Ep 7. Austin, We Have a Problem

Austin, We Have a Problem is the seventh episode of the fifth season of the medical drama television series Chicago Hope. The episode was directed by Christopher Leitch and written by executive producers John Tinker and John Masius. It was originally aired on November 18, 1998, on CBS.

The episode follows the staff of Chicago Hope as they deal with multiple medical cases and personal struggles. The main plotline involves a young boy named Austin who is suffering from a rare and deadly liver disease. When a liver donor becomes available, the doctors must decide who will receive the transplant - Austin, who has a slim chance of survival due to the severity of his condition, or another patient who has a better chance of making a full recovery.

As the doctors struggle to make the difficult decision, tensions rise and emotions run high. The debate over who should receive the liver transplant becomes a moral and ethical issue, with each doctor advocating for the patient they believe is most deserving. Meanwhile, Austin's parents must come to terms with the fact that their son may not survive, and the other patient's family grapples with the guilt of potentially benefiting from another child's tragedy.

Throughout the episode, the doctors of Chicago Hope also deal with their own personal struggles. Dr. Hancock (played by Stacy Edwards) must confront her fear of flying when she is required to travel to a medical conference, while Dr. McNeil (played by Mark Harmon) must come to terms with his feelings for a former patient who has returned to the hospital.

As the episode builds to a dramatic conclusion, the doctors must make a final decision about who will receive the liver transplant. The outcome is both heartbreaking and uplifting, as the staff of Chicago Hope come together to support each other and their patients in their hour of need.

Overall, Austin, We Have a Problem is a moving and thought-provoking episode that explores the difficult decisions that doctors must make every day. The ethical debates, personal struggles, and emotional moments make for compelling viewing, and the powerful performances from the cast help to bring the story to life. Fans of medical dramas and compelling television will not want to miss this episode of Chicago Hope.