Also known as: Skin cancer
Cole is diagnosed with malignant melanoma after a mole on his chest is biopsied. His case becomes a teaching tool for the class and drives the emotional core of the episode as he undergoes surgery and deals with fear while pushing away support from friends.
Also known as: Fainting
Dr. Kelso experiences fainting episodes during a game with his niece. After testing, it's diagnosed as vagal syncope, which leads to insurance restrictions on his ability to drive, affecting his independence and creating a subplot about aging.
Dr. Turk warns the students about Med Student Syndrome, where medical students believe they have the diseases they're studying. Multiple students experience hypochondriac symptoms during their physical exam training, though this serves more as comedic relief than serious medical concern.