Dr. AxelrodHello, sir, Nice to meet you sir. How's the wife?
Nurse Daniels: [listening, then opens the curtain] Whose wife?
Dr. Axelrod
Westphall's.
Westphall's wife is dead.
Dr. Axelrod
You're kidding! I didn't even know she was sick.
It's been 10 years, Elliot.
Dr. Axelrod
Oh, then I guess I shouldn't send flowers. Thanks for the tip. I would have faux-pauxed myself all over the conference room. Probably blowing my chances of becoming a first-year resident this fall. How do I look?
Here let me straighten your tie. [Adjusts his tie] There's not much I can do with the rest of you.
Dr. Axelrod
I really hate interviews. My hands always get clammy. I mean, what if he asks a question I don't know the answer to? And most important, do you think he'll like me?
Elliot, in the six months since you started your externship in the ER, there's one thing I can say about you. If they're judging on originality, you're a shoe-in.
Dr. Axelrod
Oh, good.
Move your chair, Axelrod.
[Axelrod moves in]
I've reviewed the Colfax case, and I am not happy. What the hell is going on here?
WDr. Wade
I tried to tell Elliott-...
[Cuts Wade off] I have the floor, Dr. Wade. Now, my time is valuable. I don't like wasting it on conforming an open-and-shut case! Axelrod, I find your diagnosis entirely appropriate.
The patient has a family history of heart disease, but the size and location of the occlusion poses no grave or immediate danger. She's young, compliant, and willing to work hard to avoid surgery. Adequate medical management should give her the same, if not better, chance of survival than a bypass. Case closed. Dr. Wade, I'd like to speak with you. Axelrod, get some rest. You look terrible.
Dr. Axelrod
Yes, sir.
[Axelrod leaves Dr. Craig's office]
What the hell were you trying to do? Bulldoze a patient into surgery?
WDr. Wade
I thought a bypass was necessary and expedient.
In a fifty year old. With heavy left occlusion, maybe! This woman presents no intractable angina.
WDr. Wade
Dr. London supported my diagnosis.
[Wade nods her head, Craig is appalled with the answer]
The man puts Sweeney Todd to shame. He would operate for the common cold! Let me tell you something. I won't have cut-happy residents on my staff. There are too many surgeons already lining their pockets with unnecessary surgery. [hands her a folder] You blew this one, Wade. It better not happen again.
MDMichael Dukakis
I was out jogging and I think I've done something to this ankle of mine.
MDMichael Dukakis
Michael Dukakis.
MDMichael Dukakis
Governor.
MDMichael Dukakis
Of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Baloney, that's what's his name?
MDMichael Dukakis
I'm what's his name.
Look, I don't have time for this. Address?
MDMichael Dukakis
The State House, Boston.
Dr. Axelrod
Yeah, yeah?
This phony is for you. Tape up his ankle until his eyes bug out.
Dr. Axelrod
[Surprised to see Governor Dukakis] Governor Dukakis, what are you doing here?
MDMichael Dukakis
I was out running and I...
Dr. Axelrod
[Rushes to approach him and escort him to the emergency room] Oh, wait, wait, let me get it. Lean on me, real hard. Okay, come on. We'll get you over there.
St. Elsewhere · 129 quotes
