Also known as: Heart transplant rejection
Ten-year-old boy who underwent heart transplant experiences acute rejection episode with respiratory arrest during Pope's procession. His rejection was caused by inadequate immunosuppressant therapy due to family's inability to afford post-transplant medications, leading them to ration the pills. This drives the central plot about healthcare access and leads to the recommendation that his parents divorce to qualify for Medicaid.
Also known as: Colorectal cancer
Stage 3 colon cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy who wants to discontinue treatment to spend remaining time with new romantic partner. His case drives a subplot about patient autonomy, legal guardianship, and the right to refuse treatment. He ultimately chooses to stop chemo and marries his partner who becomes his healthcare proxy.
Also known as: Blood infection
Cancer patient from Max's support group who collapses at work and develops sepsis secondary to cellulitis around her J-tube. She presents with tachycardia, hypotension, fever, and characteristic rash. This case illustrates complications of cancer treatment and catheter-related infections.
Also known as: Skin infection
Hot, red, macular rash around J-tube that progressed to sepsis. This preventable infection drives the subplot about cancer patient care quality and Max's guilt about missing warning signs during the support group.
Also known as: Nerve compression syndrome
Secret Service agent experiences tingling and burning sensations in leg caused by his gun pressing on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Dr. Kapoor diagnoses this during their detainment, demonstrating medical expertise that helps prove they are not Pope assassins.
Also known as: Terminal cancer
Max's ongoing cancer treatment is referenced throughout the episode, affecting his emotional state and perspective on mortality. He attends a cancer support group where patients joke about death, triggering his anxiety about potentially missing his child's birth.
Also known as: Heroin addiction
Dr. Bloom is in early recovery at a rehabilitation facility. The episode shows her initial isolation and reluctance to engage, followed by breakthrough moment where she acknowledges Iggy's supportive visit and begins connecting with the recovery community.