The Essential Man

Surmesur Celebrates Dr. Patrick Yang Man

Like many of us, Dr. Patrick Yang found himself with much of his work cancelled when the COVID-19 shutdowns started.

As an Oculoplastic Surgeon, Dr. Yang’s surgeries for cancer and reconstruction were still a go, but scheduled surgeries to restore eyesight were deemed elective and therefore cancelled.

Coincidentally, as many facilities were closed during the mandatory shutdown, some eye-related concerns and emergencies were re-routed to the ophthalmologist on-call at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, which was also bracing for a surge of COVID-19 patients.

Hospitals and health authorities scrambled to get the necessary Personal Protective Equipment they needed for a worst-case scenario. New information about this novel disease was circulating daily, adding fuel to the fire of fear and uncertainty. For some, it seemed the world we knew was unravelling.

It was said that this pandemic would be a make-it or break-it moment for British Columbians. Would we shelter behind our hoarded stacks of toilet paper and Lysol wipes, or would we step up to the plate in helping each other?

Dr. Yang chose the latter.

Some of his colleagues were in age groups which put them at higher risk of COVID-19 complications. With increased patient load, Dr. Yang felt this may put some of his colleagues at too high of a risk for infection. So he offered to see patients if his colleagues felt uncomfortable, donned his mask, shield, gown, and went to work.

“Like everyone else at the hospital, there were some sacrifices.”, says Yang as he sheepishly shrugs his shoulders. “I couldn’t visit my parents for months, in case I was unknowingly a coronavirus carrier. But some colleagues had it much worse. They had to stay away from their own spouses and children.”

Despite the long uncomfortable work days with foggy face shields and ears chafed from face mask straps, Dr. Yang chooses to see the positive. “I was proud of my colleagues in the ER (Emergency Room), the ICU and the primary care clinics, those on the front line, sacrificing all that they did. Every day was something new to celebrate: a patient gets discharged, a surprise food delivery, even the 7 o’clock cheers…”, he remembers fondly. “It was tough, but it was what we all signed up for.”

Despite the celebrations of our front line and essential workers, tales from the ugly underbelly of society began to emerge as well during the lockdown.

“I was quite nervous about all the reports of anti-Asian racism I was seeing.”, says Yang. “I’ll admit, I was on edge whenever I was outside of the hospital.”

“One day while I was at the supermarket, an older Caucasian man stood in my way and stared at me as if he had something to say.”, recalls Dr. Yang. “With my guard already up I stood up straight and asked ‘Can I help you sir??’”

“I was fully expecting accusations of the origin of the coronavirus or the usual ‘Go back to where you came from!’ that I’ve heard so often growing up here.”, Yang tells me as his voice begins to tremble.

“‘I just want to say… Thank you for your service!’ was what he said!”, chuckles Yang. Unbeknownst to our kind doctor, he had his hospital ID badge hanging out from his jacket’s ticket pocket.

“That’s a statement I would say to my patients who were World War 2 veterans, as they were allies to my grandfather who fought in the war for the same common goal. I never expected to ever hear it directed to me.”, Yang explains. “It was touching to hear it said to me like I would say it to a war veteran.”

As we finally venture outside our homes with a new appreciation for the tiniest of often overseen luxuries, let us also celebrate the united efforts we all played. “Without everyone staying in quarantine or practising proper hygiene and social distancing, this could have ended up a lot worse.”, says a grateful Dr. Yang. “I’ll be able to see my family again soon.”, he smiles.

In honour of our essential workers, Dr Yang is styled in the essential workhorse of any man’s wardrobe: the Navy Three-Piece Suit by Surmesur.

“It’s an essential and versatile foundation for any wardrobe.”, says Master Clothier Will Yoshikawa Chen. “Each piece can be worn separately or together in any combination, matching effortlessly with any colours or accessories.”

“To acknowledge the hard work and dedication it took Dr. Yang to get into a specialization like Oculoplastic Surgery, we chose to go with an extra fine natural stretch wool from the House of Dormeuil”, explains Chen. “At first glance, it might seem like any other navy suit, but the unique way it reflects light when he moves captures the recognition he deserves.” Chen continues: “And the natural stretch derived from this small batch wool keeps up with Dr. Yang’s active and varied lifestyle.”

“With the measurements and fit already optimized for his musculoskeletal structure, Dr. Yang doesn’t need to worry about how it looks on him. This allows his true essence to emerge.” explains our Master Clothier Chen. “And in him, we see a profound sense of duty, honour, and humility.”

To discover how your unique essence can be communicated through custom tailored garments, please email Surmesur Custom Menswear at vancouver@surmesur.com and mention this article for a complimentary gift with suit purchase.