow then" he blinked kind of flustered, "Have a good day!" he said walking towards the room ahead of me.

"Yes you too Dr!" I headed to the ward after half-bowing to him.

Why is he asking for coffee though when he has to go for a meeting in the next hour?

 Does he have any favor