The Green Tree of Life: A Call to Virtuous Medicine

“What are you waiting for? Youth is calling you.” These words, spoken by the devil Mephistopheles to Doctor Faust, serve as a reminder to prioritize life’s value over dry knowledge.

Mephistopheles quotes Goethe, saying, “All theories are ashen, and eternal is the green tree of life.” This phrase awakens us to the importance of devoting our lives to the value of life, rather than just accumulating knowledge.

Li Wenliang, a young doctor from Wuhan, China, embodied this spirit. He posted the quote on his social media profile and used it as a guideline for his life. As the first to warn the world about the dangers of the coronavirus, he demonstrated courage and conviction, even in the face of adversity.

Li Wenliang’s words, “Justice is in the hearts of the people. I want to recover and return to the front lines. I don’t want to be a deserter,” serve as a testament to his commitment to his patients and his profession.

In a similar display of dedication, obstetrics and gynecology nurses in Taiwan risked their lives to protect newborn babies during a magnitude 7.2 earthquake. Their selfless actions demonstrate the true meaning of virtuous medicine.

Unfortunately, not all medical professionals share this commitment to their patients and the community. Some have been involved in creating and distributing blacklists, while others have made derogatory remarks about nurses and patients.

A doctor, who is also the vice president of the Korean Medical Association, has been criticized for his absurd and derogatory comments about nurses. His remarks, including calling nurses “uppity bastards” and “long-term subjects,” are unacceptable and undermine the integrity of the medical community.

In contrast, the revolutionary Che Guevara, who was also a doctor, demonstrated a different approach to medicine. He chose to heal enemies without hesitation, embodying the spirit of the green Tree of Life.

As we reflect on the state of the medical community, let us remember the importance of virtuous medicine. Let us strive to create a culture that values compassion, empathy, and kindness, and rejects derogatory language and behavior.

Today, we honor the medical professionals who embody the spirit of the green Tree of Life, and we call on all medical professionals to uphold the highest standards of integrity and compassion.