John Carter quotes from E.R.

Carter

Morris. You saved me? I'll never live it down.

Carter

I reached a point about 5 years ago, where I started to feel that every day was the same thing, and I'd had enough. But I've been through a lot of stuff since then. And now, [pause] I try to embrace the idea that everything that happens has never happened before. Like, the saying that you can't stand in the same river twice, because by the time that you come back, it's not the same river, and you're not the same man. [pause] Anyway... I look around at this place now and can't imagine ever finding it boring, because right at the moment that you think you've seen it all, something happens that you never could've expected. [the monitor starts to beep, and Carter turns the sound off, smiles at the camera, then sighs deeply with a serious look on his face]

Benton

Do you know how to start an IV?

Carter

Uh, actually, no.

Benton

I thought you were third year.

Carter

I am, but all I've done is dermatology and psychiatry.

Benton

The well-dressed specialties, huh?

Benton

[showing Carter around the ER] This is Dr. Morgenstern. He's the head of ER. Watch out. He eats students for lunch.

[shaking hands with Carter] David Morgenstern.

Carter

John Carter.

[to Benton] Uh, when did that severed hand go up?

Benton

Vascular took it up an hour ago. I just hope they can do it right.

[turning to Carter] Dr. Benton is one of the best residents we have. You learn everything you can from him, except attitude.

Benton

He didn't mean that.

[offscreen] Yes, he did.

Carter

[sighs] I thought I was gonna be sick. [pause] I'm sorry.

Mark

Don't ever say you're sorry. See, there's two kinds of doctors: there's the kind that gets rid of their feelings, and the kind that keeps them. If you're gonna keep your feelings, you're gonna get sick from time to time. That's just how it works. [pause] Keep your head down. [pause, squats down beside Carter] People come in here and they're sick and dying and bleeding, and they need our help. Helping them is more important than how we feel.

Mark

But it's still a pain the ass sometimes.

Mark

Sometimes, I just want to quit and do something else. [looks at Carter and smiles] Yeah. [pause] Why don't you take a few more minutes?

Carter

[nods] Okay.

Mark

By the way, I was in medical school with Benton. He used to get sick all the time. So don't let him give you any crap. You'll be fine.

Carter

You ever get used to this?

Benton

Used to what?

Carter

Going on three hours sleep.

Benton

Anything more than three hours and I'm sluggish all day.

Carter

What's he doing?

Susan

Practicing one-handed knots. He'd do it with his teeth if he could.

Benton

No I wouldn't. You can't wear a glove on your teeth.

Mark

We're going to have to do a lumbar puncture. You ever done one?

Carter

Uh no, but I've seen it done.

Mark

See One, Do One, Teach One.

Carter

How's it going in there, Deb?

Chen

I'm stuck.

Carter

Deb?

Chen

Yes?

Carter

Did you use a lubricant?

Chen

Was I supposed to?

Chen

You know, it was pretty cool the way you were giving it mouth-to-mouth.

Carter

Yeah? Thank you.

Chen

You know, they say the dog's mouth is the cleanest part of its body.

Carter

What do they say about its nose?

Carter

I had a question about next year's Trauma Sub-I.

Benton

What about it?

Carter

Well, I understand that 12 students have alreay applied, and I was wondering... if I was interested, if you can tell me what my chances would be.

Benton

Twelve people have applied, right?

Carter

Right. Yeah, with me, it'd be thirteen.

Benton

Then, I'd say your chances are one in thirteen. [he walks away]

Mark

You walked into that one.

Carter

Yeah...

Benton

Where's Deb?

Carter

She's sick.

Benton

Who said she could be sick?

Benton

Carter, you are wasting your time. You don't think like a surgeon.

Carter

Why, because I don't think like you?

Chen

Everyone's so old and sick around here.

Carter

Yeah. This is a hospital.

[Looking at Carter who has his hand inside a woman's abdomen] Who is this and what's he doing in there?

Carter

John Carter. I'm a med student and I'm pressing on the aorta.