Ep 15. Diagnosis: Fear

Marcus Welby, M.D. is a classic American medical drama television show that aired from 1969 to 1976. The show centered around the life and work of Marcus Welby, a kind and compassionate general practitioner who always put his patients' well-being above everything else.

Season 1 episode 15, titled "Diagnosis: Fear", starts with Marcus Welby treating a young woman named Linda, who is suffering from sudden and severe breathing difficulties. Linda, who has a history of anxiety and panic attacks, is convinced that she is having a heart attack and is terrified of dying.

Marcus, along with his young and ambitious assistant, Dr. Steven Kiley, tries to reassure Linda that her condition is not life-threatening and that with proper treatment, she can recover fully. However, Linda's fear and anxiety are so overwhelming that she refuses to listen to reason and keeps insisting that she is going to die.

As Marcus and Steven dig deeper into Linda's medical history, they realize that her fears and anxieties are not just psychological but also have a physical basis. Linda's mother died of a heart attack at a young age, and since then, Linda has been plagued with the fear that she too will suffer the same fate.

Marcus and Steven decide to put Linda through a series of tests and examinations to rule out any possible heart conditions. As they wait for the test results, Linda's anxiety and fear continue to escalate, and she starts having panic attacks.

Throughout the episode, Marcus and Steven work tirelessly to help Linda overcome her fears and anxieties. They provide her with emotional support, prescribe medications to help her manage her panic attacks, and encourage her to seek therapy to address the underlying psychological issues.

As the episode progresses, Linda gradually starts to trust Marcus and Steven and begins to believe that her condition is not life-threatening. With their help, she learns to manage her anxiety and fear, and eventually, she recovers fully.

"Diagnosis: Fear" is a poignant and heart-warming episode that beautifully captures the essence of Marcus Welby, M.D. It showcases his dedication to his patients and his willingness to go above and beyond to help them overcome their medical and emotional challenges. The episode also highlights the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding in the practice of medicine and the healing process. Overall, it is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys classic medical dramas and heartfelt storytelling.