Robin Pearson Rose

The surgical staff tries to be optimistic as a young woman clings to life after a brutal attack. Meanwhile Meredith puts her career on the line to save a newborn in the hospital nursery, and the other interns learn that it takes more than just medical knowledge to be good at their jobs.

As Meredith and Cristina discuss their relationship woes at the Emerald City Bar, their session of lamenting is interrupted when Joe, the bartender, collapses. And as Chief Webber recovers from brain surgery, he appoints one surgeon as interim chief - much to the dismay of another surgeon -- and he assigns George to report back with hospital gossip. While a devastated Meredith learns more about Derek and Addison's relationship, a confused Cristina tries to make decisions about her connection with Dr. Burke.

An outbreak of a sexually transmitted disease affects several members of the hospital staff, prompting Chief Webber to call a meeting. Meanwhile, the chief reluctantly confides to Dr. (Derek) Shepherd about his own medical concerns; Izzie and Cristina are worried by a patient's wife and daughter who are at odds over his care; Burke treats Bill, a college buddy whose medical diagnosis raises some questions regarding his wife's actions; and, just as Meredith and Derek grow more intimate, a bombshell is dropped.

When a family arrives at Seattle Grace Hospital after a serious car accident, Alex learns that their injuries are only the beginning of their problems. Meanwhile, as Dr. Webber recovers from brain surgery, it seems that his wife (guest starring Loretta Devine as Mrs. Webber) has some concerns about the state of their marriage.

As Meredith nervously awaits a final decision from Derek, her angst is interrupted when a train crash brings several seriously injured patients to the hospital, including Bonnie and Tom, a pair of passengers who've been impaled on a metal pole. And Addison Shepherd sees great potential in Izzie, who must decide whether her loyalty as Meredith's friend outweighs professional gain.