Series explores human side of doctors

The popular Chinese saying that "A good surgeon must have an eagle's eye, a lion's heart, and a lady's hand" emphasizes the exceptional skill, emotional strength, and sheer dedication required of the profession.

At the same time, it to some extent overshadows the human vulnerabilities and emotional needs of surgeons by focusing on professional excellence.

A recently aired TV drama, Good Will Society, explored the stress, doubt and emotional struggles that professional surgeons experience in their everyday lives.

It is about members of a hospital's marathon club, Good Will, and focuses on how they support each other, both at work and in life.

The club's founding members include neurosurgeon Liu Ziyi, who is straightforward and outspoken, cardiac surgeon Qin Wenbin, who is successful professionally but faces personal struggles from his past marriage, Wang Gaosheng, a general surgeon who is henpecked and under promotion pressure, Gu Shiyi, an outgoing and cheerful emergency room doctor, and Jiang Yu, a shy, introverted intensive care unit doctor.

The drama centers around how Liu and Qin support each other professionally, and gradually develop romantic feelings for each other.

By including light comedic touches, the drama brings viewers closer to the medical expertise of professionals, as well as to their emotions and vulnerabilities as ordinary individuals.

Xin Zhilei, who plays the lead role of Liu, says that she was once an avid viewer of the documentary Life Matters, which was filmed in a hospital and focused on the critical decisions confronted by doctors and patients in the face of conflict, illness, and even death.

"That documentary had a profound impact on me because it focused on stories of doctors grappling with life — some funny, some heart-wrenching, and some indescribable. It truly made me realize that doctors are professionals who deserve our utmost respect," she says.

"I think this drama portrays the medical community in a very down-to-earth way, presenting them as well-rounded individuals with their own stories."

According to Xin, Liu is a highly professional, direct, and compassionate woman who is always willing to lend a helping hand — a character she takes pride in portraying.

The two screenwriters, Wang Huan and Weng Haixin, who are also a couple, say that the drama is not a hardcore medical series.

"Our aim was to depict doctors in a more relatable way. Once they take off their white coats, they are ordinary individuals with their own joys, sorrows, and life challenges," one of the couple says.

Based in Shanghai, the pair conducted eight months of intensive research in multiple hospitals around the city, observing the everyday lives of doctors.

"They would work tirelessly on a complex surgery, but after their shift, they would head to a small corner shop to chase away fatigue with a bowl of hot noodle soup. They are calm and decisive when facing patients, but can be playful and carefree at a colleague's birthday party," says Wang Huan.

"Shanghai's hospitals are a reflection of the city's spirit — combining world-class professionalism with the warmth and humanity of its communities," adds Weng.

During a hospital visit, the screenwriters overheard a casual conversation among the doctors. One mentioned that he was planning to run a marathon, which inspired the drama's marathon club setting.

"Hospitals have different clubs — coffee clubs, flower-arranging clubs, sports clubs — and there are quite a few doctors who run marathons," says Wang Huan.

"A surgery can take several hours, which places tremendous physical demands on doctors. That's why they need to stay physically fit."