While Dr. Mark Greene (series star ANTHONY EDWARDS) becomes accustomed to his new responsibilities as the attending emergency room doctor, he greets the new group of medical students, including attractive, sensitive Harper Tracy (recurring guest star CHRISTINE ELISE). Carter and Tracy become interested in dating each other.

Dr. Susan Lewis (series star SHERRY STRINGFIELD) feels betrayed when Greene appoints the difficult but competent Kerry Weaver (recurring guest star LAURA INNES), who walks with a metal cane, to work under him as chief resident instead of Susan's friend, Kathy Pratt (guest star TAYLOR YOUNG). Greene tries to give Dr. Douglas Ross (series star GEORGE CLOONEY) extra hours because Ross needs the money. But Greene is thwarted by Dr. Neal Bernstein (recurring guest star DAVID SPIELBERG), the man who oversees Ross' pediatric fellowship. Bernstein thinks Ross has an attitude problem.

Nurse Carol Hathaway (series star JULIANNA MARGULIES) must ride with the paramedics in order to qualify for recertification. Later, she confronts the alcoholic father (guest star TIM DE ZARN) of a young boy (guest star JESSE LITTLEJOHN) about caring for him.

Among the victims of a gang shooting is a pregnant woman (guest star MARIA HURTADO) who begins premature labor. Ross tries to save her. Later, the perpetrator is brought in dead on arrival from a close-range shotgun blast.

Finally, Benton and married physical therapist Jeanie Boulet (series star GLORIA REUBEN) become intimately involved. At the end of his day, Greene barely catches the last train home to Milwaukee.