Carol is pushed to the breaking point after another day when politics triumph over health care, and she quits. Mark "trades his soul" when he agrees to back Weaver for ER attending, in exchange for her support of Susan for chief resident. Jeanie takes an HIV test and informs Benton he should get himself tested as well. Carter invites Benton to his med school graduation, which he himself misses in order to keep a young patient company. Shep's refusal to see a psychiatrist risks his relationship with Carol.