Original subtitles

The pain intensifies when I maintain the same posture for a long time.

When it's really bad, I feel tightness at the back of my neck.

I get a headache, too.

I then feel the pain go down my spine to my lower back.

"To the lower back…"

I sit at my desk most of the time at work.

It's difficult to take days off.

And I'm constantly thinking about work deadlines,

so I haven't slept well recently.

Signs of insomnia.

Um…

I think it might be osteoarthritis or possibly, rheumatism.

I've seen a physician and gynecologist…

I see. We'll run the tests again--

The tests came back normal as you can see.

Stress can cause so many issues to the human body.

Psychological stress can even cause phantom pains in your body.

Phantom pains?

So I'm imagining it?

I'm just saying it's a possibility.

If you still feel pain after a month, come see us again then.

I'll never come here again.

I waited two hours for a ten-minute examination.

On top of that,

they didn't even tell me what my illness was.

What's the point of this hospital?

The doctors here suck.

Yes, I'll be there as soon as possible!

Hey.

It's always like this here. Restless and hectic.

Can't even talk to them.

I felt bad asking for a day off to go to the hospital.

But I guess doctors can never understand my situation.

Patients find it hard to understand this, but…

The mobility is so much better!

Yes. Thanks to you!

Keep it up!

I will. Thank you.

We cannot treat them without being sure of the illness.

Misdiagnosis causes bigger problems.

Are you okay? Any pain?

I feel much lighter.

-I'm glad. -Thank you.

And by law, health insurance only covers treatment based on a diagnosis.

Looks like it's going well. Keep going!

Keep getting examined until you know the illness, you say?

You must be kidding.

The initial examination fee is about 2,910 yen.

Your second visit costs about 750 yen.

The price is the same regardless of the length of the examination.

Good job!

Every part of my body hurts.

I shouldn't complain.

I'm just old, that's all.

It's okay.

Which means we need to see as many patients as we can to make a profit.

My granddaughter is the only one who seems to care.

Look.

Wow, she's very cute!

See you next time?

-Okay. -Ready?

-Well done today. -Great job.

Ten minutes, Takino.

That's all we have to examine patients.

-My apologies. -Okay.

It's cutting it close.

Hello.

I'm scared!

-The director's meeting is starting! -Sorry!

The Department of General Medicine is opening next week.

People of Uotora General Hospital!

Greetings.

The general physician's job

is to see patients who don't know which medical department to go to.

They determine which specialist they need to see.

Rather than focusing on specific organs, the doctor will examine…

General?

As in everything?

KEITA KAYAMA INTERNAL MEDICINE

Jack of all trades, master of none, huh?

Like a gatekeeper who sorts patients.

Well, it might make our lives easier.

If it means I can go home earlier, that's all I care about.

Patients' condition will be analyzed by taking many things into account,

including family structure.

They have us, why do they need…

KOKORO CHAYASAKA CARDIOVASCULAR SURGEON

…a General Medicine Department?

It's gaining a lot of attention.

This is due to…

You're taking your sweet time.

If you don't hurry up,

the patient will die.

The Japanese healthcare system

has developed through advanced technology and diligent research.

However, there have been some issues

due to Japan's medical specialties being divided into 18.

Orthopedics can't treat him.

Our department can't do anything for the sore throat.

Just a cold right? Send him to Laryngology.

Thank you very much.

No worries.

When doctors see patients beyond their expertise and can't diagnose,

patients get referred from one doctor to another.

Which is why we created the General Medicine Department

as the 19th medical specialty to solve the issue.

Let's do this.

-Oh, quit it! -No, you can't.

I'll buy you a drink in return!

Mr. Yokobuki, you're not allowed to be out!

I just want to get out for a bit!

You need to listen!

What are you looking at?

Just observing! Keep going, please.

I do not recommend this hospital.

Oh?

The doctors here can't even treat colds!

-Ow… -Mr. Yokobuki!

What are you doing?

I told you, you need to rest!

Why would you do this?

How long have you been a doctor?

This is my third year.

I thought so. Here, have a candy.

You can't even treat a cold, huh?

Young lady?

I've asked the ENT Department to do a check-up.

But you're my primary doctor!

I specialize in orthopedics!

Do you know the story of Red Beard?

Red Beard?

Doctors used to help all sorts of patients.

They could cure any illness. What happened?

Let's go back in, Mr. Yokobuki.

-Could you…? -Yes.

Let's go.

-Fine. -Seriously, what will we do with you…

A doctor who can cure any illness…

A doctor who can cure any illness.

Not a pleasant expression.

What?

Sorry, I didn't mean to.

Really?

Go ahead.

-Excuse me. -Hello?

-That man… -Heading back now!

Yes!

Oh, dear.

Strange he's not here yet.

We got the right date, right?

Is it really necessary?

The General Medicine Department.

AKIKO TOYOHASHI NURSE

Ms. Toyohashi.

Long time no see.

The director's mad.

Since he's already mad at me, I have a request.

What?

It's already past five.

Go home.

I haven't finished organizing the patient records yet.

JUNICHI YOKOBUKI

Mr. Yokobuki! What's wrong?

Mr. Yokobuki!

I found him soaked in sweat!

To Laryngology, stat!

Yes!

Hang in there! I'll bring a wheelchair!

Don't move him.

Excuse us.

-Check his vital signs. -Okay.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

Mr. Yokobuki, can you talk?

What are you doing?

We don't have much time, so allow me to ask you some questions now.

Have you ever had a serious illness?

Wow. That's amazing at your age.

I had to make sure to keep the business open.

Do you perhaps own a bar?

-What? -How did you know?

In which case, I'm guessing you drink a lot?

Yes.

And your family?

Right now…

Dr. Takino?

He lives with his wife.

Did you injure yourself at home?

The stairs!

He lives above the bar he owns.

He fell down the stairs and broke his left ankle.

Why did you fall?

How is that relevant?

My ankle's not the problem! My throat hurts!

I know.

However…

this is important.

It was at night.

He was thirsty, so he went downstairs with a cup to get some water.

Was the cup in your right hand or left hand?

Left hand?

He tried to pick it up and lost his balance.

Ouch.

Are you okay?

Why?

Why did you drop the cup?

Does it matter? He needs to go to ENT now!

Please, tell me…

your story.

That's enough!

I was in pain.

What?

Right here.

I felt a gripping pain.

And…

I…

It kept happening recently.

But I'm old.

So I thought it wasn't a big deal.

Sore throat.

Gripping pain in the left shoulder.

Dr. Takino.

Dr. Hirate will be here soon.

I was wrong!

Mr. Yokobuki has a myocardial infarction!

IV cannulation is complete!

Okay! Triple-vessel disease suspected!

We need to hurry!

Yes!

How are the vital signs?

-They're stable. -Okay.

Dr. Kojiro, are you here to hang out with us?

I'm on standby.

I heard there's a high risk of bleeding.

Do you know what a joke is?

He's an orthopedic patient, apparently.

Aren't you curious?

About what?

About the doctor who suddenly jumped in

and was able to diagnose this patient's illness.

Not really. I'm just here to do my job as a surgeon.

JUNICHI

The surgery's finished.

It went well.

He's in the ICU.

I think he should be able to talk soon.

-I can't see him. -What?

I…

I almost killed him.

It wasn't your fault.

You did what you could as an orthopedist.

Right?

I'm sorry.

But there's no point…

in me seeing him now.

GENERAL MEDICINE DEPARTMENT

Today is the opening day of our new General Medicine Department,

here at Uotora General Hospital.

I'm Akira Tokushige, the General Physician.

Nice to meet you all.

Thank you.

You can't end it there.

They're here for you, right?

-Okay? -That's true.

Well then, Dr. Kayama…

of Internal Medicine?

What?

Yes?

Regarding Ms. Aso, who's staying in Room 602.

It says here that she has atopic dermatitis.

Yes.

Does that have anything to do with the treatment for gastritis?

Well, at this point, I don't know yet.

Apologies.

It just piqued my interest.

GENERAL MEDICINE

How can we do our job with him fussing over small things?

He looks into every patient we have like a detective.

Thank you.

Can I help you?

Just observing.

I'm Tokushige, General Physician.

But how did he figure out the myocardial infarction?

Is he a psychic?

Don't be ridiculous.

I bet it was a fluke.

A fluke, huh?

By the way, Tokushige.

Other doctors have complained that you've been acting creepy.

I haven't had any outpatients, so I wanted to do what I could.

Your self-introduction gave a bad first impression!

You should've introduced yourself with a bang!

With a bang?

Look at this.

"The 19th medical expert, the birth of a new specialist!"

Sounds cool, right?

Director, you're so photogenic!

You're not listening.

Stand up straight!

Yes.

Doctors at this hospital have strong personalities.

Try not to get overshadowed.

Understood.

And get working and see more patients!

I understand.

Do you really?

Of course I do.

With a bang…

Dr. Tokushige.

Oh!

I'm sorry!

What?

About Mr. Yokobuki.

Thank you.

Thank you?

I must've startled you, intruding like that.

No. I should've been more thorough with the check-up.

Signs of myocardial infarction aren't too obvious even to doctors.

Dr. Takino.

Can I ask you to do something for me?

Another weird exercise machine.

It's part of the employee welfare.

If they can spend money on such things, I'd rather get a raise.

I agree.

Sorry to bother you.

Dr. Arimatsu, our pediatrician.

-Outpatient clinic reopens in ten. -I only need three minutes.

I'm Tokushige, General Physician.

About this boy, Saku Okazaki.

You're his primary doctor, yes?

You've been his doctor for 14 years.

Now, about his family…

Feels like a questioning.

What?

I can take care of my own patients.

I'm sorry.

I got carried away.

I just want to be a part of this team.

Our team?

Yes.

Here, open up!

Open up!

Don't you want to be a part of our team?

Thank you. I'll take this instead.

Interesting.

What is?

What?

You, Dr. Takino.

What?

Wrinkles.

Getting Botox there is quite painful.

So how is he as a doctor?

Well…

Kind of normal. Nothing unusual, really.

Although he had prepared everything we needed for the surgery.

Ultrasound,

electrocardiogram, nitro.

He might just be a normal guy, or a very interesting guy.

I can't tell yet.

A doctor who can diagnose

unexplained illnesses just by asking questions.

General Physician, Noboru Akaike.

About 1,000 patients come to Dr. Akaike annually

with unknown pain and discomfort, that other doctors could not explain.

Around your neck and lower back?

Something catches Dr. Akaike's eyes.

Could you open your mouth wide?

How is this examination relevant to his symptoms?

Will he be able to make a diagnosis correctly from this?

I feel so lucky I was able to meet you.

Thank you so much.

Not at all.

CAFE TOEM

BARBER TSUJII

Ouch.

Are you okay?

I'm sorry, are you injured?

No, I'm fine.

It hurts!

Does it hurt?

Let's go to the hospital.

Don't touch me!

I'm sorry.

PATIENT REGISTRATION CARD

Excuse me.

Do I get on people's nerves?

I don't think so.

It's just hard to tell what you're thinking behind that smile.

That mysterious aspect I think is what's reflecting badly on you.

Apologies for the bluntness.

Well, I get that it's hard to truly understand

what general physicians do.

If you want to keep working at this hospital,

you should establish a good relationship with the chief surgeon.

Dr. Togo and the director went to the same university.

They seem like they're good friends, but they often butt heads.

GENERAL MEDICINE

People seem to think that it was the director's arbitrary decision

to create the new department which is something we should probably dispel.

Reminds me of someone.

Wow, you noticed already?

Dr. Togo and Dr. Kojiro are father and son.

No, not them.

The frown with deep wrinkles in between her brows.

Nothing abnormal was detected.

It could be related to stress. Or…

Phantom pains?

I'm imagining it?

Sorry?

At least some painkillers, please.

That's all I ask of you.

Nothing else.

Aren't you on the night shift?

May I observe how you examine patients?

Hmm…

You may not.

-I'm sorry for asking! -Huh?

I think he said it as a joke.

What?

I know it's difficult to tell, but this is him trying to fit in--

Please. Have a seat, please.

-Here. Please. -Thank you.

How did you know it was a myocardial infarction?

I want to learn your technics.

How can I identify patients' illnesses like a detective or a psychic?

I can teach you, but you'll be disappointed.

What?

It was all just a coincidence.

A cough unlike a cold.

Rubbing a part of his body that wasn't injured.

And the smell of cigarettes.

Cigarettes?

Many patients hide that they smoke.

He knew doctors would tell him to quit, and it wasn't related to his injury.

Patients can lie.

Sometimes knowingly, and other times unknowingly.

I think it was knowingly in his case.

Smoking and drinking increases the risk of myocardial infarction.

Exactly. Which then suggests the pain in his shoulder and throat

was referred pain from his heart.

So I asked Ms. Toyohashi to help me.

See? It was all coincidental.

Then, how did you know instantly that he owned a bar?

Because he was wearing a lot despite this heat.

And he had an old burn mark on his finger.

I heard people who work with fire, tend to get cold easily.

And because he mentioned he has his own business.

Why did you ask me about his family?

Why was that important, and…

Sorry to bombard you with questions.

Not at all.

I want to…

be better at diagnosing my patients by myself.

And I want to be dependable.

By yourself?

If I could do that, I--

Can be a doctor who can cure any illness?

I feel bad saying this, but I don't think that's true.

Is it because of my unpleasant expression?

What?

You told me so when we first met.

You said that?

Did I say that? No, I didn't!

Oh, yeah!

I did, didn't I?

It's okay. I agree with you now.

You shouldn't.

At that point, I was ready to dump all the work on Laryngology.

I'm a doctor…

And yet, I was relying on others to help my patient.

Sorry.

But what if something like this happens again?

It probably will,

as long as you're a doctor.

Unfortunately.

I do not possess the ability to identify and cure,

any disease instantly like magic.

No one does.

Do you mean…

doctors who can cure any illness…

don't exist?

No, they don't.

I understand.

Thank you for your time.

Dr. Takino.

Is it such a bad thing to rely on others?

A half-day off again?

I'm sorry.

My hands feel terribly numb.

I don't mean to doubt you,

but you're not diagnosed with anything, right?

I get how you feel, but can you push harder?

Mind over matter, you know?

Do they really not exist?

Doctors who can cure any illness?

Doctors aren't detectives or psychics.

RED BEARD'S CLINIC

Ideally, they would exist.

But realistically, they don't.

It's just my imagination.

Are you okay?

You've been off work a lot recently.

S-Sorry.

I'll make sure to meet the deadline.

I get it.

You're looking for a new job, right?

What?

I imagined this industry to be exciting,

but we're just underlings torn between clients' demands and our bosses'.

I'm registered on a job search platform too.

Get out while we can, right?

Are you okay?

Momo?

Momo!

What's wrong?

EMERGENCY ENTRANCE

She's awake.

What?

Ms. Kuroiwa.

How do you feel?

Work.

I have to get back.

No, don't push yourself right now.

Get some rest.

The tests we ran last time,

have already revealed this isn't something life-threatening.

So don't worry too much.

Don't worry?

I'm in so much pain.

Please calm down, Ms. Kuroiwa.

It's due to your mental stress that--

Are you saying that I'm lying?

No, that's not what I said.

You're doctors, right?

Why can't you tell what's wrong with me?

I'm sorry.

I'm fine now.

-What? -Let me go home.

-No, Ms. Kuroiwa-- -It hurts!

Everything's normal, right?

-Ms. Kuroiwa! -Takino!

-I've had enough! -Wait!

The muscles and bones may seem normal, but there may be other issues.

-Please move. -I beg you!

Give us one more chance.

Please come in.

I'm Tokushige, General Physician.

Ms. Momo Kuroiwa.

I'm sorry to hear about your condition.

You've been to many hospitals.

Is it too bright?

We still don't have curtains in this room.

But it's not as bad today, compared to yesterday.

It's a gentler light.

I'm never out around this time of day.

Do you work late hours?

Yes.

Working overtime?

Do you take any medications?

I'll check the chart.

My apologies.

You must be tired of answering.

But…

I want to hear it from you directly.

Do you mind?

Any medications?

Are you taking painkillers?

I am, but…

they don't work.

I see.

But you're still taking them?

Which part hurts the most?

I'm sorry to have to ask again.

My whole body…

hurts.

It's so painful.

So painful that even just sitting like this is really…

Ms. Kuroiwa.

We'll admit you.

Huh?

Do you mean I have some kind of illness?

I don't know yet.

What?

Let me put it this way. I now know that I can't identify it.

Which is why I want to run some tests.

Some of the tests won't come back until tomorrow.

We can check properly--

I can't.

A few of my colleagues quit recently,

so it's impossible to take days off right now.

Also, my boss gets on us if we work overtime.

And--

I get it.

What?

Sorry, I didn't mean to intrude.

It's fine.

I'm sorry too.

But…

I can't take any more days off…

without any proof that I'm ill.

Also, if people say I'm making a big deal out of a small matter,

I…

I might have to quit my job.

It's not something small.

You're in pain.

And it's affecting your daily life.

I think…

that is a big deal.

Let's start with a blood test.

Is the right arm okay for you?

Sorry.

It's no problem.

You've done well.

You admitted her?

Yes.

A patient with no diagnosis?

The psychological stress has really taken a toll on her.

Which is another reason why her treatment shouldn't be rushed.

Internal Medicine?

Me again?

Look here.

She's developing a stomach ulcer.

She was taking some strong pain meds.

It may have caused it.

She's hospitalized until tomorrow so please check--

What's the plan involving this many departments?

Dr. Tokushige,

surely you know how inefficient and costly this will be?

-I know. -Do you?

She was doctor shopping, right?

Going from one hospital to another to get a diagnosis.

I don't think we should encourage such behavior.

I don't know Ms. Kuroiwa well enough,

to be able to say she did such a thing.

I need more time.

Please.

What's with that face?

No one's ever fought back against Dr. Narumi like you did.

We weren't fighting.

Discussions are necessary.

I couldn't do what you did.

People talk in order to understand others' feelings.

And their emotional state.

Emotional state?

Ms. Kuroiwa was taking pain meds.

Yes.

They didn't work, yet, she kept taking them.

Why do you think she did that?

To suppress the pain?

No, wait. They weren't working.

But she kept taking them.

Ms. Kuroiwa…

was eager to get better.

So she wasn't lying about the pain!

You know, you said, "I get it!" yesterday?

That was good.

Take care.

Hello.

You're a graphic designer, right?

I was wondering if you draw.

Is it all on PC?

That's amazing.

Art was not my strong subject in school.

I once drew a cat and my teacher thought it was an alien.

I personally thought it was quite good.

-Here? Oh, I'm sorry! -Ouch!

I'm sorry for the trouble.

Everywhere hurts.

Please don't apologize.

There's nothing for you to apologize about.

I can't remember the last time…

I felt this rested.

You know…

I've loved drawing since I was young.

So when I got my current job,

I was extremely happy.

However, work was much busier than I ever could have imagined.

I wish I could handle things more efficiently.

But I couldn't.

I was panicking.

But…

I wanted…

to keep chasing the dream I've had since childhood.

I get it.

I'm from a really rural area.

We needed to take the bus to go see a doctor.

So my parents used to tell me not to catch a cold when I was young.

That's impossible, obviously.

That's why I wanted to become a doctor.

To help my mom, dad, grandparents, and even my neighbor.

To become a doctor…

who can cure any illness.

That's sweet.

But right now…

this is all I can do.

I'm sorry.

Visiting doctors while juggling work.

Being in such pain and not being understood.

That's awful.

I'm so sorry.

You're in a huge amount of pain.

And I can't do anything.

Thank you.

Being heard…

makes a huge difference…

mentally.

Ms. Kuroiwa.

The tests came back.

And everything was within normal limits after all.

Thank you.

So it is just my imagination.

I'm glad that's settled.

It's not your imagination.

I know how hard you've tried,

to live your daily life while enduring the pain.

The X-ray, MRI, blood test, CRH stimulation test…

By running these tests, something became clearer.

You started having symptoms six months ago?

Yes.

That day,

I felt feverish in the morning.

You thought you caught a cold?

Yes, but…

ALARM

Not bad enough to take a day off.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS SJÖGREN'S SYNDROME

And you've been in pain for the last six months.

It's like my whole body is being stabbed with broken glass.

And on bad days, headaches and dizziness.

But…

I kept telling myself it's just my imagination.

Why?

I wasn't always in pain.

And I couldn't handle it all.

Otherwise.

Sorry to ask you this, but could you fix this up real quick?

I can't!

I wanted to say so.

But, I had to endure it or otherwise…

I would've caused trouble for others.

Sure.

But the pain kept getting worse.

It doesn't make sense, does it?

Why was I trying to help others?

When I was the one needing help?

I see nothing unusual.

It's probably from stress.

Rest for now, I'd say.

Why can't they make a diagnosis?

Why?

Why?

PATIENT REGISTRATION CARD

Why?

Please tell me…

Your story.

Please, tell me it.

I'm not lying.

I really am in pain.

But, no one seems to understand.

They doubted me, told me I'm imagining it!

It's starting to scare me because it feels like I'm going mental!

No one believes me.

What am I supposed to do?

I believe you.

Your pain…

is real.

Your job's important to you.

Why would you lie and take days off to go see a doctor.

But…

the tests came back negative.

Yes.

The fact that none of the tests showed any signs of abnormalities,

has led to a diagnosis.

That you have…

fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia?

The trouble with this disease is,

even if we test the body parts that hurt, no abnormalities show up.

Which is why this time,

we checked the 18 tender points, and asked you questions.

Rheumatism and connective tissue disease were ruled out.

It's very unlikely it could be another disease.

The pain you've been feeling…

is from a legitimate disease with a name.

You figured it out.

I can finally…

tell people I have a disease!

Finally!

Finally!

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't be happy that I have a disease.

Thank you.

Thanks to you facing your pain and not giving up,

we were able to make this diagnosis.

It's going to take some time, but there are ways to minimize the pain.

Do you think you can hang in there a little longer?

I'm sorry.

What?

I…

I almost ran you over with my bike.

That was you, right?

You noticed, huh?

I'm so glad you didn't get hurt.

I'm so thankful.

So thankful.

Here.

Thank you.

Thanks for everything.

Take care!

Mr. Yokobuki!

I have no candy to give you today, young lady.

Apologies.

My husband can be so rude.

No, I'm the one who needs to apologize.

-I'm-- -That doctor with glasses.

-Huh? -What kind of doctor was he?

General Medicine.

That doctor told me, you collecting information,

about my work situation and my daily life, properly on my regular checkups,

was what saved my life.

Mr. Yokobuki.

Good luck.

Quit smoking.

Dr. Takino.

Thank you very much.

Red Beard!

I've read it countless times!

I probably know it more than you!

Let's discuss it over a drink at your bar sometime!

I'm so glad to hear about Ms. Kuroiwa.

Me too.

I'll create the treatment plan,

but I might ask for your help in case of an emergency.

-No problem. -Thank you.

Bye.

You do the primary doctor's work, too?

I like the view from this room.

Mister, congrats on being discharged!

I thought patients' lives outside of the clinic were irrelevant to me.

But they're not.

They're connected.

What they eat, what they do daily, and what kind of lives they've had.

If we don't know about their life's journey,

it's hard to diagnose them.

After all, we're here for the people,

and not the diseases.

Understanding the patient's whole life story before diagnosing,

I don't think I can do it.

Not by myself.

But I'm not alone.

As long as I don't forget that,

I can cure any illness.

Sorry! Was I making a face again?

No, you looked good.

I think it's great.

I believe in you.

Thank you for coming all the way out here.

I know you're busy.

It really was far.

And there aren't many ferries.

Well, aren't you happy to see your great mentor again?

You shouldn't call yourself great, you know?

I never thought you'd be working at Uotora Hospital.

A doctor who can cure any illness, huh?

What a grand dream.

I know.

It's not an ideal world.

We need to be realistic.

Doctors who can cure anything don't exist.

I'm not a kid.

You have frown lines…

between your brows.

Admitting a patient without a diagnosis.

Was it necessary?

The patient was very satisfied.

Let's be realistic.

Our current system became the way it is because it was necessary.

Unrealistic vision can be toxic.

Dreams are toxic?

It'll start affecting other departments and the system will collapse.

I do wonder, if it was really necessary to create the General Medicine Department.

Ambition is not enough…

to save lives as a doctor.

Saku!

Saku!

Don't worry, Saku!

I won't let you die!

The doctors will save you!

Saku! I'm right here!

-Saku and his brother were inseparable. -I'm a bad brother.

We don't know anything about him.

You can tell me. I want to know.

Subtitle translation by: Emily J.