Also known as: HLH
The central patient case of the episode. Yulia presents with HLH caused by underlying brucellosis infection contracted while fleeing Ukraine. The condition drives the entire hospital to coordinate a massive 53-person surgical intervention to save her life.
Also known as: Undulant fever
Identified as the underlying infectious cause of Yulia's HLH. She contracted it from livestock exposure while hiding in farms and stables during her escape from Ukraine. The diagnosis is critical to determining the correct treatment approach.
Also known as: Heart valve infection
Untreated endocarditis secondary to brucellosis that has spread throughout Yulia's body over the course of a year. Requires emergency aortic valve replacement performed on a beating heart as part of the complex multi-system surgical intervention.
Also known as: Not speaking
Yulia's young son Dimi has not spoken in a year since fleeing the war in Ukraine. Dr. Frome works to treat his selective mutism while his mother undergoes life-saving surgery, highlighting the psychological trauma of war and displacement.
Also known as: Synthetic cannabinoid overdose
A patient brought to the ED unresponsive from a drug overdose, which triggers Dr. Reynolds' emotional response due to his ongoing concern about his sister Vanessa's substance abuse. Used to illustrate the personal toll of the job on physicians.