Dr Sam Griffith takes over as the new chief of surgery after her renowned boss, Dr Rob `Griff' Griffith, falls into a coma.

Dr Griffith fights to keep her new leadership role as chief of surgery when her father takes his case for reinstatement to the hospital board; resident Dr Caleb Tucker forms an unexpected connection to a patient battling a mystery condition.

When Dr Sam Griffith refuses to concede her role as chief, her father Griff orchestrates a costly surprise; Sam's mother turns to her new spouse for help navigating the battle between her daughter and ex-husband.

Dr Sam Griffith is shocked to discover why a hospital donor is so loyal to her father; Griff offers to mentor his daughter and assure her succession if he returns to his role as chief.

When a gunshot victim is rushed to the emergency room, the incident triggers flashbacks to the aftermath of Griff's own shooting.

Secrets revealed at a major fundraising gala for the hospital threaten to end a tenuous truce between Dr Sam Griffith and her father; cardiothoracic resident Dr Lex Trulie makes a decision that could alter her career trajectory.