Also known as: Lung cancer
Paula, a former nurse colleague of Jackie's, is in the terminal stages of lung cancer. She has been told she is out of treatment options and should enter hospice for palliative care, but she requests Jackie's help to end her life with dignity. This drives the central emotional and ethical conflict of the episode.
Also known as: Gallbladder inflammation
Dr. Cooper's biological mother presents with abdominal pain radiating to her back and right shoulder, diagnosed as gallbladder disease requiring emergency surgery. Cooper must navigate treating his own mother, which creates professional and personal conflict.
Also known as: Garbage disposal hand injury
The recurring 'cat-ball guy' returns with another injury, this time his hand caught in a garbage disposal. He requires vascular surgery and plastic surgery consultation, more severe than his previous cat-related injuries.