John Carter (NOAH WYLE) finally proves himself to Dr. Peter Benton (ERIQ LA SALLE), who lets him attend a surgery. Unfortunately, Carter comically fouls up. Meanwhile, Dr. Mark Greene (ANTHONY EDWARDS) and Nurse Carol Hathaway (JULIANNA MARGULIES) try to save a young gang member, the victim of multiple gunshot wounds.

A busy Dr. Ross (GEORGE CLOONEY) helps a 14-year-old mother (AMY FAITH CHANCE) learn how to nurse her newborn baby. He finishes the day by pondering his romance with shallow pharmaceutical saleswoman Linda Farrell (ANDREA PARKER). Benton's family problems escalate with the appearance of his sister (KHANDI ALEXANDER), who insists that they should put their mother (BEAH RICHARDS) in a nursing home, although Benton disagrees.