Ep 5. Cavitation

In the fifth episode of New Amsterdam season 1, titled Cavitation, we see Dr. Max Goodwin (Ryan Eggold) trying to build a new clinic for the underprivileged patients of New York City. However, running into a roadblock with the city financial budget for the project, he must find a way to persuade the city leaders to invest in this new clinic. As he navigates through the bureaucratic process, he is also trying to keep up with the needs of his current patients.

One of his patients, Anil Kapoor, is in need of a new pacemaker. However, as he is undocumented, the hospital policy can not perform the surgery. As Max tries to find a solution, he is also dealing with other patients in critical conditions, such as a young girl suffering from a rare condition that is rapidly deteriorating her body.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lauren Bloom (Janet Montgomery) is facing a personal crisis as she deals with her mother's declining health. She must confront her estranged father, played by Dan Lauria, who abandoned the family when she was young. Dr. Floyd Reynolds (Jocko Sims) is also dealing with personal trauma as he's still struggling with the death of his partner.

As the characters try to balance their personal and professional lives, they are also met with challenges when a medical emergency takes place in the hospital. They must work together to solve the problem and save a patient's life.

The episode explores themes of social and economic inequalities in the healthcare system, personal traumas, and the challenges of working in a high-pressure environment. The characters are faced with difficult decisions, and we see their struggle to balance their jobs with their personal lives.

Overall, Cavitation is an emotionally charged episode that showcases the doctors' dedication to their patients and their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure they receive quality healthcare. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and we see their flaws and vulnerabilities, making them more human. The show's message of the importance of providing healthcare to all, regardless of their financial situation, is well-articulated, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the healthcare system and its flaws.