Ep 8. The Heart to Heart

Chicago Hope season 6 episode 8, titled "The Heart to Heart," revolves around the staff of Chicago Hope Hospital as they continue to deal with their daily activities, both professional and personal. This episode mainly follows Dr. Jeremy Hanlon, a neurosurgeon struggling with a heart condition, as he prepares for his upcoming heart surgery.

Dr. Hanlon's heart condition has been causing him trouble for some time now, and he has been advised by his colleagues to undergo surgery. However, as a surgeon, he is not comfortable with his diagnosis and the prospect of surgery. He decides to seek out an alternative approach and consults a holistic medicine specialist. The specialist prescribes some herbal remedies, meditation, and acupuncture for Dr. Hanlon to deal with his condition.

Meanwhile, the hospital's board members are looking for ways to balance the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. They announce a mandatory pay cut for all the staff, including the doctors. This decision creates an uproar among the staff, and they decide to hold a meeting to discuss the matter.

One of the board members suggests that the hospital could generate more revenue by performing more heart surgeries. This suggestion immediately sparks a debate among the surgeons, as they are concerned about the quality of care that would be provided under such circumstances.

Throughout the episode, we also witness the doctors dealing with their personal lives. Dr. Diane Grad, a pediatric surgeon, is struggling with the demands of motherhood and work. Dr. Aaron Shutt, a heart surgeon, is grappling with his feelings for a former girlfriend who suddenly shows up at the hospital.

"The Heart to Heart" is a beautifully written and poignant episode that explores the complexities of the medical profession and the personal lives of the doctors. It highlights the challenges that physicians face daily and the impact of their work on their personal lives.

The episode's title, "The Heart to Heart," encapsulates the theme of the episode, which is the importance of sincere and honest communication. The doctors must communicate clearly with each other and their patients to ensure the best quality of care is provided.

As with all episodes of Chicago Hope, "The Heart to Heart" demonstrates the show's exceptional writing, acting, and production values, making it one of the best episodes of the season.