A Letter from a Patient’s Daughter

My mother was once an active and healthy individual. Five years ago, she had a fall from her bicycle and broke a bone. Despite numerous visits to orthopedic doctors and physical therapists, her pain persisted. It wasn't until over two years ago that she was diagnosed with a blood disease none of us had ever heard of. That moment felt like a bolt from the blue. My initial reaction was to get her treated at the closest major hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital. However, upon my father's insistence, we brought her to KFSYSCC.

Over the past two-plus years, I've come to appreciate why my father chose KFSYSCC, even though it's farther away. The spacious and brightly lit environment of KFSYSCC doesn’t feel like a hospital, but rather a modern public building you might find in the US. With frequent visits, I've noticed the many patient-centric design elements in the facility. For instance, the general outpatient department is located immediately to the left upon entering, which helps minimize contact with patients undergoing treatments and have lowered immunity. There's even a separate area dedicated to female patients, offering a sense of security during check-ups. The maze-like layout of consultation rooms enhances efficient movement. At first, I found KFSYSCC to be colder in ambiance than other hospitals. It took me a while to adjust.

However, I later observed that the restrooms dried quickly, likely due to intentional temperature and humidity controls to reduce bacteria. What surprised me most was that this modern infrastructure was built almost 23 years ago in Taiwan.

Throughout my mother's outpatient treatments and hospitalizations, we've received immense support, not just from doctors, nurses, and personal care assistants, but also janitors and strangers. While I'm usually hesitant to trouble others, people here often step forward to help, reminding me that it's okay to ask for assistance given the circumstances. This is vastly different from my prior experiences in competitive environments. Being unfamiliar with medical care, the hospital's comprehensive health education, covering nutrition, rehabilitation, first aid, and more, has been a lifeline for me. I even participated in my first aromatherapy class here. Pre-pandemic, the hospital often hosted various events like health education sessions, Qigong exercises, and concerts, filling its corners with soothing melodies.

I recall during my mother’s first hospital stay, we encountered Director Andrew T. Huang on one of his ward rounds. He kindly showed me how to properly support my mother’s back brace. Out of curiosity about KFSYSCC, where my mother would receive long-term care, I became interested in the Director. The leader of an organization not only sets key performance indicators (KPIs) but also shapes its culture, which determines eventual outcomes. For a cancer hospital, outcomes are reflected in survival rates and the effectiveness of palliative care. In an era where doctors often endorse various products and AI concepts are overhyped, I understand that physicians are humans too, and hospitals are workplaces where diseases, not patients, are often the focal point. It was only when the Director mentioned the support from Mr. Li Guo-Ding in founding the hospital that I realized the depth of his vision. I've always admired Mr. Li for his foresight in Taiwan's tech industry decades ago. Without him, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) with its unique business model might not exist. Likewise, without him, KFSYSCC, initially set up to address the rising number of cancer cases, might not be here. The Director’s dedication, combining both compassion and managerial foresight, deeply resonated with me. Thanks to him, when my mother fell ill, she had a trustworthy hospital to turn to. It was only later that I learned KFSYSCC is not just a cancer hospital; it also offers health check-ups for those with suboptimal health. The level of fitness activities practiced by the doctors and nurses, and the presence of body composition analyzers like InBody, have broadened my horizons.

As I became more familiar with KFSYSCC, each of my visits accompanying my mother felt reassuring. During her hospital stays, the attentiveness of staff, particularly Yi-Wen, made the treatment process smoother. I believe that those who work here must take great pride in embodying the ”KFSYSCC DNA." Once, when my mother had shingles, Dr. Tran-Der Tan was about to examine her. I hurriedly lifted her shirt, but Dr. Tan immediately stopped me, advising me to close the door first, even though I thought the corridor outside was empty. I’m most grateful to Dr. Tan. Each time I see him, I’m filled with silent appreciation. He's not just incredibly skilled in prescribing treatments, but also a compassionate physician. After my mother's diagnosis, I was under significant stress. I used to have so much hair that my hairstylist would complain about the time it took to trim it, but I began to lose it at some point. I managed my stress through various physical activities and by diving into medical abstracts, even if I didn’t fully understand them, just out of sheer concern for my mother. I suppose I might have been quite the pesky relative, bombarding the doctor with questions based on my random readings. Yet, Dr. Tan never showed irritation. Instead, he guided me to key international hematology conferences that I could follow. My readings then slowly started giving me hope and my stress somewhat alleviated.

My life changed when my mother fell ill, and it served as a reminder that the only constant in life is change. My experiences at KFSYSCC have softened my heart and slowed down my once impulsive nature, allowing me to appreciate the world anew. I no longer chase after dazzling dreams without reflection. Things I once deemed ordinary now bring me immense joy in the present moment. While my mother's illness has been a significant and unfortunate event in my life, the silver lining is the trustworthy doctor and hospital we found to care for her. Despite the sorrow, my heart is filled with gratitude. I can't help but wonder: when I grow older and if I fall ill, will there still be such compassionate doctors and hospitals available?