Ep 20. Foreign Affairs

In the season 9 episode 20 of ER, titled Foreign Affairs, the doctors of County General Hospital find themselves dealing with a variety of international challenges.

The episode starts with Dr. Luka Kovac, played by Goran Visnjic, receiving a surprise visitor from Croatia, his former lover and fellow doctor, Gillian, played by guest star Goran Visnjic. Meanwhile, Dr. Carter, played by Noah Wyle, is tasked with caring for a British patient who is in the United States to receive a heart transplant. The patient is accompanied by his wife, who is struggling to adjust to life in a foreign country while also dealing with the stress of her husband's illness.

As the doctors continue their rounds, they encounter a young girl who has recently immigrated to the United States and is in need of medical attention. The language barrier proves to be a significant issue, as the girl's family does not speak English and the doctors do not speak their native language. Dr. Chen, played by Ming-Na Wen, must rely on her limited knowledge of the patient's language to communicate with the family and provide appropriate care.

The episode also explores other cultural challenges. Dr. Pratt, played by Mekhi Phifer, treats a young woman who is refusing to accept the medical treatment recommended by the hospital because of her religious beliefs. He must navigate the delicate balance between respecting the patient's beliefs and providing her with the best possible care.

Throughout the episode, the doctors are forced to confront their own biases and cultural assumptions as they work to provide care for patients from different backgrounds. The episode emphasizes the importance of communication, empathy, and cultural competency in providing quality healthcare for all patients.

As the episode comes to a close, the foreign patients and their families depart from the hospital, leaving the doctors to reflect on the unique challenges and rewards of treating patients from different countries and cultures.

Overall, ER season 9 episode 20, Foreign Affairs, offers a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges and rewards of providing healthcare in a multicultural society. With excellent performances from the cast and a nuanced exploration of cultural differences, this episode is a standout in the long-running medical drama.