Ep 2. Selfish

House season 7 episode 2, titled "Selfish," follows the brilliant but controversial diagnostician Dr. Gregory House as he treats a teenage patient with cystic fibrosis. The episode explores issues such as selfishness, sacrifice, and the grey areas of medical decision-making.

The episode begins with House and his team at their usual morning meeting when they are interrupted by the arrival of a teenage patient named Della. Della has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a chronic and progressive genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. She has been on the waiting list for a lung transplant for several years, and her condition has deteriorated to the point where she requires constant oxygen.

House immediately takes an interest in Della's case, but his usual approach of ruling out diagnoses one by one is complicated by the fact that some of his suggested treatments could harm Della's chances of receiving a lung transplant. Meanwhile, Della's parents are at odds over how to proceed with their daughter's treatment. Her mother, a microbiologist, believes in the power of positive thinking and alternative therapies, while her father, a businessman, wants to explore any and all medical options, even if they carry risks.

As House delves deeper into Della's case, he becomes increasingly convinced that a risky procedure could be her only chance for survival. Della's parents are initially hesitant, but House is able to convince them to go along with his plan. However, when complications arise during the procedure, House finds himself questioning whether he made the right decision.

Throughout the episode, House's team struggles with their own ethical dilemmas. Foreman experiences a crisis of conscience when he questions his own motives for wanting to help Della. Taub struggles with his own selfish desires when he begins an affair with his coworker, nurse Rachel. And Cutthroat Bitch, a former rival of House's who has joined his team, proves that she is not above manipulating her colleagues to further her own interests.

Despite the team's inner conflicts, they are eventually able to work together to save Della's life. However, the aftermath of the procedure raises new questions about the intersection of medical ethics and personal agendas. As House reflects on Della's case, he is forced to confront his own selfish motivations and grapple with the complexities of his profession.

Overall, "Selfish" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant episode that explores the many shades of grey in medical decision-making. It raises important questions about how we balance our own desires and beliefs with the needs of others, and challenges us to think critically about the role of medicine in our lives.