Ep 13. The Business of Saving Lives

In Code Black season 3 episode 13, titled "The Business of Saving Lives," the doctors at Angels Memorial continue to work tirelessly to save lives in the midst of a brutal flu epidemic sweeping through Los Angeles. However, their efforts are complicated when a group of businessmen arrive at the hospital with their own agenda.

The episode begins with Dr. Leanne Rorish and Dr. Ariel Braeden treating a patient suffering from the flu, whose condition rapidly deteriorates. Meanwhile, Dr. Ethan Willis treats a woman who has suffered severe burns to her body after her house catches fire. As the doctors work to save these patients, tensions rise between Leanne and Ariel, who have differing opinions on how to proceed with treatment.

Their focus is soon broken by the arrival of a group of businessmen who have come to the hospital with a proposal to buy Angels Memorial. The group is led by the slick and charismatic CEO of a healthcare conglomerate, Jake Wells, who is played by guest star William Allen Young. The hospital has been struggling financially, and Jake sees an opportunity to turn it around.

Jake is confident that with his company's resources and expertise, they can make Angels Memorial profitable while still providing high-quality care to patients. However, his proposal raises ethical questions for the doctors who are committed to upholding the hospital's mission to care for the underserved and uninsured.

Dr. Mario Savetti, who has previously clashed with Leanne over his aggressive and sometimes questionable methods, finds himself drawn to Jake's vision for the hospital. He believes that the influx of resources and expertise could help him save more lives. But Leanne and the other doctors worry that Jake's focus on the bottom line would come at the expense of patient care and the hospital's commitment to its community.

As the doctors grapple with these weighty decisions, they continue to deal with the flu epidemic that is overwhelming the hospital. Dr. Willis, who is still struggling with his PTSD after returning from the war, is forced to confront his demons when a patient triggers memories of his time in combat. Meanwhile, Dr. Noa Kean and Dr. Elliot Dixon work to save a patient who has been poisoned by pesticides.

In the end, the doctors are faced with a difficult decision that tests their values and commitment to their patients. Will they choose to sell the hospital and bring in the resources needed to save more lives or will they stand firm in their dedication to the community and the hospital's mission? "The Business of Saving Lives" is a powerful episode that explores the complex issues at the heart of healthcare, including the tension between profit and patient care.