Chicago Med’s ‘Hearts’ Episode: A Deep Dive into the Complexities of Medical Dilemmas

Chicago Med: A Show That Tackles the Tough Questions

Since its debut, Chicago Med has consistently delved into the lives of patients who are in desperate need of help but have limited options, as well as those who need assistance but are unwilling to accept it. The episode titled “Hearts” addresses both of these issues simultaneously, while also exploring the controversial topic of saving a patient from their own family.

April’s Romantic Dilemma and the NFL Player

In this episode, April continues to be friendly with the former NFL player whose son was admitted to the hospital in the previous week. Although April is clearly smitten, Maggie cautions her against dating an athlete and a patient’s family member. Despite the warning, April remains optimistic, and it’s hard to ignore the chemistry between the two characters.

Halstead, Manning, and the Case of the Young Boy

Meanwhile, Halstead is not very friendly towards Manning. She needs support in treating a young boy with a broken wrist, but instead, she receives help from Dr. Charles. Manning suspects abuse within the family but wants to be certain before contacting the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The parents are defensive and concerned, while their other son is eerily calm and friendly. Even more unsettling, he seems to be drawn to blood and has an explanation for every disturbing thing he says. Dr. Charles believes the boy is a textbook sociopath. Based on his opinion, DCFS can recommend that the boy be removed from the home, but the decision ultimately lies with the parents. They initially resist, but their fear for their other son’s safety is undeniable. Despite their love for both sons, they naively believe everything will work out. It may take witnessing their son commit a truly heinous act for them to fully comprehend the consequences of not seeking help for him.

Reese’s Struggle with Leaving the ER

Reese is preparing to leave the ER soon. As a congratulatory gift for her Pathology match, her boyfriend presents her with a slide of the Bubonic Plague from the 1870s – a romantic gesture in a geeky, microorganism-loving way. Reese faints while attending to a patient, prompting Halstead to insist on running tests to ensure it isn’t a serious issue. When all her tests come back clean, it becomes apparent that her symptoms are caused by something psychological. Reese is reluctant to leave the ER, but she’s been afraid to admit it to her boyfriend and herself. By the time she comes to this realization, it’s too late – she can’t change her mind on what is already a legally binding contract.

Dr. Rhodes’ Rollercoaster of Success and Loss

Dr. Rhodes is adjusting to learning from Dr. Downey, experiencing both an incredible save and a devastating loss. It’s almost as if he’s going through residency all over again. One might think that the more knowledge a doctor acquires, the fewer losses they will suffer, but even the most experienced physicians cannot control everything.

Dr. Choi and Dr. Charles Treat a Veteran with a Peculiar Condition

In this episode, Dr. Choi and Dr. Charles treat a veteran who rushes into the ER complaining of excruciating pain and a pulsating heart. The man goes so far as to jam a pencil in his ear to force the doctors to admit him. Unfortunately, Dr. Choi cannot find any physical explanation for the symptoms the patient is experiencing, leading him to assume it is PTSD. After noticing some strange vibrations around the patient, Dr. Choi orders tests on his heart. It turns out the man has a build-up of scar tissue around his heart, which is amplifying its vibrations. The scarring is too close to the heart for any intervention to be possible. Dr. Choi’s girlfriend, Dr. Glass, draws a parallel between Choi’s PTSD and the veteran’s condition – working through visible pain and invisible pain are two distinct battles. This insight gives Dr. Choi an idea: the veteran may not be able to eliminate the pain, but he can learn to control it and become one with it. In other words, what sustains you makes you stronger.

What was the best storyline from “Hearts”?