Author's Text

Well, I CAN take a break from Doug, write about other things connected to George...and still come up with new ideas. This is a surprise turn of events (again) for Doug...and will give me MANY more options to explore for him and his family as well as give me grounding room to vent my own frustrations.

The characters in this story are not mine and no money is made by me for the use of them in this story.

Robin

"ER"
"Full Circle"

Scene opens at the Ross home around the breakfast table. Show Marc in his high chair with Scott, Tatiana, and Raoul seated around the table. Show Carol putting breakfast on the table and Scott reaching for pancakes almost at once.

Carol:
Ah, ah...wait for your Dad!

Scott (grumbling):
He's ALWAYS last! And I gotta do my math homework before the bus gets here!

Carol:
Why didn't you do your Math homework last night like you were supposed to?

Tatiana (giggling):
Cos he was on the phone with Veronica!

Scott (scolding at her):
Tattle Tale!

Tatiana (taunting at him):
She was gonna ask me anyway!

Carol:
OK, you two, that's enough.
(pats Raoul shoulder)
You OK, Pal...you didn't sleep very well last night.

Raoul (nods his head):
I'm OK...

Show Doug coming into the breakfast area, dressed for work in scrubs and jeans, and smiling at his family.

Scott (looks up and sees him):
It's about time! Come on, Dad! So we can eat!

Doug (comes in and slides into the table):
Am I holding up the show?

Once Doug is at the table, everyone starts grabbing for what they want to eat. Carol brings a plate and sets it down in front of Doug.

Carol:
I made yours special...
(smiles)
Orange juice?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, that's fine...thanks.

Carol (sits down at the table, turns to Doug):
So, what's on your agenda today?

Doug (shakes his head):
Bunch of well baby check-ups...couple of pre-school physicals...and some boosters due.

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Sounds like a fun day.

Doug (grins sarcastically):
Oh, yeah. (pause)  And I have a Pedes patient in County I have to go over and check on...Julie Thompson? She's in for a Tonsillectomy this afternoon and I promised her I'd be there when they took her in.

Carol:
Sounds like you have a full day...who's doing the surgery?

Doug:
Lizzie Corday if I have my way. I wish they had a Pedes surgeon there still...like Abby Keaton was...
(smiles at her):
What about you? What are you going to do today?

Carol:
I'm volunteering at the clinic today...not really to work but to observe and give my input.

Doug:
Sounds like you miss it and are thinking about going back?

Carol (shrugs):
I don't know...maybe that's what I'm trying to find out.

Doug (looks at his watch):
I gotta get going...
(kisses Carol on the cheek)
Good luck to you...

Doug goes around the table and kisses Scott, Raoul, and Tatiana on the head, telling each to have a good day. He kisses Marc on the head and tells him to stay out of trouble. Then, he heads on to the door, with Carol walking with him.

Carol (over her shoulder):
You kids have five minutes before the bus gets here...

Scott (calls back):
OK, Mom.

Carol walks on with Doug to the door.

Carol (quizzingly):
Doug?

Doug (turns to her):
Yes?

Carol:
Are you happy?

Doug (nods, kisses her cheek):
Yes...I'm very happy.

Carol (Stops him by pulling him by the arm):
No, Doug, I'm serious. You seem so mundane lately...like you're in a rut...are you happy with the way the practice is going?

Doug (sighs):
The practice is fine...

Carol:
Are you having problems with Mark?

Doug:
Mark is fine...you are fine...the kids are fine... (kisses her cheek) ...work is fine... (starts out the door still rambling) ...the world is fine...

Carol watches him go as he waves over his shoulder and gets into the jeep. Focus on her watching him go with a concerned look on her face, but, she shakes her head, and closes the door.

Cut to show Doug standing at a counter in a bakery.

Doug (pointing):
Two of those...and two of those...and half dozen of these...

Clerk behind the counter is pulling out the bagels he chooses and putting them in a bag. Cut to show Donald Anspaugh come into the bakery and stroll up to the counter.

Anspaugh:
Well...Dr. Ross! How are you, Doug?

Doug (nods):
Fine, Don...just fine. c Anspaugh: Things going well?

Doug:
Things are just fine.

Anspaugh:
I don't suppose I could interest you in a free lunch?

Doug (chuckles):
I'm always interested in a free lunch.

Anspaugh:
Terrific...today, perhaps? Say around one-ish?

Doug:
I have a patient at County having a tonsillectomy today... I'll be over there about two for that...can we do it after that?

Anspaugh:
You just come to my office when you're free and we'll get it done...that will be fine.

Doug (nods):
OK, I'll see you then... (pays for his bagels, gets to the door and turns back) You want to give me a hint what this is about?

Anspaugh (smiles):
No, that's all right...we'll talk about it when we have time to sit down with each other.

Doug (nods):
OK.

Doug takes his keys and goes on out, shaking his head in wonder. Show Anspaugh telling the clerk what he wants and fade Opening Act into the Opening Credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens at the Family Center. Show Mark Greene already working with mail and files when Doug comes in. Before Doug can say anything, Mark starts hammering at him.

Mark:
Oh, Good! You're here! I'm going to have to leave early for the hearing with Jen today about Rachel...I was hoping we could just close down because I was kind of counting on your support...

Doug (ticks his head, mocks a greeting):
Good morning, Doug...hope you're well this morning!

Mark (sighs, grins):
I'm sorry...good morning! How are you feeling this morning.

Doug:
I'm well...thanks! How are you?

Mark (nods):
Nervous.

Doug (puts the bagels on the counter):
I can imagine. Are you all ready for the hearing?

Mark:
I hope so! (opens bag and looks in) Bagels! (looks at Doug) Any cream cheese?

Doug (motions):
Back in the fridge... (Mark starts back through the hall and Doug follows him) What's going on at County that Donald Anspaugh wants to take ME to lunch for?

Mark (getting into the fridge, looking for the cream cheese):
My guess is it has something to do with us practicing there and being in private practice. (finds cream cheese, stands up, turns around) I ran into Kerry Weaver a few weeks ago and she said there was something on the board about that. It's not just us...it's all doctors outside the hospital.

Doug (annoyed):
They're saying they want me to trust my patients to their doctors?

Mark (nods, goes back down the hall to the bagels):
Yeah, I think that's about the size of it.

Doug:
When hell freezes over. (Mark gives him a look as he starts cream cheesing a bagel) I know how they handle Pedes cases over there, Mark! There's NO WAY I'm going to turn MY patients over to them without me being able to at least consult.

Mark:
Then, we may have to start referring patients to Mercy. (shrugs) That's no big deal.

Doug:
Well, if you want to board up early, we can do that. I have Julie Thompson's tonsillectomy this afternoon and I promised I'd be there with her when they took her in...then I'll be meeting with Anspaugh...what time is your hearing?

Mark:
We're last on the Judge's roster today...4 o'clock.

Doug (picks up his schedule sheet):
I'll be there, Mark...I promise.

Cut to show Doug removing a needle from the arm of a screaming little girl who looks to be about four years old and in pain.

Doug (rubs the child's head):
It's OK, Trisha...you're OK! (mother lifts the child off the table to hold her, Doug writes a script and hands it to her) Get this filled and give it to her until it's all gone.

Mother:
OK...will she be all right?

Doug (smiles):
She'll be fine! (walks out with both of them) I'll see you later, Trisha.

Mother (pats child on the back):
Say bye bye to Dr. Ross... (child waves to him tearfully)

Doug (stops at the counter with Mark):
A strep throat infection...now that's about as exciting as my day gets around here!

Mark (chuckles):
Do I detect a note of sarcasm?

Doug (shakes his head):
No...no, of course not...I love my job...it's just...sometimes...

Mark (grins):
You miss working in the ER?

Doug (gives him a look):
You too?

Mark (nods):
Sometimes.

Doug:
Do you think we made a mistake?

Mark:
No, not really...we didn't have a lot of choices...

Doug:
I didn't have a lot of choices! You had plenty of them! You could have stayed at the clinic...gone back to County...you didn't have to do this...

Mark:
And leave you on your own? I don't think that would have been a good thing... (chuckles) ...you get into trouble too easily.

Doug:
So, now you think you're my keeper? Somebody self assigned to make sure I stay in line?

Mark:
No, not at all...just your friend.

Doug (chuckles):
Well, I guess that's good enough.

Doug picks up his files and goes on off down the hall, chuckling to himself as he goes. Mark just shakes his head and goes back to his work.

Cut to show Mark walking out of an exam room with a man just a little older than himself and they are arguing.

Man:
No, I WON'T go to County for more tests. I feel fine!

Mark (sighs):
Mr. Bitner, my equipment isn't getting a proper reading...

Man:
It's good enough for me...

Mark (as the man goes on to the door):
If you're not going to do what I tell you why bother to come to me? (man goes out, Mark sighs)

Doug (comes up to the desk and starts rummaging through magazines):
Problems?

Mark:
He comes in here, he lets me take his blood pressure and listen to his heart...I don't find anything...he thinks he's fine...and BOTH of us know he has a heart condition...

Doug:
Sounds like he's scared.
(still rummaging)

Mark:
He needs to be in the care of a specialist...but he won't listen to me. (pause) What are you looking for?

Doug:
I'm looking for that Pedes magazine I had the other day that had the article about bed wetting in it.

Mark:
And the problem child would be?

Doug (sighs):
Raoul.

Mark:
Well, what do you tell parents with school age bed wetters?

Doug:
It depends on the child...and since I've never had to deal with it head to head, I want to make sure I do it right. My immediate instinct says put him in Good Nights, but I want to make sure I don't embarrass him further.

Mark (nods):
Sounds like you're giving the problem adequate attention.

Doug:
Well, I'll find it later...right now I have to get over to county with Julie... (starts away but turns back to Mark) I will see you at the courthouse at 4 o'clock, OK?

Mark (nods):
I'll be there!

Cut to show Doug coming through the entrance of County ER. Just as he starts through the hallway, paramedics burst through the door with a gurney. Kerry Weaver rushes to them at once and Doug steps back out of the way.

Kerry:
What have you got?

Paramedic:
18 month old in respiratory distress, mother and child in auto accident...mother is still at the scene and they're working on her...

Kerry:
Take her to three...

Show Doug following along behind and standing in the doorway watching as Kerry begins working with the nurses on the baby.

Kerry (listening to the baby's chest):
Distorted sounds in both lungs...possible collapse...I need a line in...

Doug (turns to paramedic):
Was the baby in a car seat?

Paramedic (nods):
Yeah, we pulled her out of it.

Doug (nods):
OK...thanks...
(goes into the room to Kerry, taking her stethoscope):
May I? (he motions to the baby)

Kerry (still working with the line):
Sure, Doug...knock yourself out.

Doug (listening to the baby's chest):
You don't need a line...don't do it!

Kerry:
The child is in respiratory distress, Doug...she's not getting any air...we have to give it to her.

Doug:
The distorted sounds are coming from attempts at air...not failure to get it...did you check for an airway obstruction?

Kerry:
Didn't need to...

Doug (annoyed):
Why not?

Kerry:
Because the child was in an auto accident...how could there be an obstruction?

Doug:
Because the child is 18 months old and might have had a pacifier in her mouth!

Doug reaches down and tilts the child upward, pushing her head and neck back. He put gloves on his hands and takes his fingers to reaches into her mouth carefully.

Doug:
Uh huh... (lifts the child into a semi sitting position) Just what I thought...

Kerry (angered):
What the hell do you think you're doing, Doug?

Doug (nonchalantly):
I am keeping you from doing an unnecessary procedure on this child! (take the heal of his hand and does a modified heimlich maneuver on the child) Come on, Sweetie... (child suddenly spits out a small piece of candy and begin to cry heartily...Doug picks up the candy and hands it to Kerry) Here you go! (pulls off his gloves and smiles sarcastically at Kerry) An airway obstruction.

The nurses all look over at Kerry with a questioning look as Doug goes on out of the room Kerry stands looking at the candy and shaking her head.

Cut to show Doug coming up in the hallway to stop beside a little girl about seven or eight years old lying in a bed with her mother right beside her and holding her hand.

Doug:
Hey, Julie! How you doing, sweetheart?

Julie (happily):
Dr. Ross! You came!

Doug (leans down, puts his hand on her head):
I told you I'd be here!

Julie (reaches her hand to his):
I'm so glad!

Doug looks up to see Lizzie Corday come down to them, dressed for surgery.

Doug:
Julie, this is Dr. Corday. She's going to take your tonsils out. Now, she's very good and you're going to be just fine, so, don't worry, OK?

Julie:
Will you be here when I wake up?

Doug (nods):
Yes, I'll stay right here until you're out of recovery, OK?

Lizzie:
Are we ready, Julie?

Julie (nods):
I'm ready!

Lizzie (to orderly):
Take her on, I'm on my way. (orderly takes the bed and the mother goes with him) (Lizzie turns to Doug) I read her records...she's a bleeder?

Doug (nods):
Yes, she's a hemophilic...

Lizzie:
I thought that condition was normally in boys...

Doug:
It is, but, there are cases where the mother passes it to her daughter as well as he son...I ordered extra blood just in case but I don't think you'll have any problems.

Lizzie (nods):
I can handle it...you'll be in the hospital?

Doug:
Yeah, I'll be up in Dr. Anspaugh's office...just page me.

LIzzie (as they walk down the hall together):
Anspaugh? Something going on?

Doug:
I don't know...that's what I'm here to find out! I'm hoping its not to tell me Mark and I can't practice here anymore...

Lizzie (nodding):
Yeah, I heard something about outside doctors being on the board for discussion...

Doug (gets to the elevator):
Well, we'll soon know...take care of my little girl.

Lizzie (smiles, heads in to scrub):
Will do, Doug...don't worry!

Doug (as the elevator opens):
I never do when they're with you, Liz!
(he waves to her as the door closes)

Cut to show Doug getting off the elevator again and going down a hallway, looking as he goes to check names on the doors. Show Dr. Anspaugh coming up behind him, carrying an x-ray, and laughing slightly.

Anspaugh:
Been so long since you've been here you can't remember where everything is, Doug?

Doug (whirls around to see Anspaugh coming toward him):
Yeah, (chuckles) I guess so!

Anspaugh (stops beside him):
Are we ready for lunch?

Doug:
Actually, I was hoping we could just talk in your office...my patient is in surgery and I promised her I'd be here when she woke up.

Anspaugh (nods):
Whatever you like... (directs him to a door) Right in here, then.

Anspaugh opens the door and he and Doug go into his office. Show Doug sitting down in a chair with a concerned look on his face and Fade Act One to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens at the free clinic, which used to be the C.A.R.E. Center. Show Carol walking through and making general observations of things going on around here. People waiting, people approaching nurses for help...etc. The clinic is not in good control and Carol's expression is a disturbed one.

Man (approaching Carol):
Are you a nurse?

Carol (gives him her attention):
No, but, maybe I can help you...what's wrong?

Man:
My wife is bleeding...she's five months pregnant...we've been here for hours...

Carol (grabs a nearby nurse passing by):
This man needs some help!

Nurse (sarcastically):
I've only got two hands!
(goes on by)

Carol (pats man on the shoulder):
Someone will be right with you. (goes over to the main desk to nurse working there) Who the hell is in charge here?

Nurse:
Whoever has the guts to volunteer!

Carol (looking around, shakes her head in disbelief):
This is not the clinic I started...it can't be...

Cut to County and Anspaugh's office where Anspaugh and Doug are in conference. Doug is sitting in a chair in front of the desk and Anspaugh is sitting behind it.

Anspaugh:
So, you're here for a patient?

Doug (nods):
Yes, Julie Thompson...seven year old in for a tonsilectomy.

Anspaugh:
A relatively routine operation for children...why the need for concern?

Doug:
Julie is a bleeder...a hemophilic...she was a little bit scared and her mother was a little concerned so I promised them both I'd be here for the surgery.

Anspaugh:
But, you can't do the surgery...
(confused gesture)

Doug:
No, but, if my being here gives them both some psychological comfort then it's a small thing on my part to come.

Anspaugh:
Your compassion for your patients has never ceased to amaze me...you always go above and beyond your call of duty with children.

Doug:
Yes, well, that's just the way I am. I genuinely care about children...somebody has to.

Anspaugh (nodding):
Exactly...precisely the reason you are just the man for the job I am about to present to you...you are my first choice and the only person I even thought about when the board asked me about it. Neil Berstein is leaving us at the end of this fiscal year, which ends in about three months...the Chief of Pediatrics position will then need someone to fill it...I'd like to offer you the position.

Doug (stunned):
Me? Chief of Pediatrics? Here? At County?

Anspaugh (nods):
Yes...would you be interested?

Doug (still stunned):
Well, I don't know...there's a lot of things to consider...and a lot of other people involved...you know that Mark Greene and I opened a private practice just recently...

Anspaugh:
Yes, I know that...and I'm not asking you to give up your private practice. Lots of doctors serve as Chief of a department as have a private practice as well.

Doug:
Well, uh, I had to give up working for the County at the C.A.R.E. Center because of my kidney ailment...were you aware of that, too?

Anspaugh (nods):
Yes, I've read your records. The County couldn't take liability for your illness, which is why you were not allowed to work for a County funded facility...the hospital CAN take liability for your illness and you're covered anyway...it wouldn't be a problem here.

Doug:
If I were to consider this position, and I'm not saying that I am, what would I be in charge of?

Anspaugh:
Pediatrics...all phases of it.

Doug:
Including the ER?

Anspaugh:
Especially the ER. Pediatric care has deteriorated quite a bit since you left...the board is concerned about the future of Pediatric care in ER medicine and would like it in the hands of someone capable.

Doug (scoffs):
I'm not surprised Pedes has declined in two years since I left...I did all I could while I was here but I'm sure once I was gone no one gave a damn.

Anspaugh:
I would be interested in hearing your theory about why Pedes is suffering in ER medicine...

Doug:
Namely because none of the doctors down there give a damn about Pedes! They never have and they never will. Plus, they think you handle Pedes cases like you handle anything else and children have a lot of extenuating circumstances...they need special care.

Anspaugh:
What would you suggest for ER medicine and Pedes?

Doug:
Well, first of all, I would suggest...no...I would INSIST that PEDES doctors handle PEDES cases and no one else...I know that as residents in ER medicine all doctors are trained to handle all cases, but, I think children should be handled by the people trained to treat them.

Anspaugh:
That would require bringing in more Pedes doctors to the staff...

Doug (shrugs):
So be it...it's better than losing patients or performing unnecessary procedures just because the doctor in charge isn't trained to work on children. If money is a problem, if I took the position, I would personally fund it to bring in more doctors...in fact...I would pay to set up a complete Pediatrics center!

Anspaugh:
You can do that?

Doug (chuckles):
Yeah...money is not a problem now.

Anspaugh:
Private practice is that good?

Doug (shakes his head):
I had a healthy inheritance.

Anspaugh (interested):
Would you be willing to present that proposition to the board?

Doug (nods):
Of course. When I was coming in here, I stopped a doctor from putting a line into the lung of an 18 month old baby who merely had a piece of candy stuck in her throat. The doctor didn't check for airway obstruction and took the respiratory distress as failure to get air when the child was really struggling to get air. It's just little things like that but it makes a difference.

Anspaugh:
This doctor was not trained in Pedes, I assume?

Doug (sighs):
This doctor thinks she runs the whole hospital and knows more about everything than anybody else does...no names given.

Anspaugh:
I've heard that about Kerry Weaver before...
(nods)
...So you will consider this position?

Doug:
I'll have to think about it...and I'll have to talk to my partner...and my wife.

Anspaugh:
Of course...I understand completely. I would like to ask you to come and present your views and opinions to the board at our next meeting...would you be willing to do that?

Doug (nods):
Absolutely.

Anspaugh:
And I'd like to see your ideas for a Pedes center...tell me what you'd like to do with it...what you'd like it to be...I'm very interested in your views on this.

Doug (nods again):
OK...I can do that, too.

Anspaugh:
And I ask you to please consider this position. You don't have to make a decision anytime soon...Neil isn't leaving for three more months.

Doug:
That should give me time to make a decision.
(his beeper goes off) My patient is out of surgery... (smiles) ...I have to get to recovery.

Anspaugh (stands up...offers his hand for Doug to shake):
I hope we will talk about this again soon, Doug. We'd love to have you back.

Doug (stands, shakes his hand, smiles):
Well, maybe some of you would be.

Doug chuckles to himself as he leaves Anspaugh's office and heads for the elevator.

Cut back to the free clinic. Show Carol caging John Carter in the hallway.

Carol:
John, what the hell is going on here?

Carter (rushing by, Carol follows him):
Oh, Carol...you picked a bad day to come and observe!

Carol:
I'll say! This place is a madhouse! Who's in charge here now?

Carter:
Today I guess I am!

Carol:
Well, who's helping you?

Carter:
Me, myself, and I!

Carol:
John, you can't do this by yourself...

Carter (scoffs):
Tell me about it!

Nurse (calls from a room):
Dr. Carter! I need you NOW!

Carter (apologetically):
Sorry, Carol...I can't talk right now! Maybe later!

Carol (stands alone in the hallway watching the action around her and shakes her head):
I'm OUT of here...

Cut to County Hospital and show Doug coming into the recovery room area where Julie Thompson is resting after her surgery. He sees Lizzie Corday first...

Doug (quiet voice):
How'd she do?

Lizzie (quietly):
She did great.

Doug:
Any problems with the bleeding?

Lizzie:
Two pints, but, not a problem. She's under control and she's fine.

Doug goes over to the child's bed and peers down at her. She had her eyes open and she smiles when she sees him.

Doug (smiles):
Hi, Sweetheart...don't try and talk, OK? I talked to Dr. Corday and she told me you did just great...I'm really proud of you! (leans down and kisses her forehead) I'll see you later, OK? (Julie nods)

Mother:
Thank you, Dr. Ross, for coming. It really meant a lot to us that you were here.

Doug (smiles at her):
It was a small thing I could do...

Doug touches her arm on his way out of the room and waves to Julie from the doorway. The child waves back at him, still smiling.

Cut to show Doug going back through the ER on his way out of the hospital and he is cut off at the desk by Kerry Weaver.

Kerry:
Doug! I was wondering if we could talk...

Doug (looks at his watch):
I'm running kind of late right now, Kerry...can we do it later?

Kerry:
It's about the emergency Pedes case...

Doug:
Something wrong with her?

Kerry:
No, I just wanted us to confer with each other about our procedures...

Doug (shrugs, almost to the door):
We'll have to do it later, Kerry...I really have to go!

Kerry (under her breath as Doug disappears):
Egotistical bastard...
(turns to go back to her work)

Cut to show Doug heading for his jeep and is stopped by a call from a familiar voice.

Carol (calling across the lot):
Doug! Wait! (Doug turns to her and smiles) How is your patient?

Doug:
She's fine! (kisses Carol as she comes to him) Are you done in the clinic already?

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Oh, God, Doug, you wouldn't believe that place! It's a disaster area! I think you and I really need to talk about this!

Doug (nods):
OK...I have something I need to talk to you about, too...how about I get us dinner reservations tonight and we'll go out?

Carol (nods):
That sounds good!

Doug (kisses her again):
OK...right now I have to run because I promised Mark I'd be at the hearing with him...

Carol:
That's today?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...in about twenty minutes...I have just enough time to get there!

Carol:
Well, let me go with you, OK?

Doug (opens the door for her):
Sure! Climb in!

Show Doug and Carol get into the jeep and buckle their seat belts...Doug looks in the mirror before he pulls into traffic. As the jeep starts down the Chicago street, Fade Act Two To Black.

Act Three

Scene opens in Donald Anspaugh's office. Show Dr. Anspaugh seated behind his desk working and there is a knock at his office door.

Anspaugh (doesn't look up, keeps writing):
Come in.

Cut to show Kerry Weaver come into his office and stop in front of his desk.

Kerry:
Have you got a minute?

Anspaugh (looks up at her):
Of course...what's on your mind?

Kerry:
Has the board voted yet about the Outside Practicing Doctors issue?

Anspaugh:
I don't think the official vote has been handed down, yet, no, but, it has been decided.

Kerry:
What's the final word?

Anspaugh:
We would alienate too many doctors in Chicago if we tell them they can't practice here. They would have to refer their patients to Mercy and that hospital cannot handle the overload situation that would cause, so, things will remain as they are here. (Kerry sighs and makes a disturbed face) Is that a problem, Dr. Weaver?

Kerry:
Well, I just resent some of them that come in here and try to tell me I don't know how to do my job...

Anspaugh (knowing look):
Some of them? Or one in particular?

Kerry (surprised by his attitude):
Excuse me?

Anspaugh:
Do you have problems will ALL the doctors who refer patients here? Or just Doug Ross? (Kerry doesn't answer) Dr. Weaver?

Kerry:
He came into the ER and tried to interfere with me when I was working a Pedes patient just because he didn't agree with my procedure...

Anspaugh:
He told me about that...he informed me you failed to check the child for an obstruction of the airway...why would you not check that first?

Kerry:
The child was in an auto accident...I had no reason to suspect an airway obstruction...

Anspaugh:
And why do you suppose Dr. Ross did?

Kerry (frustrated now):
Because he has young children?

Anspaugh (smiles):
Because he's trained to KNOW about children.

Kerry:
Pediatric patients are no different from adults...they just have smaller work areas...

Anspaugh:
I'm not so sure that's true, Kerry...and we're investigating that now.

Kerry:
Investigating it? For what purpose?

Anspaugh:
For the purpose of deciding if this hospital needs an enhancing program for our Pediatric unit.

Kerry:
Meaning what, exactly?

Anspaugh:
Meaning if I have my way, Doug Ross will be coming back to County as the head of our Pediatric department.

Focus on Kerry's perturbed look...she is clearly agitated by this news.

Cut to County Courthouse across town. Show Doug and Carol sitting behind a table where Mark is sitting with his lawyer. Show Nina come in and slip into a chair in the row with Doug and Carol. Mark turns and sees Nina and smiles at her. Nina winks at him and smiles.

Nina (quietly, to Carol):
I didn't think I was going to get here! Traffic is murder out there right now.

Carol:
They haven't started yet.

Cut to show the Judge sitting at the bench. The Judge is a woman and she looks at her watch with an annoyed look.

Judge (to lawyer):
Ms. Mercer, is your client here yet?

Lawyer:
No, Your Honor, I'm sorry.

Judge:
And the minor child? Is she here?

Lawyer:
No, Your Honor, she's with her mother.

Judge:
I'll give you five more minutes.

Lawyer (nods):
Thank you, Your Honor. (looks nervously around)

Mark turns quietly to his lawyer sitting at the table with him. His lawyer is Debra Burns. Mark:
Is this good or bad?

Debra:
Good for you...you're here...she's not…just further illustrates our point that you are a more reliable guardian.

Cut to show Jennifer rushing into the court room with Rachel in tow. Rachel smiles when she sees Mark and waves to him. Mark nods and waves back at her.

Lawyer (quietly as Jen comes to the table):
It's about time!

Jennifer:
Sorry! I got tied up at the office!

Lawyer (turns to Judge):
We're ready now, Your Honor.

Judge:
Case is Greene Vs. Wymer*...both parties are now present...Ms. Mercer, you may present your case, Please.

* author's note...I can't remember Jen's new married name and I'm not about to go through tapes of Mark and Cynthia to find it.

Lawyer:
Thank you, Your Honor. Basically, all we are saying is that there are no circumstances to warrant removing the minor child from the care custody of her mother and we are asking that no changes me made in the care custody of the minor child. The father may resume the visitation he currently has and we have no problems with that.

Judge (nods):
Thank you, Ms. Mercer...Ms. Burns? Your case, please?

Debra:
Your Honor, the working status of both parents have changed drastically in the past year. Dr. Greene is now in a private practice, he has remarried, and his environment is more suitable for the care custody of the minor child. There is always someone at his home, either himself or his wife. Plus, the child has expressed a desire to live with Dr. Greene...

Lawyer:
I object! That's hearsay!

Judge:
No one is on trial here, Ms. Mercer! Is the minor child present?

Debra (motions behind her to Rachel);
Yes, Your Honor. She's right here.

Judge:
Stand up, child, so I can see you. (Rachel stands up in the aisle of the room) Would the minor child please approach the bench?

Rachel (comes forward and stops in front of the bench):
My name is Rachel.

Judge:
Yes, all right...I'm sorry, Rachel. I'd like to just ask you a couple of questions...Do you understand the procedures going on in this court room?

Rachel (nods):
Yes.

Judge:
And you have expressed a desire to live with your Father?

Rachel (nods again):
Yes.

Judge:
Can you tell me why you don't want to live with your Mother?

Rachel:
She's never home and I don't like staying by myself all the time. And when I'm with my Daddy, I have a step-sister my own age to play with and everything.

Judge (looks at lawyer):

The child is left alone?

Lawyer:
For a brief period of time.

Judge:
That's all I need to hear. Trial is set for July 17th...until such time, minor child...
(pause, smiles)
Rachel...shall be in the custody of Dr. Mark Greene and Jennifer Wyman shall have weekly visitation rights.

Lawyer (tries to cut in):
Your Honor, you can't do this...

Judge (bangs gavel):
Court is adjourned.

Show Mark and Debra shaking hands at their table...Nina comes around and hugs Mark...Doug and Carol stand up an offer their congratulations and Rachel rushes to him and hugs him tight.

Cut to show Doug and Carol having dinner at a nice, private table at the Drake hotel. They are having a nice dinner and drinking wine, really enjoying themselves.

Carol:
Ummmm...this is nice...we should do this more often.
(Doug Chuckles)

Doug (leans forward on the table):
So...what happened at the clinic today?

Carol:
OH, Doug! This can't be the clinic I started! It doesn't even resemble it! It's totally chaotic! Nobody knew what they were doing...people were running all over the place...it looked like the ER looked before we set up the clinic in the first place!

Doug (smiles, swirls his wine glass):
Maybe it just needs you there to oversee everything and keep everything in ship shape.

Carol (shakes her head):
I don't want to be there all day everyday...I wouldn't mind taking a couple of weeks to get it back on track and straightened up, but I don't want the job full time.

Doug:
Have you thought about teaching? Or training? You have all this knowledge...it just seems a shame for you to waste it.

Carol:
I know...I've thought about that too. I don't know, Doug. I really enjoy being there for the kids when they come home from school...and being there with Marc watching all the cute things he does...and I'll get to see all the things the babies do as they grow...but another part of me thinks I should still be in medicine, too. I wish I knew the answer.

Doug:
Work at the clinic part-time...on your hours...while the kids are in school or a couple of days a week...you could try that for a while.

Carol (nods):
Yeah...I guess...I might look into that...maybe.

Doug (clears his throat):
Well, I, uh, got some news of my own today that I want to talk to you about...Donald Anspaugh offered me the job of Chief of Pediatrics at County...

Carol (surprised gasp):
Oh, my God! Doug! That's wonderful!

Doug:
Neil Bernstein is leaving at the end of the fiscal year...about three months away. They want me to present to my views and opinions of Pediatric care in ER medicine to the board and also discuss my ideas for a full Pediatric wing.

Carol (reaches over and kisses him quickly, very happy):
Doug, that's sensational! I can't believe it! You must be thrilled...

Doug (shrugs):
I don't know, Carol...there's a lot of bad blood between me and County...

Carol (scoffs):
You mean between you and Kerry Weaver...

Doug (nods):
That too. It's a lot of headache...and a lot of responsibility...and I have Mark to think about...we're partners and in practice together. Anspaugh says I could do both, but, I don't know about that either...

Carol:
But, are you happy with the practice? I mean, you seem so listless lately...I wonder if you're not bored with it.

Doug:
Sometimes, yes, it gets boring...I see the same patients all the time...and there's not much challenge for me with it. But, what about people like Julie Thompson? I wouldn't see her in the ER at County...and I'd miss cases like that too.

Carol:
You could try doing both for a while and see if you can handle it. If you can't, I'm sure you could sell out the partnership to Mark and he could go solo.

Doug (nods):
I suppose.

Carol:
Don't make a decision yet...mull it over...and talk to Anspaugh again. Talk to Mark. And present your views to the board for thought. When you have all the facts together, then you can make your decision.

Doug:
Would you go with me if I went back?

Carol (shakes her head):
No. I don't want to go back to that kind of headache and looking over my shoulder and wondering everytime I make a decision if somebody is going to call me on it...no...it's not worth it to me. (reaches over and takes his hand) I am perfectly happy being a doctor's wife for now...I like being a Mom and a wife...

Doug (leans over and kisses her):
Then that's what you should be...

They laugh together and clink their wine glasses together, looking into each other's eyes with a smile as Act Three Fades to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens at the Greene home. Show Nina coming through the house to open the door. When she opens the door, she finds Doug standing on the porch.

Nina (brightly):
Hi! What a surprise!

Doug:
I came over to offer my congratulations to the happy family.

Nina (opens the door):
Come on in...

Doug follows her into the living room where Mark in engrossed in a board game with Emma and Rachel.

Mark (looks up):
Hey, Doug...what brings you out?

Doug:
I wanted to offer my congratulations...and I hoped we could talk a little?

Mark (nods):
Sure...Nina? Take my place, please?

Nina (smiles):
Sure.

Nina takes Mark's place at the table and Mark goes off through the house with Doug.

Mark (as they walk into the kitchen):
Want a beer?

Doug (shakes his head):
No thanks...just came from dinner with Carol and had wine...better not push it!

Mark:
OK... (opens refrigerator) Got ginger ale...milk...soda...

Doug (shakes his head and chuckles):
I'm fine, thanks!

Mark:
OK...
(they sit down at the table)
Well, what's on your mind?

Doug:
Remember that meeting with Anspaugh I told you about this morning?

Mark (nods):
Yeah...was it the outside practicing doctors thing?

Doug:
No...he told me that Neil Bernstein is leaving at the end of the fiscal year...

Mark:
That's what? June? About three months away...Wow...that must be a shock to them...

Doug:
They want me to take his place.

Mark:
As Chief of Pediatrics?

Doug (nods):
Yeah.

Mark (impressed):
Wow!

Doug (shrugs):
I don't know if it's 'wow' or not, Mark. I don't know how I feel about it.

Mark:
Well, what did Anspaugh say?

Doug:
He wants me to present my views and opinions about Pediatric ER medicine to the board...

Mark:
Well, that's a good thing, because you whined about that all the time you worked there...they'll have all that on file...

Doug:
He also wants me to present my ideas for a Pediatric wing...a plan to improve Pediatric medicine in the ER and the hospital overall.

Mark: (impressed):
Well, Doug, that's terrific! I'd go for it if I were you!

Doug:
There's a lot of bad blood between me and County...I don't know how I'd feel about going back now...ever heard the old saying? You can't go home again?

Mark:
Well, what kind of control would you have?

Doug:
I told Anspaugh I wouldn't even consider it unless things were done my way...being that Pedes doctors handle Pedes cases. That's my first priority. I know Kerry Weaver thinks that all ER residents can handle every case that comes through the door, but, I think there is a need for a specialty down there.

Mark (nodding):
Then that's what you need to tell the board.

Doug:
I don't know if I want to go back to battling with Kerry Weaver again, Mark. Not even for the sake of the children.

Mark (shakes his head):
You won't be battling with her...she'll have to report to YOU... (chuckles) Man, I'd like to be around to see THAT scene.

Doug:
I had a run in with her just today. She was going to trach an 18 month old baby because her breathing was in distress...turns out the child had a piece of candy obstructing her airway. If she had done a trach, it could have had very damaging consequences.

Mark (nods):
I agree...I think you're right...I think they need a Pedes unit down there.

Doug:
If I take this position...what happens to you?

Mark:
Nothing happens to me...I stay right where I am.

Doug:
If I can find a position for you, you wouldn't consider coming back?

Mark (shakes his head):
No...thanks...but no thanks. I'm happy where I am with Nina close by...I like the work and I love the hours. And now, with this thing with Rachel and all, I need to be where I know what's going to be expected of me for a while. I don't know how long this trial is going to take...and I don't want to change anything until it's over.

Doug (nods):
I understand.

Mark:
But don't let that hold you back, Buddy. If you want this position, go for it!

Doug:
I hate to give up the private practice, you know? I really do enjoy it for the most part...it gets a little boring sometimes, but, on the whole, I don't dread coming in every day.

Mark:
Well, you could do both if you think you're physically up to it.

Doug:
Yeah, I guess I could give it a try and see how it goes.

Mark:
What does Carol say?

Doug:
Carol says try and see...she also says she won't go back with me. I don't know how I'd feel working part of the day without either one of you around...although I've gotten used to Carol not being here since the kids came.

Mark:
Can't help you with that one, Buddy. But, it wouldn't be so different. You can set a lot of the work up at home on your computer.

Doug:
If I do this, then I want the whole unit. I'd lobby for it and I'd finance it. And I want to be in charge of staffing it.

Mark:
Sounds like you have some things in mind.

Doug (nods):
I do...the question would be getting them.

Mark:
Then, what you should do is talk to the people you have in mind for the project and see what their views are. And start from there. Once you know how they would feel about it, you might know more whether or not it's worth pursuing.

Doug (nods):
Yeah, I guess.

Mark:
Meanwhile, you've got a job...and a partner that supports you 110%!

Doug (chuckles):
Thanks, Mark...I can always count on you.

Cut to show time lapse. Show Doug coming in to the Ross home carrying a paper grocery bag in his hands. Carol is in the living room breast feeding one of the triplets and he smiles at her.

Doug:
This house is too quiet for seven children! Where is everybody?

Carol (looks up, smiles):
The big kids are watching TV and the little kids are in bed. (motions to bag) What's in the bag.

Doug:
It's for Raoul...is he in the family room?

Carol (nods):
Yeah...with Scott and Tatchie.

Doug (nods):
OK.

Doug goes through and into the family room where Scott, Tatiana, and Raoul are watching TV.

Doug (coming into the room):
Hey...what are we watching?

Tatiana (whirls around):
Papa!

Scott (looks over his shoulder):
We're watching Babylon 5...wanna join us?

Doug:
Oh, thanks, but, not tonight. Tonight...I need to talk to Raoul... (Raoul looks up at him) Could you come with me, Buddy? Please?

Raoul (as he goes to Doug):
Am I in trouble?

Doug (shakes his head, puts his arm around his shoulder):
No, not at all...just want to talk. (he takes Raoul into the room he shares with Scott and sits down with him) I want us to talk about your problem... (Raoul drops his head) ...and I don't want you to be ashamed or embarrassed about it...lots of other children have this same problem you do...

Raoul (encouraged, looks up at Doug):
They do?

Doug (nods):
Absolutely! I talk to parents about it almost every day at work. So, what I want us to do, is take you to a specialist and let him check you over real good. Because sometimes, something can be wrong inside that makes you wet and we want to be sure there's nothing wrong inside, OK?

Raoul:
Can't you do it?

Doug (shakes his head):
I'm not a specialist...so...no...I can't do it. But I don't want you to be afraid, OK? Because Carol or I one will be right there with you when you go, OK?

Raoul (nods):
OK.

Doug:
OK, now, until we can get you an appointment, we'll do a few things here. I don't want you to have anything to drink after 8 o'clock at night, OK? Because cutting back your liquid intake will help the problem.

Raoul (nods again):
OK.

Doug (reaches into the bag):
And I want you to wear these at night... (Take out the package of Good Nights)

Raoul (ducks his head):
I have to wear diapers?

Doug:
They're not really diapers...I wouldn't do that to you. They look and feel like real underwear, they just give you a little more protection, that's all. (Raoul doesn't look too convinced) Tell you what, we'll try it for one night, and if you don't like it or it doesn't work out, we'll forget about it, OK? Will you give me one night?

Raoul (looks up):
OK...I can do that.

Doug (smiles):
Atta boy! (reaches back into the back takes out a stuffed floppy dog) And this is for you.

Raoul (faces lights up):
For me?

Doug (nods, hands it to him):
Yeah, for you. All my big kids have one...Scott has a bear...Tatchie has a rabbit...

Raoul (hugging stuffed animal):
I get to keep this? Forever and forever? Even if I have to go away from here?

Doug (smiles):
You're not going away from here, Pal...but if you ever do, yes, you take that with you. That's yours forever.

Raoul (goes over and hugs Doug around the neck):
Thank you, Papa Ross!

Doug (pats his back):
You're welcome, Pal...you can go on back and finish your show now if you want.

Raoul:
OK!

Raoul goes out, carrying his dog with him, and he passes Carol who was standing in the doorway listening to the conversation. She goes into the room and smiles as she sits on Doug's lap and runs her fingers through his hair.

Carol:
You handled that very well...

Doug:
I hope so...I counsel parents on this subject every day but I wasn't sure how to talk to him about it.

Carol:
I know it's hard for him...he's embarrassed by it.

Doug:
And I don't want him to be. He just needs a dry night and he can build a little confidence.

Carol:
Who are we going to take him to?

Doug:
I thought we'd take him to Dr. Slaver over on Adamsson. He's really good and that's where I refer all my patients with this problem.

Carol:
Good idea... (pause) Did you talk to Mark?

Doug (sighs):
Yeah...he doesn't want to go back either. I don't know if I can work at County without Mark there to bust my ass when I need it.

Carol:
You don't need it anymore, Doug...you're ready for this position, whether you want to think so or not. And I think County needs you.

Doug (chuckles):
Is that your way of trying to persuade me?

Carol:
No, it's my way of trying to end this conversation so I can get you to come to bed...

Doug (wraps his arms around her):
Ummmm.... (kisses her sweetly) You don't have to tell me twice!

She stands up and takes him by the hand, leading him out of Raoul and Scott's room and towards their own as Act Four Fades to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens at the Ross home. Doug is getting ready to leave the house and he is wearing suit pants, a nice shirt, and tying a tie as he goes through the room. Carol comes in to help him with his tie.

Carol:
Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?

Doug (lets her tie it for him):
No, I have to do this by myself.

Carol (ties the tie and smoothes it down to his shirt with her hand):
Where's your jacket?

Doug (motions behind him):
It's on the bed. (Carol gets it and helps him into it)

Carol (steps back to look at him):
You look VERY nice... (nods)

Doug:
I guess I'm ready...

Carol (as they start out):
You have all your notes?

Doug (holds up an envelope):
Right here.

Raoul (comes bursting into the room):
Papa! Papa! Guess what!?

Doug (reaches down and picks him up):
What, Buddy?

Raoul (excited smile):
I had a dry night!

Doug (shakes him triumphantly):
That's terrific, Buddy!

Carol (pats his back):
That's fantastic, Raoul! We're very proud of you!

Raoul (hopeful):
Does that mean I don't have to go to the doctor now?

Doug (puts him down):
'Fraid not, Pal...we have to be sure there's nothing wrong...but this is a really good sign!

Raoul:
You're all dressed up! Where are you going?

Doug: Special day, today...
(Doug does down to the main level and Tatiana runs to him)

Tatiana:
Papa, can we have a hamster?

Doug (looks at Carol, who rolls her eyes):
I think that's something we'll have to talk about in a family meeting, Punkin.

Tatiana:
Well, can we have a family meeting about it?

Doug (nods):
Absolutely...as soon as I get home, OK?

Tatiana (as Doug gets to the door):
OK, Papa! Have a good day!

Carol (kisses him good bye at the door):
Good luck...

Doug (kisses her back):
I'll call you.

Carol watches him go until he is backed out of the driveway and gone.

Cut to show time lapse. The board meeting is in progress. Doug is there, with Dr. Anspaugh, Kerry Weaver, David Morganstern and several other board members. Kerry is presenting the end of her theory...

Kerry:
...and since all ER Residents are trained in ER medicine and care, I feel a specialties unit for Pediatrics in not only unnecessary, but, too cost consuming to be worth while.
(she sits down, having said her piece)

Anspaugh (looks at Doug):
Dr. Ross? Your feelings on that?

Doug (clears his throat):
Well, I've personally seen too many cases mishandled in the ER by doctors who are not trained to treat children. Children should not be treated and mini-adults. Children a lot of times have special needs that I feel are not met all the time by the doctors in the ER. With the exception of John Carter, I sometimes wonder if the staff in the ER even cares about Pedes at all...

Kerry (interrupting):
Oh, now that's just plain crazy...

Ansapugh (cuts her off):
Dr. Weaver? I believe you had your say...

Kerry:
But, he is making wild accusations that he knows aren't true...

Doug (going after her):
How many times have I seen Pedes cases sit because no one thought they were important? Unless a kid comes in here bleeding to death, they get put in a room and they wait until somebody gets around to getting to them! Kids are people too! And they have pain just like anyone else does! And they're scared just like anyone is! And they deserve to be treated like human beings, just like everyone else does.

Anspaugh:
Well, we have all of the theories and opinions in, as well as Dr. Ross' views and ideas for a Pediatric wing. We will review all of these things and the board will make a decision within the next two weeks. All parties involved will be notified of the decision. Thank you all for coming.

The meeting breaks up and Doug goes out into the hall. Kerry hurries to catch up with him as he waits for the elevator.

Kerry (coming down the hall):
Doug! (Doug looks to her and scoffs as she comes to him and stops) I don't know what you're trying to do here, but, I think you're in over your head. You don't know the first thing about administration or handling a department...

Doug:
Well, Kerry, you can do it...it can't be too hard.

Kerry:
Now, you see, it's just that kind of attitude that worries me...you have no idea what you're getting into.

Doug:
I'm getting into bettering the Pediatrics unit of this hospital, Kerry...something that's been needed for a long time.

Kerry:
So, you've decided to take the position?

Doug:
I've decided to look into it. I have time to make up my mind.

Kerry (nods):
Yes, and I have time to get my points across to the people that count. I want you to know out right that I intend to fight you every step of the way on this.

Doug (as the elevator door opens):
I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Kerry.

Doug gets into the elevator and leaves her standing in the hall. As the door closes, he smiles sarcastically at her and waves. Kerry turns and walks away, grumbling to herself as she goes and the Closing Act Fades into the Closing Credits of the Show.

May 9, 1998