Healing through trust and communication
Dr Woo Yu-cho
Deputy Hospital Chief Executive / Deputy Chief of Service / Consultant (Medicine), Queen Mary Hospital
In the eyes of Dr Woo Yu-cho, a specialist in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, making a diagnosis is like detective work, and the key lies in effective doctor-patient communication. "I once had a patient with oncogenic osteomalacia whose tumour was located in a spot so hidden that even a PET-CT scan could not detect it. But during casual conversation, the patient mentioned discomfort in his toes and that he could no longer wear flip‑flops. In the end, we found the lesion between his big toe and second toe," he shares.
20 years ago, public awareness of endocrine diseases was still limited. As screenings became more accessible, new cases of osteoporosis surged. To address the issue, Dr Woo led his team in establishing a multidisciplinary care model involving endocrinology, family medicine, and orthopaedics. Nurses assisted with patient education, assessment, and follow‑up, while pharmacists monitored medication use. With each professional playing their role, this initiative effectively reduced waiting time and allowed patients to receive timely care.
Dr Woo once treated a patient with hyperthyroidism who was always argumentative during follow‑ups and refused to take her medication on schedule. Eventually, he discovered that she was deeply worried about bulging eyes and neck swelling resulting from hyperthyroidism. Seizing the opportunity, he addressed her concerns directly, and both the treatment outcome and doctor‑patient relationship improved significantly. "Patients' attitude is sometimes affected by their illness. We just need to be a little more patient and face the challenges together with them, and naturally we will find the opportunities for healing."
Furthermore, to encourage two twin brothers with diabesity to improve their health, Dr Woo accompanied them on runs to help them lose weight. The elder brother's body mass index dropped from over 30 to 25, and he has remained medication-free since 2019; while the younger brother also experienced significant health improvements. This doctor-patient relationship with mutual trust and support brings Dr Woo an indescribable sense of fulfillment.
Dr Woo reminds young doctors to ‘never lose sight of humanity while managing cases'. "While consultation time is limited, the treating process must never become a mere mechanical routine. Staying true to your original aspirations, building trust and communication with patients, and walking with them on their journey to recovery – this is the true essence of practicing medicine."
