An ophthalmologist in China has returned to performing surgeries, four years after sustaining severe injuries in a brutal attack by a patient.
The Incident: Attack and Recovery
Tao Yong, a renowned eye doctor at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, was stabbed in January 2020 by a 36-year-old patient, Cui Zhengou. The attacker, armed with a vegetable knife, caused multiple traumatic injuries to Tao’s skull, back, and severely damaged his left hand and right arm. As an eye surgeon, Tao’s injuries to his hand were particularly devastating, as they prevented him from performing the delicate procedures essential to his profession.
Recalling the incident, Tao described that period as the “darkest time” of his life.
A Return to Surgery After Long Rehabilitation
In a remarkable display of resilience, Tao has now resumed his surgical duties. He made his official return in September, appearing on China’s state broadcaster, CCTV, as he performed eye surgery on a young girl. The surgery marked the end of his four-year journey of physical recovery and emotional perseverance.
Tao’s rehabilitation story captured the hearts of many across China, where he became a household name. His courage and positive attitude during the difficult period earned him widespread admiration.
Contributions Outside the Operating Room
Even while he was unable to perform surgeries, Tao continued to contribute to the field of medicine. He focused on research and public outreach, documenting his clinical experiences and promoting new technology for intraocular fluid detection. His efforts extended to over 700 hospitals across China, providing critical advancements in eye care.
In 2022, Tao made headlines again by becoming the first Chinese medical professional to have an AI avatar created by the Chinese company Dao Ying. His AI counterpart provided eye health information in multiple languages, expanding Tao’s reach far beyond the operating room. Reflecting on his journey, Tao stated, “We can also save people’s lives outside the operating room.”
Warm Welcome on Social Media
Tao’s return to surgery has been widely celebrated on Chinese social media, particularly on the platform Weibo, where he has a following of 2.4 million users. One user expressed hope for the world after seeing Tao return to surgery, while another praised his hard work during rehabilitation, calling his return a blessing for patients.
However, Tao has not been without controversy. In 2023, he faced criticism after a comment he made about his daughter’s birthday, where he encouraged her to serve food and wash dishes to become a “fair lady.” The remark was seen by some as conservative and patriarchal, leading to public backlash. Tao later apologized, acknowledging the need to improve his parenting approach.
A Remarkable Comeback
Despite the challenges, Tao’s return to surgery is a testament to his resilience and commitment to his patients. His story continues to inspire many, highlighting the importance of determination in overcoming life’s greatest adversities.
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