Power Bullying From My Hypocritical Mentor

On my first day as an intern in the department, I was stunned by a private message from my supervising doctor. She had actually looked into my background, knew that my car, less than a year old, cost over thirty thousand dollars base price, and even commented on my three years of steady driving experience. Then she laid down her demands, stating that her home was far, on the west side of the city, and that starting tomorrow, I should pick her up at her place at 7:10 AM every day, and then wait for her at the hospital entrance at 5:00 PM when she finished work. Finally, she self-righteously declared that this would be my "teaching fee" as her intern. I stared at my phone screen for a full two seconds, then simply replied that it wasn't within my job description. After that, I ignored her and drove home after work. The next day, two tardiness records mysteriously appeared in my intern handbook. Even worse, the remarks section blatantly read: "Poor attitude, disobedient." Seeing these twisted accusations, I couldn't help but laugh in anger. Since she insisted on pulling rank, I saw no reason to be polite either.

1 Dr. Jennings finished her rounds and walked over to me, her tone peremptory. Im on call today, so I wont be off until seven. Ill let you grab dinner after work, but be at the hospital entrance by six-thirty, waiting for me. I froze, startled by her words. Seeing my silence, her tone grew impatient. Did you hear me? Because you didnt drive me home yesterday after work, I got home half an hour late. My husband and I are trying for a baby right now. Do you know what half an hour means to me? Her voice was aggressive, demanding. What did that have to do with me? She wasnt even my one-on-one mentor. But thinking that I had just started at the hospital, I decided not to be too harsh with my words. I forced a smile that didn't reach my eyes. Dr. Jennings, I also need to get home early. My parents are waiting for me for dinner. Besides, my house is on the east side of the city, completely opposite yours. If youre really in a hurry, you can book a rideshare every day. Its more convenient than me. I thought my words had made it clear enough; any intelligent person would understand I wasnt willing. Clearly, I had underestimated Dr. Jennings audacity. She sneered. I mentor you every day, and I dont complain about the hassle. Is this how you treat your teacher? At these words, my roommate Sally, standing nearby, quickly spoke up. Thats not right of you, Dr. Brooks. How much effort does Dr. Jennings put into us every day? Shes just asking you to drive her home, and you keep making excuses? Sally and I had always been at odds in school. I turned to her. Since youre so thoughtful, why dont you drive Dr. Jennings home then? I recall your family lives on the west side too. And your parents, bless their hearts, bought you a little commuter car. Perfect, isn't it? Sallys face instantly changed. She quickly said, No way. Realizing her slip-up, she forced a smile. Dr. Jennings, my car is just a tens-of-thousands dollar commuter vehicle. Its not worthy of you. Her BMW is much better, it suits your status. Dr. Jennings looked extremely pleased. Alright, you just need to do as youre told. Remember to be at the hospital entrance by six-thirty this afternoon, waiting for me. Seeing that they werent listening to reason, I let my face harden. Dr. Jennings, I told you, its not on my way, and its not convenient. As for how you get home, that has nothing to do with me. Dont waste your time; I wont be driving you home. The surrounding interns were shocked by my defiance. Everyone turned to look at us. Dr. Jennings clenched her fists tightly. Do you even know who I am? I nodded slightly. Dr. Jennings, I address you as a doctor, but we are merely colleagues. I have work to do, so I wont waste any more of your time. With that, I turned and left.

2 All day long, Dr. Jennings kept me busy. I knew she was upset, but I didn't say anything. After all, these were all part of an interns duties. If I didnt do them today, Id have to do them tomorrow. Might as well get used to it early. As quitting time approached, Dr. Jennings suddenly looked at me. The patient on the third floor just had surgery today. Someone needs to stay with them. Go down and observe for two hours. Hearing this, I couldnt help but laugh in anger. Dr. Jennings, its almost time for me to finish work. Other interns will be arriving soon. Do you want to wait for them to get here? Dr. Jennings reprimanded me. You call yourself a doctor, always trying to shirk your duties! Are patients supposed to wait for your work schedule? If you have that kind of work attitude, you should resign sooner rather than later. Youre not suited for hospital work. I clenched my fists tightly, stung by her scolding. She wasnt entirely wrong. My purpose in interning at this hospital was to challenge myself, to prove to my parents that I could handle hardship. And as a doctor, not getting off work on time was perfectly normal. I should get used to it in advance. Thinking this, I lowered my head. I understand, Dr. Jennings. Ill go now. On the third floor, I bustled about for two hours, without a single sip of water, and was finally nearing the end of my shift. I sat on a chair, my gaze vacant. Another intern who had come with me sidled over. Let me tell you, you really hit a brick wall today. I heard Dr. Jennings is really close to the Chief of Staff. You dared to offend her? Arent you asking for trouble? My eyes widened. I thought Id misheard. What did you say? Chief of Staff? The intern looked left and right. Yeah, didnt you know? When we started at the hospital yesterday, I specifically asked the other doctors, and everyone knows. My mind was in a daze. Before I could fully react, a shadow fell over me. Dr. Jennings cleared her throat. Times up. Are you done for the day? I glanced at my phone. It was exactly seven oclock. As I stood up to leave, Dr. Jennings walked over to me. Its getting late. You can drive me home today. I frowned slightly. Dr. Jennings, its getting late. I need to get home early. I absolutely needed to get home early to figure out what all this was about. Dr. Jennings stood with her arms crossed, looking at me. I see you still havent figured out whos really in charge here. Do you know who I am? Whats my relationship with the Chief of Staff? Me asking you to drive me home, thats me doing you a favor. You better think it over. If you refuse me today, every day from now on will be like this. I took a deep breath. You say you have a relationship with the Chief of Staff. What kind of relationship? She chuckled lightly. What do you think? Didnt I already tell you Im going home to try for a baby? So, of course, its a marital relationship. If you mess with me, Ill make sure you cant stay in this hospital, do you hear me?! Looking at her sharp, malicious face, I bit the soft flesh inside my cheek. Since youre so close to the Chief of Staff, why doesnt he buy you a car? And I heard the Chief of Staff has been married for a long time. His wife is his colleague, so your age doesnt quite match, does it? Dr. Jennings, youre not playing mistress, are you? Dr. Jennings eyes turned bloodshot as she stared at me. What nonsense are you spouting? I was eager for answers and had no time to waste with her here. Dr. Jennings, Im in a hurry to get home. Please just call a taxi.

3 I stopped looking at her, turned, and walked away. Back home, seeing my father on the sofa, I began. Do you have any connection to Dr. Jennings in the emergency department? Dad looked puzzled. Whos that? I recounted everything Dr. Jennings had told me. My dad was the Chief of Staff. But no one knew this. I wanted to prove my own abilities, which was why I had refused my dads kind offer to arrange my placement in the hospital. Everything I had achieved at the hospital, up to this point, was on my own merit. For as long as I could remember, my parents had a strong relationship. I didnt believe the rumors were true, nor did I believe what Dr. Jennings was saying. I needed to confirm it with my father. Hearing everything, Dad slammed his hand on the table. Nonsense! Dr. Jennings, you say? Im going to make her pay today. Dad pulled out his phone, about to make a call. I stopped him. Since this isnt true, leave it to me. Ill make her pay for spreading such lies. The next morning, as soon as I arrived at the hospital, everyone looked at me with disdain. No wonder she, of all people our age, can drive a BMW. Turns out shes just spreading her legs to serve men. And you know, that money comes fast. Shes never bothered with us since she started here. I thought she was just introverted, but she actually looks down on us. Pfft! If she looks down on us, why does she come to steal our jobs? Doesnt anyone else find it disgusting to be colleagues with someone like her? Whispers and pointing fingers surrounded me. I frowned, looking in the direction of the voices. Do you know what youre saying? A voice from the crowd responded. You still have the nerve to show your face here. If I were you, Id quit and leave immediately. Does anyone smell something? I swear I smell something fishy. Hearing these words, I trembled with anger. Just then, Sally walked in from outside the hospital. She saw me and frowned. You still have the nerve to come to the hospital? Back in the dorm, you led the charge to isolate me, and said my family was poor. I thought you were from some rich family, but the Brooks family is just as shameless. As she spoke, she pulled out a stack of photos from her pocket. Looking at the mans age, he must be older than your dad, right? You really have no shame. With that, she violently threw the photos up in the air. My gaze fell on the photos scattered on the ground. In the pictures, I was sitting in a luxury car, smiling happily. And a man was fastening my seatbelt. All sorts of misleading photos. If I didnt know the man was my dad, I would have believed it too. The photographer was very skillful. My face was clearly captured in every photo, but my dads face wasnt visible in any of them. Dr. Jennings office door opened. She swept a condescending glance over me. We dont need shameless interns like you in this hospital. I dont have shameless students like you. Youre fired. Get out of the hospital now.

4 Her eyes gleamed with triumph. At that moment, I knew everything was part of her plan. I bit my lower lip, the taste of blood filling my mouth. I wont leave, unless Im officially fired. As for you, youre just a regular doctor. You have no authority to fire me! Dr. Jennings hadn't expected me to challenge her. She pulled out her phone and made a call. Fire intern Ashley Hayes right now. Soon, my phone received a termination message. Dr. Jennings waved her hand at me. Youve received your termination notice. Now get out of this hospital. Dont ever say you work here again. Disgusting! With that, she turned to leave. I grabbed her wrist. Dr. Jennings, youve been spreading rumors in the hospital, circulating gossip about yourself and the Chief of Staff. Is any of this actually true? A flicker of panic crossed Dr. Jennings eyes. She lifted her hand and flung mine away. I dont know what youre talking about! Youre not a doctor at this hospital anymore. Besides, this is all my private business. I dont need to tell you anything. I stood my ground. Im not leaving. I havent done anything wrong. Why is the hospital firing me without any reason? Dr. Jennings hadnt expected me to be so persistent. She stared intensely at me. Alright, then Ill make sure you lose convincingly. With that, she pulled out her phone and made another call. Less than five minutes later, a familiar voice echoed from outside the crowd. What are you all gathered around for? Hearing the voice, my entire body froze. Dr. Jennings chuckled softly. The Chief of Staff is here. Youll be out of this hospital in no time. The crowd automatically parted to create a path. Dad walked in. Dr. Jennings quickly stepped forward, her voice soft and delicate. Chief of Staff, youre finally here. Theres an intern here whos disobedient and keeps causing trouble. She insists on seeing you before shell leave. I truly couldnt handle her anymore. Dad looked up and saw me. Dr. Jennings was still chattering on. Chief of Staff, this intern is truly unfit to be a doctor. I dont know how her parents raised such a child. You must fire her and blacklist her from all hospitals. A person like her truly doesnt deserve to be a doctor! Dad gave a forced smile. So, youre saying, what exactly makes my daughter unfit to be a doctor?