2

Harry was getting ready in the locker room to start work. He took off his dress shirt, preparing to put on his lab coat when the door suddenly opened. Olivia, the red-haired nurse he was talking to at the beginning, walked in without knocking, carrying a clipboard and with a doubtful expression.

"Dr. Potter, would you like to—" She stopped abruptly when she saw Harry with his shirt off. Her face turned red, and she immediately looked down, stuttering. "I'm sorry, I didn't know that—" Not knowing where to put her eyes, she turned quickly and hastily closed the door behind her, the sound echoing in the silent hallway.

Harry, a little surprised by the interruption, laughed softly. He finished getting ready, putting on his white coat, adjusting his collar, and taking one last look in the mirror. Feeling prepared, he went to the door and opened it, calling out for Olivia.

"Olivia, you can come in now," he said with a calm smile.

She entered again, still visibly embarrassed, her cheeks still flushed. "Did you call me, Dr. Potter?" she asked, trying to maintain her composure and focusing on professionalism.

"Yes, I did. I want to speak to you about an opportunity for you that I discussed with Dr. Webber," Harry began, his tone serious but friendly. "I would like you to be the main nurse on my team. That means you would work directly for me and on my cases."

Olivia was surprised and her eyes widened in surprise. As he spoke, she couldn't help but remember the tattoos she saw on Harry's chest, each one intricate and fascinating, just like his defined abs. She imagined the gossip she might share with the other nurses about the unexpected sight.

"That's... wow. I'm flattered, Dr. Potter," she said, excitement in her voice.

Harry continued to watch her reaction closely. "Plus," he said, "with more work, you will also earn double your current salary and have the opportunity to gain medical experience directly from me if you want to go to medical school later."

Olivia's eyes lit up with excitement and disbelief. "I accept! This is an incredible opportunity. Thank you very much, Dr. Potter. I truly appreciate the trust you are placing in me."

Harry smiled, pleased with her answer. "Great. I'm so happy to be working together, Olivia. I'm sure you'll be a valuable addition."

Olivia took a deep breath, trying to process the huge change that was about to happen in her career. "I'm so grateful for this chance, Dr. Potter. I promise I won't let you down. Working directly for you is the dream of many doctors and nurses."

After the conversation, Harry and Olivia left the room together, walking down the busy hospital corridor. The sound of footsteps echoed as they headed to their next appointment of the day. Olivia, still a little blushing, decided to break the silence.

"Dr. Potter, I hope you don't mind the question, but those tattoos… they're really impressive," Olivia began, trying to sound casual. "I recognized some of these creatures, but I couldn't identify them all. Do they have any special meaning to you?"

Harry smiled, appreciating Olivia's curiosity. "Yes, each one of them has a special meaning for me. They come from various mythologies that have always fascinated me. Among them is Greek, Celtic, and Norse mythology, among others. Each creature represents a little bit of history or a symbol that I admire."

Olivia was visibly interested. "That's amazing. I haven't had the opportunity to study much about mythology, but I've always found it fascinating. Haven't your tattoos affected your career in some way?"

Harry laughed lightly. "When you're the best in your field, Olivia, nothing else matters. What matters is saving lives. Tattoos are a part of who I am, but they don't define my skills as a doctor."

Olivia smiled, admiring Harry's commitment to his profession even more. "That makes a lot of sense, Dr. Potter. I admire that."

The two continued walking and talking, deepening their connection until Harry's beeper began to ring insistently. He looked at Olivia, who nodded in understanding.

"Let's go to the emergency room," said Harry, and the two hurried down the hallway until they reached the emergency room. There, Olivia took the chart and began to explain the situation to Harry.

"We have a pretty serious case here, Dr. Potter," Olivia said, her tone professional and urgent. "A 45-year-old male patient was involved in a car accident. He has multiple fractures, a pneumothorax, and significant internal bleeding. You will need to take him to the imaging room for further evaluation."

Harry frowned, aware of the gravity of the situation. "We don't have time, he will die before reaching the exam room, the situation is very critical."

Harry approached the patient and began examining him manually. After a few seconds, he looked at Olivia, her face showing concern due to the weather. "We're also dealing with an aortic dissection," he said, leaving Olivia and the other nurses impressed with his diagnostic skill.

"We need to act quickly," Harry continued.

Olivia nodded, her mind already formulating Dr. Potter's next plan of action. "He is well anesthetized, but it is temporary, he needs cardiothoracic surgery and general surgery to control the bleeding and repair the internal damage."

Harry nodded, determined. "I'll handle the surgery myself. In the meantime, call Dr. Bailey and her interns. I want them to watch the surgery and learn a little from the adults."

Olivia hurriedly left to call Dr. Bailey and the interns while Harry prepared for the operation. A short time later, everyone was positioned in the operating room, ready to watch a complex procedure.

Dr. Bailey, along with her interns, were anxious and a little nervous (interns). "Dr. Potter, I heard you requested our presence. What's the plan?"

Harry, already dressed and prepared for surgery, quickly explained. "I have a patient with an aortic dissection and significant internal bleeding. I will need to open the chest, repair the aorta, and control the bleeding. I want your interns to watch every step. This will be a hands-on lesson in how to handle critical emergencies."

Dr. Bailey nodded, impressed. "We're going to learn a lot today guys. Thanks for calling us."

Harry gave a brief smile before focusing completely on the task at hand. "Let's make sure the magic of medicine is on our side today."

The operating room was silent except for the sound of monitors and surgical instruments. Harry began the procedure with precision and calm, explaining each step as he worked, turning the emergency into an invaluable lesson for the inmates.

"First, let's control the pneumothorax," he said, inserting a chest tube to release the accumulated air. "Now, I'm going to open the chest to access the aorta."

The inmates watched closely, making mental notes of each movement. Dr. Bailey also watched closely, ready to intervene if necessary, but not believing she would step in, as Harry's skill is out of this world.

"Now, let's repair the aortic dissection," Harry continued, showing the interns how to perform the delicate suture. "This is a critical procedure. Any error could be fatal."

Time passed, and after several hours of painstaking work, Harry managed to repair the aorta and control the internal bleeding. He finally closed the patient's chest and took a deep breath, satisfied with the result.

"Great job, team," he said, removing his gloves. "The patient is stable. Now we just have to monitor him in the ICU and make sure he continues to recover."

The interns and Dr. Bailey applauded quietly, impressed by Harry's skill and calmness under pressure. Olivia, who was on the sidelines watching from the sidelines, also smiled, proud to have been part of it.

"That was incredible, Dr. Potter," said George O Malley, still in awe.

Harry gave a tired but satisfied smile. "Remember, everyone, the important thing is to always stay calm and focus on saving lives. That's what we're here for."

With the surgery complete and the patient stable, Harry and Olivia exited the operating room, they found Richard Webber waiting outside. Richard, with his usual air of authority, had an approving smile on his face.

"Harry, I'd like to talk to you about your teaching methods," said Richard, clearly impressed. "You did an excellent job in there."

Harry, still adjusting his lab coat, looked at Olivia before answering Webber. "Please tell Dr. Bailey and her interns to wait in the nearby research room," he said before turning to Richard. "That's my method, Richard. I believe that by teaching in this practical way, I am, in theory, saving more lives. Interns learn best when they are on the front lines, seeing how things work."

Richard smiled, agreeing. "You're right, Harry. Teaching through practice is one of the most effective ways. And you excel at it."

At that moment, Richard called a doctor who was nearby. "Harry, I want you to meet Preston Burke, our head of Cardiothoracic Surgery. He hasn't had a chance to meet you yet."

Preston Burke, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon, approached and extended his hand. "Dr. Potter, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard many good things about your work."

Harry shook Burke's hand with a smile. "The pleasure is mine, Dr. Burke. I've also heard a lot about you and your extraordinary work in cardiothoracic surgery. I look forward to learning and collaborating with you."

Preston Burke responded with a nod. "Likewise, Dr. Potter. I think we can learn a lot from each other. It will be a pleasure to collaborate."

Richard watched the interaction with satisfaction. "It's great to see you two getting to know each other. Harry, your teaching approach is exactly what we need here. Keep up the great work."

Harry thanked him with a smile and turned to Olivia, who had returned. "Everything okay with Dr. Bailey and the interns?"

Olivia nodded. "Yes, Dr. Potter. They are waiting in the research room."

"Good," replied Harry, turning to Richard and Preston. "I need to go now. I have a teaching session to continue. It was a pleasure meeting you, Dr. Burke. Richard, thank you for your support."

With that, Harry and Olivia headed to the research room, Harry would continue to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation of doctors. Richard and Preston watched as Harry walked away, both impressed by the young doctor's skill and dedication.

Olivia continued to accompany Harry to the research room, where Dr. Bailey was with her interns: Meredith Grey, George O'Malley, Cristina Yang, and Izzie Stevens. The faces of the inmates showed that everyone was eager and determined to absorb as much of the experience as possible (a first-day thing).

Harry positioned himself at the front of the group, with Olivia beside him. "Thank you for being here," he began. "I've brought you together here to teach, something I've always done at Harvard and Massachusetts Hospital. We're going to talk about the surgery we just performed. I'm going to ask you a few questions, each one a little more difficult than the last."

The inmates sat up straight, ready to absorb every word.

"First question," said Harry, looking at the group. "What is the first step when treating a pneumothorax in a trauma patient?"

Cristina Yang responded quickly. "Insert a chest tube to release accumulated air."

"Correct," said Harry, "but don't forget to check that the patient is stable enough for the procedure. It is crucial to remain calm and ensure that all vital signs are being monitored."

"Second question: How is an aortic dissection diagnosed in the emergency room?"

Meredith Gray replied. "Through a contrast-enhanced CT scan."

"That's true," said Harry, "but we also need to consider clinical symptoms, such as severe pain in the chest or back, and differences in blood pressure between limbs. A thorough physical examination can provide valuable clues before test results are released." be ready."

"Third question: What is the priority when performing surgery with multiple fractures and internal bleeding?"

George O'Malley hesitated before answering. "Stabilize fractures and control internal bleeding."

"Correct, but the absolute priority is always to control the bleeding first," Harry corrected. "If we don't stop the bleeding, all other interventions will be in vain."

"Fourth question: What are the specific risks associated with repairing an aortic dissection during surgery?"

Izzie Stevens responded. "There is a risk of hemorrhage and infectious complications."

"Yes," said Harry, "but that's not all. We also need to consider the risk of ischemia in distal organs due to interruption of blood flow and the possibility of post-operative kidney failure. It is an extremely delicate operation and any deviation could be fatal."

Harry then asked the last, most difficult question: "What is the protocol for monitoring and treating possible neurological complications after surgery to repair an aortic dissection?"

The inmates exchanged uncertain looks. Nobody knew the full answer.

Harry smiled slightly before explaining. "It is essential to perform frequent neurological exams, monitor intracranial pressure, and use neuroimaging if complications are suspected. Maintaining adequate cerebral perfusion and avoiding hypertensive peaks are crucial. Any sign of neurological deficit must be treated immediately to prevent permanent damage."

He paused to let the information sink in before continuing. "And now, I want you to know something important. The intern who, in my opinion, stands out as the best by the end of the first year will have the opportunity to be part of my team and will spend two months in Germany, learning from a renowned doctor, a friend of mine. It's a unique chance to grow professionally and personally."

The inmates were surprised and excited by the opportunity. Harry looked at them seriously and encouragingly. "The dedication and learning you show here are essential. Keep it up, and you will have a bright future ahead."

Dr. Bailey smiled, pleased with Harry's initiative. "You heard Dr. Potter. Now, return to your stations."

The inmates thanked them and left, full of new information. Olivia and Harry sat in silence for a moment, satisfied with the outcome of the teaching session.

Harry and Olivia quickly left the research room upon hearing a new urgent call on Harry's beeper. They hurriedly walked through the hospital corridors, discussing the next case.

"Another emergency," said Harry, checking the information on the beeper. "Patient with a ruptured aneurysm in the abdominal aorta. It's going to be a very complicated surgery."

When they arrived at the operating room, Harry found another resident, Dr. Jeremy, and his interns waiting. "Dr. Jeremy, I need you and your interns to shadow this surgery. Let's turn this into another learning opportunity."

Dr. Jeremy nodded, calling his interns to prepare. Harry began preparing for surgery, explaining the case as he donned his gloves and sterile gown.

"The patient has a ruptured aneurysm in the abdominal aorta. We will need to repair the blood vessels and control the bleeding. This is a complex procedure, and I will need everyone to be alert and ready to learn."

The surgery began, and Harry led each step with precision while explaining the techniques and logic behind each movement. The inmates, including Jeremy's, watched intently, asking questions and writing down the answers.

"First, let's control the bleeding," said Harry, identifying and isolating the area of ​​the aneurysm. "It's crucial to be quick but accurate. Any mistake is fatal."

As he worked, the interns asked him questions about suturing techniques, the risks associated with surgery, and the patient's post-operative management. Harry patiently answered each question, implementing corrections and guidance as needed.

After several hours of intense concentration and skill, the surgery was completed successfully. The patient was stabilized and taken to the ICU for recovery.

Harry sighed in relief, removing his gloves and mask. "Good job. This was difficult, but the patient is stable. Keep watching and learning. Each surgery is an opportunity to improve."

With the surgery complete and after asking the group of interns questions, Harry turned to Olivia. "Let's go to the cafeteria. We need to recharge."

Olivia nodded, following Harry to the hospital cafeteria. As they walked, she smiled. "You are truly an excellent teacher, Dr. Potter. The interns learn a lot from you."

Harry smiled back. "Thank you, Olivia. Teaching is as important as operating. If I can help the next generation of doctors be better, then I'm doing my job right."

In the cafeteria, they picked up their trays and sat at a table near the window. Olivia began asking about Harry's early career in medicine. "Dr. Potter, was your start in medicine difficult?"

Harry smiled, reflecting on his experiences. "It wasn't as difficult as I had imagined, I was always very studious and passionate about medicine from an early age when I was younger, I paid a lot of attention to the explanations that my mother, who is also a doctor, gave me, and the surgeries that I saw in the surgical centers, while I was an Intern at the Mayo Clinic, absorbing every detail. I had a great teacher who helped me a lot: Ellis Grey."

Olivia's eyes widened in surprise. "Ellis Grey? Is she related to intern Meredith?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, she is Meredith's mother. An exceptional surgeon and an incredible teacher. But despite being an excellent professional, she wasn't the best mother. Ellis taught me practically 50% of what I know about medicine. I remember one time she made me put 100 sutures on a banana with my right hand and another 100 with my left hand. Those were intense moments, but extremely valuable."

Olivia laughed, imagining the scene. "Suturing bananas? That must have been quite an exercise."

Harry smiled at the memory. "Yes, it was. Ellis believed in rigorous training. She taught me the importance of precision and patience. Those lessons stayed with me forever."

Olivia remained curious. "She must have been a significant influence on your career."

Harry agreed. "Without a doubt, she was one of the influences. Ellis challenged me to be the best I could be. She showed me how crucial a commitment to excellence in medicine is. It was a combination of her rigor and my desire to learn that shaped me ."

Olivia looked thoughtful for a moment before responding. "It seems you've had a fascinating start, Dr. Potter. And now, you're doing the same for us, passing on your experience."

Harry smiled again, pleased with the conversation. "It's something that motivates me. After my mother passed away, due to a medical error, I promised myself that I would be an exceptional doctor who would save lives and not let children cry seeing the lifeless body of their family member, so teach and see you growing as doctors and saving more and more lives is one of the most rewarding parts of my work."

Olivia leaned forward, changing the subject. "It must have been inspiring to learn from someone as renowned as Ellis Grey. But it seems she was also quite tough."

Harry nodded. "She was. Ellis didn't tolerate mistakes, but it taught me to be meticulous. She used to say that surgery is a field where the margin for error is minimal. Every move, every decision, could mean the difference between life and death ."

They continued to talk, sharing their experiences and challenges in medicine. The conversation flowed easily, with Harry sharing anecdotes about his time at Harvard and Massachusetts Hospital, and Olivia talking about her career dreams and ambitions.

After a while, Olivia changed the focus of the conversation. "What about you, Dr. Potter? What do you do outside of the hospital to relax? It must be hard to find time for yourself."

Harry smiled, thinking about his few escapes from the world of medicine. "Well, I like reading books, especially about Medicine, but I also really like Biology books, I like traveling, learning about different cultures and traditions helps me disconnect from the frenetic pace of the hospital."

Harry laughed softly. "I believe that all knowledge can enrich our medical practice. But what about you, Olivia? What do you like to do when you're not here?"

Olivia thought for a moment. "I like cooking. It's something that relaxes me. Trying new recipes and flavors is a way to de-stress. And, of course, I love spending time with my family and friends."

Harry nodded, appreciating her sincerity. "Cooking is a great way to disconnect. Maybe one day we can organize a night out with the hospital staff. It would be a good way to relax and strengthen bonds outside of the hospital environment."

Olivia smiled, liking the idea. "It would be great. I think everyone would enjoy it."

As they finished their meal, Olivia looked at Harry curiously. "Dr. Potter, I hope you don't mind the question, but are you married?"

Harry shook his head, smiling. "No, I'm not married. But I'm dating a doctor who works at Johns Hopkins."

Olivia's eyes sparkled with interest. "Really? What does she look like?"

Harry smiled fondly, remembering his girlfriend. "She is amazing. A very optimistic person, always with a smile on her face. An exceptional doctor with an incredible talent for pediatrics with a special way with children. She brings joy to any room she walks into and always knows how to calm and comfort little patients. She is dedicated and passionate about what she does and, above all, a great companion. Her sense of humor and positivity are contagious."

Olivia smiled, intrigued. "She seems like a wonderful person. How do you deal with the distance since you're in different cities?"

Harry sighed, but his smile remained. "It's not easy, but we make it work. We talk whenever we can, and we make the most of the time we spend together. Distance is a challenge, but it makes us value our moments even more. She supports me, and I support her. We both understand the demands of our careers and it makes us stronger."

Olivia nodded, amazed. "It seems like you guys have a really strong connection. She must be an amazing doctor."

Harry agreed. "She is. And she will be even better. I'm sure she will achieve great things in medicine. Her commitment is inspiring. She has a unique approach and a huge heart. Children and families simply adore her."

Olivia smiled, feeling interested in the story of Harry and his girlfriend. "It's good to know that there are relationships that can overcome difficulties and still thrive. It gives a sense of hope."

Harry laughed softly. "Yes, it's true. With patience and communication, anything is possible. And it's also important to find time to relax and have fun together. Sometimes planning a little trip or even a special dinner can do wonders."

Olivia reflected for a moment. "I imagine it must be a very beautiful partnership. It's difficult to find someone who understands the demands and sacrifices that medicine requires."

Harry nodded. "Yes, and I think it makes our relationship even stronger. We understand and support each other in a way that maybe people outside of the field wouldn't. She's my rock, and I'm hers. And knowing that I have someone like that in my corner side gives me strength to face any challenge."

Olivia looked at Harry in awe. "Thank you for sharing this, Dr. Potter. It's inspiring to hear about your experiences."

Harry smiled, appreciating her sincerity. "Thank you, Olivia. It's important to remember that as much as we love our profession, we also need to take care of our personal lives and the people we love. They give us the strength and support we need to keep doing what we do."

After a few minutes of talking to Olivia, Harry's phone rang. "Sorry, Olivia, I need to take this call."

Olivia nodded understandingly. "Of course, Dr. Potter, go ahead."

Harry walked away a little and answered the call. On the other end of the line, his girlfriend's excited voice sounded. "Hi, Harry! How's your first day going?"

Harry smiled when he heard her voice. "It's been a busy but productive first day. I've had two surgeries so far: a repair of a thoracic aortic aneurysm in a middle-aged man and a repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm in another patient. And you, how was your day?"

She sighed before responding. "It was intense. I had a case of a child with a rare congenital malformation that was causing serious breathing problems.

We had to perform a tracheostomy and corrective surgery to try to improve the situation."

Harry was impressed. "This is serious. Did you manage to carry out all the procedures?"

She confirmed. "Yes, we managed to stabilize the child and he is in the ICU recovering. It was incredible teamwork."

Harry smiled, full of pride. "That's my girl. You're amazing."

She laughed softly on the other end of the line. "Thanks, Harry. And about next week, is everything okay for us to meet up?"

Harry nodded, even though he knew she couldn't see him. "Yes, everything is fine. I can't wait to see you."

"Me too," she replied tenderly. "Until then, take care. I love you."

"Love you too," said Harry. "Blow a kiss." - (🥰)

"A kiss," she said, and Harry could hear the smile in her voice.

"A kiss," repeated Harry, smiling. They both hung up the phone, feeling more connected despite the physical distance between them.

Harry pocketed his phone and turned back to Olivia, feeling invigorated by the conversation. "Sorry for the interruption, where were we?"

Olivia smiled. "No problem, Dr. Potter. Is everything ok with your girlfriend?"

Harry nodded, still smiling. "Yeah, okay. Let's get back to work."

They continued with their tasks, with Harry feeling more excited and motivated after the call.

_________________________________________________________________________________

End