Medical intern JD is thrown into the chaotic world of hospital life with unpredictable staff and patients, and realises how unprepared he actually is.

JD turns to his reluctant mentor, Dr Cox, for help with a patient; Elliot's attitude makes her public enemy number one with the nurses; Turk persists in his efforts to go on a date with Carla.

A resentful JD feels that he's been ditched by Turk in favour of Turk's new girlfriend, Carla. In addition, JD is even more distracted by his tempting flirtations with Elliot.

JD learns a life lesson from an elderly patient; Elliot duels with a hissing Carla; Turk is shocked when he performs surgery on a likeable hernia patient.

JD is caught between the straight-laced Dr Kelso and the irreverent Dr Cox, and Elliot tries to improve patient conditions in an unorthodox manner.

A hospital board member becomes a demanding patient for JD, and Elliot looks to his patient for psychiatric advice.