Ep 20. Preventable

Dr. Max Goodwin, medical director at New Amsterdam hospital, is under immense pressure to turn the hospital around from being one of the worst in the country. With this in mind, he wants to tackle the issue of preventable deaths, as there are 250,000 preventable deaths in the United States every year. The episode titled "Preventable" shows Goodwin set on a mission to reduce that number in his own hospital.

The episode begins with Goodwin sitting with his team and discussing how he can decrease the rate of preventable deaths. He comes up with an idea to implement a system that would flag patients who are at high risk of preventable deaths. This system would indicate to the hospital staff which patients need extra attention and care.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kapoor has to treat a patient with a dangerous condition. While the patient is being taken care of, Kapoor learns that the patient’s condition was caused by a hospital mistake. He raises the issue with Goodwin, who then realizes that preventable deaths are not only caused by the patients’ conditions but the hospital’s negligence as well. Kapoor and Goodwin come up with a plan to reduce hospital errors.

Dr. Reynolds, a cardiologist, treats a young patient who has just come out of surgery. The patient was in for minor procedure but now his condition has worsened. Reynolds was worried about prescribing the patient with antibiotics due to the fear of antibiotic resistance. The patient's mom is desperate and begs Reynolds to do everything he can to save her son. Dr. Reynolds struggles with the issue of choosing between what is best for the patient and what is right for the long term impact of their health.

As Goodwin works on his mission to reduce preventable deaths, he faces his own mortality when his cancer diagnosis turns his world upside down. He learns that he has a mass growing in his throat that needs to be removed. Goodwin wants to put off the surgery and focus on his work, but his doctors advise him that it's imperative that he receives prompt treatment.

The episode is intense and gripping as the viewers see Goodwin try to balance his hospital's issues while dealing with his own health struggles. It explores the challenges that come with implementing change, especially in a system that has been in place for so long.

Goodwin's team members also have personal struggles they must face. Dr. Iggy Frome and his partner are trying to adopt a child. However, when they meet the biological mother, they learn that she is struggling with addiction. This raises a moral dilemma for the couple as they have to choose between providing a safe home for the child or upholding their moral standards.

The episode is a mix of drama, emotions, and real-life scenarios. The storyline of preventable deaths is sure to make the viewers reflect on the inadequacies of the healthcare system. It raises questions on what is more important, the patient's recovery or the long term impact on their health.

In the end, the episode is a success for Goodwin as the hospital's rate of preventable deaths is reduced. He continues to implement more changes that will make New Amsterdam hospital a safer and better environment for patient care. The show captures the essence of human compassion and the lengths that people are willing to go to make a difference.