A Healer’s Journey

Chapter 2 Never Take Medical Practitioners Lightly

competent. Patrick had already a*sumed that Finnegan was incompetent. He looked away and summoned the housekeeper. “Give this kid five thousand and send him off.” Jennifer didn’t stop him this time, for she was of the same mind and doubted Finnegan’s capabilities. Finnegan, who was just about to introduce himself, was stunned. “What do you mean by that? I’m a doctor! I’m here to treat Ms. Zimmerman!” Do they take me for a beggar they can get rid of with five thousand? Patrick held back his urge to berate Finnegan for being a quack and instead said, “No need for that. Take the five thousand as compensation for your troubles and leave.” Finnegan finally realized that Patrick didn’t trust him. According to his ten non-treatment rules, he wouldn’t treat disbelievers, so he should have turned around to leave right then. However, Finnegan suppressed his annoyance, knowing how grateful and kind Bernice was. “Mr. Zimmerman, you may think less of me because of my youth, but I can really wake Ms. Zimmerman up.” Patrick’s face darkened at Finnegan’s insolence. “Really? You are quite confident, aren’t you? he challenged. “Sure, I’m fairly confident that I can wake her up.” Finnegan replied. As a matter of fact, Finnegan was a hundred percent certain that he could cure Bernice. The Primordial Pharmacopoeia that he had inherited from his master contained legendary medical techniques. He had only said he was fairly certain to be humble. Alexander snorted in derision. “Don’t get so cocky, young man!” Despite Alexander’s impressive credentials as the director of General Hospital in Jadeborough, the president of Jadeborough Medical Association, and a member of Loang Medical Council, he still could not determine the cause of Bernice’s condition. Finnegan’s proclamation was essentially a slap across Alexander’s face. Patrick thought Finnegan was being too arrogant. He said in a low voice, “He’s the director of General Hospital, Alexander Cooper. Are you claiming that you’re more capable than Dr. Cooper?” Finnegan hadn’t thought that Patrick would judge a book by its cover and look down on him. He resisted the temptation to leave and said, “In medicine, it’s the ability that counts, not age. Is there a problem with me being more capable than him?” Alexander’s interest was piqued by Finnegan’s confidence. “Who did you learn from? Where did you graduate?” “An old traditional medicine practitioner. I never attended medical school,” Finnegan replied plainly. “What?! Are you kidding me?” Given Finnegan’s young age and lack of formal medical training, Alexander, who had dedicated decades of his life to the practice of medicine, was skeptical of him. He saw Finnegan as an impostor who took patients’ lives lightly. Turning to Patrick, he said, “Mr. Zimmerman, I’m positive that he knows nothing. Please ask him to leave!” Patrick was seething when he saw how annoyed Alexander was. “Please leave.” Two b*dyguards slowly approached Finnegan in tacit understanding. Finnegan knew they wouldn’t believe him if he didn’t prove himself. He shifted his gaze to Alexander and retorted, “You can’t even cure the headache you’ve had for years. Who are you to judge my medical expertise?” He then