Also known as: Ruptured aneurysm
15-year-old beauty pageant contestant presents with new-onset seizures. After extensive workup reveals no obvious cause, Meredith discovers Katie had a minor fall during pageant practice. Angiogram confirms a ruptured aneurysm causing bleeding into the brain, requiring emergency neurosurgery.
Also known as: Inflamed appendix
George O'Malley is selected to perform his first surgery, an appendectomy. He successfully removes the appendix but accidentally tears the cecum causing bleeding, requiring Dr. Burke to take over the procedure.
Also known as: Blocked arteries
Patient scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery with Dr. Burke. His heart has too much damage to tolerate bypass, and he dies on the operating table despite surgical intervention. Izzie had promised his wife he would be fine.
Also known as: Blood clot in lung
Post-operative patient in bed 4-B presents with shortness of breath and fever. Alex assumes pneumonia, but Meredith correctly diagnoses pulmonary embolism (the fourth W: walking) and orders appropriate imaging and treatment.
Also known as: Early-onset Alzheimer's
Meredith's mother, the famous surgeon Ellis Grey, is revealed to have advanced Alzheimer disease. In the final scene, she doesn't recognize her own daughter and only vaguely remembers being a surgeon.