Lucien Dubenko quotes from E.R.

Lucien Dubenko

Ischemic brain injuries need oxygen, but did you know oxygen forms free radicals after a traumatic injury? Mother nature is such a bitch.

Lucien Dubenko

The difference between a physician and a witch doctor is appreciation of the science beneath the disease.

Dubenko

You know, I once ate a hash brownie before giving a big talk in Amsterdam. I mistakenly thought that it would take an hour to kick in...suddenly I was up on stage, completely out of my head, lecturing to a room full of biochemists in a faux French accent.

Dubenko

[to Abby] You think after years of doing this you start to get a handle on people. The reality is, everybody lies and manipulates to get what they want.

Dubenko

[to Neela] I don't care how many babies people have, or how many dates you miss. Very few people could have done what you did today. Hey, hey! You have a gift, Neela. You have a gift. The minute you start comparing yourself to others is the minute you forget you're doing exactly what you're meant to do.

Dubenko

[to Neela] The reason they call this a teaching hospital is because this is where doctors give back. If you're only interested in becoming a rock star, Dr. Rasgotra, I suggest you look elsewhere. We don't need you here.

Lucien Dubenko

Jet-skis account for only 20% of boats but are involved in 44% of injuries. Know why that is, Dr. Lockhart?

Abby

No.

Lucien Dubenko

"No" is right -- no throttle, no steering, no way to stop.

Abby

Have you ever done this before?

Lucien Dubenko

No one gets in trouble for acting in the best interests of their patient.

Abby

Yeah, tell that to Dr. Corday.

Luka

Obviously, there is an accute bleeding source.

Dubenko

Well, Dr. Kovač, normally this might be the part where we argue over whether you were hasty in calling me down. I'd question the accuracy and thoroughness of your assessment, and we'd play mind games in a futile attempt to one-up each other. But, you know what? I'm just not in the mood today. Why? I don't know. Lack of sleep, stress- maybe you people have just worn me out. Yet, even then... Dr. Lockhart, what do you see? [pause as Abby looks into the microscope]

Abby

Microacidic hypochromic anemia.

Dubenko

And is that an acute condition?

Abby

No.

Dubenko

No, it is not... [to Luka, with weary sarcasm] Next time, please consider the innate skills and abilities that I suspect led us all to be doctors- dust them off and put them to use before you summon me? [to the patient] Good luck, dear. [leaves]

Abby

[to Luka]... Was it something you said?

Dubenko

Neela, let's go scrub.

Neela

No. I won't be a part of this.

Dubenko

Fine. Shirley, have Crenshaw get me a surgeon who actually wants to operate. You get out of here, Neela. Now.

Dubenko

I'd like to discuss Zelinsky's progress.

Yeah, about that...

Dubenko

Tomorrow, not now.

Neela

Tomorrow?

Dubenko

Yeah, I don't want to say anything too cruel, which I'm at risk of doing if we discuss it at this moment, so we'll talk about Dr. Rain Man tomorrow.

Skye

When it comes to relationships, I guess you could say I have a 'fluid' attitude.

Dubenko

Uh-huh.

Skye

When I'm with someone, I'm with them and when I'm not, I'm not.

Dubenko

'Love the one you're with'.

Skye

So if you can handle a relationship with no strings, sex with no commitments... then we're cool. [gauges his reaction] Does that freak you out?

Dubenko

No, I'm all good.

Dubenko

You know what really relaxes me?

Skye

Hm?

Dubenko

Yoga.

Skye

Oh yeah?

Dubenko

Yeah. After a couple of long hours in the OR, a few poses can really mellow me out.

Skye

I'm not into yoga. [rips his shirt open]

Dubenko

[gasps] No.

Dubenko

Forgive me for being so slow, Skye. I'm finally getting it now.

Skye

Get what?

Dubenko

That the whole Bohemian, drifter, 'love the one you're with' thing is nothing but a bogus justification to screw anything that catches your eye.

Skye

Well... good. Good, you finally figured me out. And you're absolutely right. I've done everybody: Pratt, Morris, Gates, security guards, Mel the Roach Coach Guy. And I'm having a damn good time with Simon Brenner. We've worn the varnish right off my desk. You know, it's too bad. It really is. I was starting to let my guard down with you. [hands him a gift bag] I bought this to keep you company while I'm on my dive.

Dubenko

Skye...

Skye

Gotta run, scheduled a quickie with Frank.

Dubenko

[about Neela's dying patient] I know what it's like to be close to a patient, but you're not a little intern anymore and I expect you to handle bad outcomes like a professional.

Neela

What does that mean? That I should stop giving a damn?

Dubenko

No. It means that no matter how much we care, sometimes the people we try to save die.

Neela

Are you actually trying to rationalize this? 'Cause we both know you should never have left that room this morning!

Dubenko

That's enough. Please. There are more patients than there are doctors in this place and I can't be everywhere. None of this should be news to you, this is the job.