Diabetes authority Dr. Bai Yonghe, who treated patients in Lugang for decades, passes away

Dr. Bai Yonghe, a highly respected diabetes specialist in Lugang Township, passed away on July 20 at the age of 75 after a battle with multiple illnesses. His death has deeply saddened the local community, who remember him for his decades of devoted service and unique approach to patient care.

Born in Changhua's Hemei, Dr. Bai began his medical career at Baichuan Hospital in Lugang. When Lukang Christian Hospital took over Baichuan, Dr. Bai chose to open his own practice in Lugang, forging a lasting connection with the town. His former student, Dr. Sun Zhenwen, the ex-chairman of the Changhua County Medical Association, shared a particularly deep師生 (teacher-student) bond with Dr. Bai, noting his exceptional academic performance from a young age and his excellent writing skills.

While surgery was a popular specialty, Dr. Bai uniquely chose endocrinology, driven by his interest and the demanding nature of the field. He not only excelled in his studies but also guided his students, including Dr. Sun, into the specialized field of diabetes and endocrinology, which is notoriously difficult to enter. Dr. Bai even accompanied Dr. Sun during his studies and encouraged him to continue learning by attending morning meetings at Changhua Christian Hospital after becoming a practicing physician.

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A doctor only retires in two situations: either the body is no longer capable, or there are no more patients.

Dr. Bai's dedication extended beyond his personal practice. He emphasized the critical role of diet and health education in diabetes management, communicating complex information in simple terms. A memorable anecdote recounts how Dr. Bai gifted each health education nutritionist a gold ring when he left Changhua Christian Hospital years ago, a gesture that became a hospital legend.

Despite facing health challenges five years prior, including low hemoglobin and multiple conditions, Dr. Bai refused to retire. He famously stated, "A doctor only retires in two situations: either the body is no longer capable, or there are no more patients." As long as he had patients, he continued to drive to Lugang to see them. His clinic, "Dr. Bai Yonghe Internal Medicine Clinic," will now permanently close, marking the end of an era for many Lugang residents who relied on his care for decades.

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He was particularly special in his writing skills, even teachers praised that he had the opportunity to win a Nobel Prize.