Doogie Howser, M.D. Season 2 Episode 17 A Life in Progress

Doogie Howser, M.D. season 2 episode 17 titled "A Life in Progress" follows the journey of a young dancer named Melissa who suffers a debilitating injury.

Throughout the episode, Doogie struggles to connect with Melissa, who is dealing with the reality of never being able to pursue her dream of becoming a professional dancer due to her injury. Doogie's attempts at comforting and encouraging her fall short as he struggles to relate to her on a personal level.

Meanwhile, Doogie's own personal life is in turmoil as he faces his own self-doubt and insecurities about his future as a doctor. He is without a job offer, facing mounting student debt, and has to confront his own fears of disappointment and failure.

As the episode progresses, Doogie begins to understand that Melissa's struggles are not so different from his own. He learns how to empathize with Melissa and helps her find new ways to continue dancing that can help her overcome her injury.

In the end, Doogie gains a new dose of perspective on his own life and realizes that although the future may be uncertain, continued progress is key to a life well-lived. The episode serves as a powerful reminder of how people can build on their failures in order to achieve greater success and happiness in the long-term.