"Dr. Zhao, stem cell therapy is great in every way except for the cost; if the cost could be reduced, there would truly be no downsides."

Qu Xiaofeng remarked with a bit of regret. As doctors, the ideal scenario would be treatments that are both effective and reasonably priced, but in reality, any method that works well is usually the most expensive.

The main reason for this is that the development of new drugs worldwide is almost exclusively undertaken by private conglomerates, which inherently drives the pursuit of profit for new drugs.

Although stem cell therapy is not exactly like a new drug, the expensive equipment means each treatment session is still quite costly.

"Stem cell therapy is personalized treatment, and the cost is unlikely to drop in the short term."

Zhao Heng said.

Stem cell therapy not only requires specific equipment, but it also demands a high level of expertise from the attending physician, both of which cannot be easily procured, so it's impossible to reduce the cost in the short term.

"Yes, such a promising treatment method has too low of a chance for widespread adoption in the immediate future."

Qu Xiaofeng sighed again.

These current medical instruments are just considered the basic equipment for stem cell therapy; five years ago, Eastern Hospital spent tens of millions on them.

Such a large investment is something few hospitals can afford, and more importantly, having the equipment is just the first step; the next step is to train specialized physicians, which requires even higher standards.

"Cell therapy is the future trend, and the work we're doing now is essentially laying the groundwork."

Zhao Heng stated.

With the advancement of technology, universal cure-all medications are becoming increasingly rare.

Current new drugs and treatment methods are developing towards personalization and specialization, and naturally, costs are also escalating.

This trend of development is somewhat abnormal, but with the push from capital, it's an inevitable situation.

For example, many pharmaceutical companies are researching new drug directions not to achieve a one-time cure, but rather to control symptoms with prolonged medication.

"I really don't know what the future of medicine will look like."

Talking about this, Qu Xiaofeng expressed his concern.

The high cost of treatment is becoming increasingly unbearable for many, a sentiment shared not only by patients but by Qu Xiaofeng himself as a doctor.

Considering it from another perspective, if he were to suffer from certain diseases, the hefty treatment costs reaching into millions would also be unaffordable.

"The future direction of medical development is certainly towards precision and personalization; no matter what happens, stem cell therapy will become a very important and common treatment method."

Seeing Qu Xiaofeng suddenly worried, Zhao Heng smiled and encouraged him.

"Yes, indeed; no matter how the future unfolds, at least the work we're doing now has great prospects."

Qu Xiaofeng nodded; the future seems distant, and it's more important to focus on the present.

"Dr. Qu, if possible, please assist in taking samples from the patients in the ward this afternoon."

Zhao Heng requested.

In Zhao Heng's eyes, Qu Xiaofeng has significant potential for development. Despite spending many years in the pathology department on a cold bench, Qu Xiaofeng is not one to slack off, so over the years, his professional skills have continuously improved.

For now, the advanced and cutting-edge technique of Cell Fate Regulation acquired from Professor Li Hongwei can likely only be grasped by experienced and highly skilled individuals like Qu Xiaofeng.

No matter how capable Zhao Heng is, he doesn't have multiple arms; without capable assistance, many tasks are beyond him.

In modern medicine, a good team is crucial.

"No trouble at all, Dr. Zhao; in fact, I should thank you for giving me this opportunity."

Qu Xiaofeng replied earnestly.

Leaving the stem cell culture room, Zhao Heng returned to the ward area.

Before he even reached his office, Zhao Heng saw the father of the comatose girl from poisoning sitting on a bench at the office door, seemingly waiting for him.

"Dr. Zhao."

Seeing Zhao Heng arrive, the girl's father immediately stood up.

"Is there anything you need?"

Zhao Heng asked.

"Dr. Zhao, do you know what the next treatment plan is?"

The girl's father inquired politely.

"Currently, the patient can be treated with neural stem cell transplantation to aid recovery. However, this method is quite expensive; I must inform you beforehand."

Zhao Heng contemplated and replied.

"Dr. Zhao, please don't worry about the cost; although I'm just a university professor, I can handle these medical expenses."

The girl's father slowly responded.

"Dr. Zhao, have the doctors from City Fifth Hospital reached out to you?"

After a pause, the girl's father asked this question rather tactfully.

"Yes, they have. I looked into the patient's situation."

Zhao Heng answered directly; for him, there was nothing valuable to hide.

"Dr. Zhao, do you find me too aggressive?"

The girl's father adjusted his glasses and asked Zhao Heng seriously.

Upon hearing such a question, Zhao Heng was a bit taken aback; he truly didn't know how to answer.

No matter the perspective, this type of question is hard to address.

"As a doctor, my duty is to treat patients and save lives; other matters are to be handled by professionals."

Zhao Heng thought for a moment before responding slowly.

"I feel reassured hearing this from Dr. Zhao."

The girl's father, a poised middle-aged gentleman, nodded in satisfaction at Zhao Heng's professional demeanor.

Previously, he had been worried that Zhao Heng's youth might detract from his professionalism, but now it seems he was overthinking.

With these words, the girl's father departed.

After the girl's father left, Zhao Heng was lost in contemplation.

This incident had a profound effect on him.

Earlier, Zhao Heng didn't utter phrases like "let bygones be bygones," as the facts of the matter were already clear.

This incident served as a wake-up call for Zhao Heng that, as a doctor, there are risks beyond medical ones.

Take this situation, for instance; had Zhao Heng rashly spoken out in defense of Wei Xiang to the family, the focus might have immediately shifted to him, which would have been unnecessarily troublesome.

He must remain vigilant at all times. Zhao Heng couldn't help but think to himself.

Being a doctor is exhausting, which reflects the current state of doctors everywhere.

No one knows when this situation will change.

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