Ep 17. The Advocate (AKA Side Effects)

The Advocate (AKA Side Effects) is the seventeenth episode of the ninth season of ER and it portrays the story of a young woman named Carly, who suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS). Carly is a disabled activist who wants to make a statement in front of the Chicago City Council, and her husband, a lawyer, accompanies her to the hospital's emergency department after she experiences MS-related symptoms.

Dr. Luka Kovac, the attending physician, becomes interested in Carly's case and tries to help her. He discovers that Carly has pneumonia and that the MS medication she takes is the cause of her symptoms. Luka informs Carly's husband about the side effects of the drugs and suggests an alternative treatment.

Meanwhile, Abby Lockhart, a nurse in the emergency department, is having relationship issues. She has broken up with her boyfriend, Carter, and wonders if she made the right decision. She confides in Dr. Pratt, her colleague, and asks him for advice.

Elsewhere, Dr. Chen is still recovering from her gunshot wound and has been forced to wear an uncomfortable brace on her leg. She struggles to walk with the brace, which leads to her having a heated confrontation with her physical therapist.

In the end, Carly's husband realizes that Luka's alternative treatment plan could help his wife, and they decide to follow it. Abby realizes that she still has feelings for Carter and decides to talk to him about their relationship. And Dr. Chen finally makes progress in her physical therapy and is able to walk without the brace.

The Advocate (AKA Side Effects) is an emotional episode that deals with important issues such as disability rights, the side effects of medication, and relationship struggles. It is an excellent example of ER's ability to tackle difficult topics while still maintaining its melodramatic edge.