A doctor named Zhang Shu from a Sichuan hospital won praise from netizens for his innovative way of encouraging young patients undergoing surgery.

Zhang, a doctor at West China Hospital of Sichuan University, presented a “bravery prize” to an 8-year-old patient, Pengpeng (an alias), to encourage him not to be afraid of his surgery. Pengpeng was reluctant to cooperate with the attending doctor due to his timidity and difficulty understanding his own diagnosis.

“We will select the most and least brave young patients each day, and the most brave will receive a bravery award," Zhang explained to Pengpeng. The patient finally overcame his fear thanks to Zhang’s encouragement.

Zhang kept his promise to make a credential for Pengpeng. He said it doesn't take him long to make a certificate, but for children, even such a small gesture means trust in their doctor and also essential encouragement.