China: Patient Left Unattended for 40 Minutes as Surgeon Fights to Defend Girlfriend—Major Action in Medical Scandal

A shocking case has come to light from the China-Japan Friendship Hospital: a patient was left unconscious under anesthesia for over 40 minutes because the attending surgeon got into a fight with a nurse while trying to defend his girlfriend, a junior doctor at the hospital. During the heated altercation, the patient's surgery was left unattended, putting their health at serious risk.

Background and Disciplinary Action

• The surgeon, Xiao Fei, deputy chief of the surgery department, was at the center of the controversy. The situation escalated after complaints from his wife, who alleged Fei had inappropriate relationships with several women at the hospital, including a junior doctor and a nurse.

• After investigation, Fei was terminated from his position.

• The incident led to disciplinary action against 19 officials across 5 leading institutions, including China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, and others. All were ordered to reform their institutional processes.

Fake Degree Scandal

• The junior doctor involved, Dong (age 20), had her medical license revoked. She had entered medical practice via a “4+4” program at Peking Union Medical College, which allowed non-medical graduates to obtain an MD in just four years.

• Investigation findings: Dong's degree from the University of Science and Technology was found to be fake. Several university and hospital staff were implicated in facilitating the phony qualification.

• Traditionally in China, medical training takes at least 10 years, far longer than these accelerated programs.

Systemic Reforms Ordered

• Following the scandal, China's National Health Commission ordered a review and tightening of fast-track medical education programs. All student and graduate credentials will now be subjected to stricter screening.

• The incident has sparked a national conversation about ethics, hospital accountability, and the dangers of diluted medical training standards, with the story widely discussed and parodied on Chinese social media.