Dr. Max Goodwin shakes up the status quo on his first day as medical director of New Amsterdam, the oldest public hospital in the United States, while simultaneously dealing with his own personal and health issues.

Reynolds begins to build his department as Dr. Sharpe battles skepticism from a patient's parents. Meanwhile, Max helps Bloom find a solution for a pregnant patient in a tough spot, all the while continuing to avoid the reality of his diagnosis.

Max invokes a hospital-wide census in effort to get to know the staff of New Amsterdam on a deeper level. Reynolds takes a leap of faith that lands him in hot water, and Dr. Castro extends her treatment plan to more patients in the hospital.

Max is on a mission to fix systemic racism at New Amsterdam. Bloom treats a patient who reminds her that things aren't as they seem. Sharpe is overwhelmed while tending to a family matter. Reynolds tries to keep his composure while treating a father and son.