Medical Diagnoses in The Good Doctor: A Comprehensive Review of Medical Conditions in Season 3
- 4 days ago
- 10 min read
Season 3 of The Good Doctor expands the scope of surgical intervention, moving from the operating room into the field during high-stakes disasters. The season balances cutting-edge experimental procedures—like ex vivo surgeries and gene therapy—with the raw, immediate trauma of earthquake response. From Dr. Shaun Murphy’s first lead surgery to the tragic loss of a beloved colleague, the medical complexity remains central to the narrative.
Below is a comprehensive review of the specific medical diagnoses and treatments featured throughout Season 3.
Content ⁉️
Episode 1
Metastatic Abdominal Cancer and Uterine Fibroids
Suzanne initially presented with what appeared to be a bleeding uterine fibroid. However, upon opening the patient for routine surgery, the team discovered extensive malignant cancer metastasized throughout the abdomen, affecting the liver, kidneys, and stomach. Treatment: Dr. Murphy proposed a radical ex vivo surgery. This involved removing the essential organs from the body, cleaning the cancerous tissue, and reimplanting them. While the cancer was successfully removed, the procedure required the resection of a large portion of the bowel, resulting in a permanent ileostomy.
Renal Cell Carcinoma (with Comorbid Dementia)
Harvey, a patient with dementia, presented with back pain initially suspected to be kidney stones. Biopsy confirmed renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). Diagnosis and Treatment: Although the prognosis with treatment was excellent, the team highlighted the psychological burden on Harvey, who could not understand his suffering. His wife, Ruby, chose to prioritize his quality of life over a grueling recovery, declining treatment to take him home.
Diabetic Neuropathy and Masked Foot Infection
Marco Higgins was admitted with abdominal symptoms dismissed as "boring." Dr. Murphy noticed skin discoloration on the neck, indicating diabetes. Diagnosis: The final diagnosis was diabetic neuropathy, which had masked the pain of a severe foot infection. This localized infection was the root cause of his systemic issues.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis): Hard mineral deposits causing severe back pain.
Bipolar Disorder: Mental health condition characterized by significant mood swings.
Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: Humeral head forced out of the socket, treated via manual reduction.
Intestinal Necrosis: Death of bowel tissue requiring resection.
Facial Laceration: Skin wound requiring monitoring.
Episode 2
Oromandibular Defect and Complex Mandibular Reconstruction
Josh suffered a shattered mandible and fractures to the temporal bone and maxilla after intervening in a subway incident. The damage to the mandibular ramus was extensive. Treatment: Surgeons performed a vascularized free flap procedure. They flipped up the pectoralis muscle to reconstruct the jaw, suturing the graft to the facial artery. Despite risks of sepsis, the surgery was successful, restoring his ability to speak.
Intussusception and Secondary Intestinal Wall Perforation
Braden (Infant). Following surgery for pyloric stenosis, the infant continued to vomit. Diagnosis and Treatment: Investigation revealed a second condition: intussusception, where the bowel telescopes into itself. This caused an intestinal wall perforation. The team performed an emergency surgical resection to remove the damaged bowel section.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Gaping Laceration: Deep tearing of skin and muscle.
Post-operative Infection: Inflammatory complication monitored via discharge.
Pyloric Stenosis: Thickening of the stomach muscle causing blockage.
Oromandibular Defect: Structural abnormality of the jaw and mouth.
Sepsis: Life-threatening systemic response to infection.
Stroke: Interruption of blood flow to the brain.
Episode 3
Cholecystitis, Pulmonary Embolism
Michelle presented with abdominal pain and fever, diagnosed as cholecystitis. Before surgery, she experienced a drop in oxygen due to a pulmonary embolism caused by undisclosed birth control use. Treatment: After stabilizing the clot with an IVC filter, the team performed an open cholecystectomy. An accidental nick to the right hepatic artery caused a hemorrhage, which was successfully repaired.
Angiosarcoma
The Fisherman. A patient impaled by a marlin developed leg ulcerations unresponsive to antibiotics. Diagnosis and Treatment: Possibilities like parasites were ruled out for a final diagnosis of angiosarcoma. The leg was amputated to ensure clean margins.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
HIV and Hepatitis: Viral infections screened for safety.
Aeromonas Infection: Bacterial infection common in aquatic trauma.
Mycobacterium marinum: Waterborne pathogen causing skin granulomas.
Autoimmune Disorder: Immune system attacking healthy tissue.
Episode 4
Idiopathic Portal Hypertension and Sildenafil-Induced Hepatotoxicity
Mitchell Stewart presented with liver damage linked to genetic idiopathic portal hypertension. However, his liver deteriorated post-surgery. Diagnosis: It was discovered Mitchell was taking a "natural" supplement containing sildenafil (Viagra). While usually safe, it was toxic to his compromised liver.
Congenital Insensitivity to Pain
Lily Barstow presented with a ruptured appendix but felt no pain. fMRI confirmed she lacked activity in the brain areas responsible for processing pain signals. Treatment: The lack of pain signals led to a delayed diagnosis and severe infection, requiring the amputation of her hand. A trial of Naloxone allowed her to feel pain temporarily, but the emotional weight was too overwhelming, and the medication was discontinued.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Autism: Neurodevelopmental condition.
Sleep Apnea: Breathing disorder causing exhaustion.
Heart Attack: Fatal blockage of blood supply.
Autoimmune Hepatitis: Immune attack on liver cells.
Fatty Liver: Accumulation of excess fat in the liver.
Episode 5
Esophageal Cancer and Jejunum Free Flap
Beth required surgery for esophageal cancer, but scar tissue made a standard stomach pull-up impossible. Treatment: Dr. Murphy proposed a jejunum free flap (Yuri kucho saiken). This involved harvesting a portion of the small intestine to replace the esophagus. The complex microvascular anastomosis was successful.
Auto-Brewery Syndrome
Curtis presented with fractures and intoxication despite claiming sobriety. Diagnosis: A benign tumor obstructed his intestinal tract, causing gut fermentation of carbohydrates. This Auto-Brewery Syndrome was treated by removing the tumor.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Atrial Fibrillation (A-fib): Irregular heart rate initially attributed to drinking.
Upper GI Bleed: Internal bleeding causing shock.
H. pylori Infection: Bacterial infection causing ulcers.
Appendicitis: Inflammation requiring appendectomy.
Episode 6
Open Appendectomy (Surgical Complication)
Dr. Murphy performed his first lead surgery, an open appendectomy. Complication: A nick to the ileocolic branch of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) caused bleeding, which was controlled with suction and sponges.
Uterine Mass in Pregnant Patient
Patty, 23 weeks pregnant, had a non-malignant tumor surrounding her uterine arteries. An attempted arterial embolization failed. Treatment: During resection, a massive hemorrhage led to unstable v-tach and v-fib. Dr. Melendez performed an open-heart massage, and the baby was delivered prematurely to save the mother.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Accidental Laxative Ingestion: Consumption requiring prescription management.
Ocular Foreign Body: Biological debris (bee wings) in the eye.
Cardiac Arrest: Cessation of heart function requiring resuscitation.
Episode 7
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)
Tara, lacking an immune system, had an infected lung. Necrotic debris necessitated a thoracotomy, exposing her to the outside environment and risking sepsis. Treatment: Dr. Murphy advocated for gene replacement therapy using a retroviral vector to modify her ADA gene. The treatment successfully raised her T-cell count.
Ocular Cancer (Recurrent)
Charlie faced total blindness due to recurrent cancer in his remaining eye. Treatment: He underwent a complete enucleation of the right eye, to be replaced by a prosthetic.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Pericardial Effusion: Fluid accumulation around the heart.
Northern Flying Squirrel Bite: Animal trauma requiring infection assessment.
Ear Infection: Inflammatory condition requiring intervention.
Episode 8
Lung Tumor Embedded in the Hilum
Wren Braxton, an astronaut candidate presented with a tumor embedded in the hilum, dangerously close to the heart. Treatment: To avoid a pneumonectomy, the team used a robotic surgical approach. Dr. Melendez utilized prostatectomy instruments to dissect the tumor from the pulmonary arteries with extreme precision, preserving the lung.
Congestive Heart Failure Secondary to MI
Rosalind Elion suffered a massive myocardial infarction resulting in total heart failure and pulmonary edema. Outcome: Unable to secure a transplant in time, she was transitioned to palliative care.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Dr. Morgan Reznick was diagnosed and treated with cortisone shots.
Carotid Artery Plaque Dissection: Condition requiring endarterectomy.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Serious blood cancer.
Episode 9
Catecholamine-Secreting Pelvic Tumors
Jeanie suffered seizures and TIA-like symptoms. Imaging revealed paraganglioma lesions in the pelvis that released hormones during sexual intercourse. Treatment: Surgery involved removing the tumors along with most of the vagina and clitoris, though fertility was preserved.
Traumatic Aortic Laceration
39-Year-Old Male. A patient with blunt trauma and MDMA in his system suffered an aortic laceration. Treatment: An initial stent thrombosed, cutting off blood to the leg. An emergency prosthetic graft restored flow.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
MDMA Intoxication: Caused hyperthermia and tachycardia.
Ruptured Spleen: Result of blunt trauma.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Mini-stroke symptoms.
Pancreatic Cancer: Diagnosed as a terminal illness.
Episode 10
T3 and T4 Burst Fractures
Art Kalman, a weightlifter suffered burst and facet fractures at T3/T4, resulting in paralysis. Treatment: The team used experimental hypothermia to cool the body and reduce cord edema. Despite complications including bradycardia, the spine was realigned with rods and screws, reversing the paralysis.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Cord Edema: Swelling of the spinal cord.
Cardiac Arrhythmia: Irregular rhythm caused by cooling.
Morphine-Induced Delirium: Confusion from pain medication.
Episode 11
Comminuted Tibial Fracture and Compartment Syndrome
Kerry, a recovering addict, suffered a fracture that progressed to acute compartment syndrome. Treatment: Refusing narcotics, she underwent intramedullary nailing while awake, using only beta-blockers.
Gastrointestinal Obstruction (Body Packing)
Luca presented with obstruction caused by swallowed balloons of narcotics. Treatment: Surgery was performed to remove the balloons and prevent fatal overdose.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
PTSD: Linked to past trauma.
Traumatic Avulsion: Tearing of ligaments.
Opioid Addiction: Chronic disease requiring specific protocols.
Episode 12
Lymphedema via ARAF Gene Mutation
James McDougall. Severe swelling was traced to a rare ARAF gene mutation. Treatment: Using zebrafish models to test drugs, the team identified Trametinib as the correct treatment after the patient suffered a GI bleed.
Recurrent Brain Tumor
Angie Valens’s recurrent tumor invaded the thalamus. Outcome: The tumor was deemed inoperable during surgery due to adherence to white matter. Angie passed away.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Persistent Depressive Disorder: Chronic depression.
Wilms Tumor: Malignant kidney tumor.
Lymphoma: Cancer of the lymphatic system.
Episode 13
Cerebral Cavernous Malformations (Cav Mals)
Caroline Reznick suffered seizures due to Cav Mals. She refused lobectomy to preserve her artistic ability. Treatment: Dr. Glassman performed stereotactic laser ablation to destroy the vessels with precision.
Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor
Oliver. A terminal cancer patient developed shingles. Outcome: The viral infection alerted his immune system to the tumor, causing spontaneous shrinkage. The now-operable mass was removed.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Complex Partial Seizure: Neurological event impairing consciousness.
Gliosis: Scarring in the brain.
Fugu Poisoning: Tetrodotoxin ingestion.
Episode 14
Eagle Syndrome
Kayley presented with throat pain and fainting. Diagnosis revealed Eagle Syndrome, caused by an elongated styloid process pinching the carotid artery. Treatment: A transoral surgical approach was used to fracture and excise the bone.
Genetic Hyperlipidemia
Marla (Child). A toddler suffered a heart attack due to genetic hyperlipidemia. Treatment: She underwent coronary bypass surgery and was placed on lipid apheresis.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: Cranial nerve malfunction.
Sphenopalatine Ganglioneuralgia: Ice cream headache.
Crohn's Disease: Inflammatory bowel disease.
Episode 15
Congenital Laryngeal Agenesis
Cory was born without a larynx and relied on a tracheostomy. Treatment: Surgeons reconstructed a larynx using costal cartilage and rib segments to create a frame for vocal cords, allowing him to make sounds.
Brachial Plexus Injury
Fran. A dog attack left Fran with a severed nerve and no arm function. Treatment: A nerve conduit of silicone and polyglycolide was built to bridge the nerve gap, restoring electrical signal velocity.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Hypovolemic Shock: Drop in blood pressure from bleeding.
Laryngeal Malignancy: Throat cancer.
Venous Arc Hemorrhage: Intraoperative vascular injury.
Episode 16
Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Maribel Ventane. A Jane Doe died from a carotid aneurysm rupture. Diagnosis: Dr. Murphy’s investigation revealed hepatic aneurysms, confirming Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a hereditary condition weakening vessel walls.
Arachnoid Cyst
Aiden Michael Porter II exhibited two distinct personas ("Awake" and "Asleep"). Treatment: An arachnoid cyst compressing the hypothalamus was drained after the "Asleep" persona gave consent.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Aortic Dissection: Tearing of the aortic wall.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): CNS disease ruled out via MRI.
Paraneoplastic Syndromes: Immune response to tumors.
Episode 17
Bilateral Adrenal Medullary Hyperplasia
Alice suffered fatigue and dizziness caused by adrenal glands overproducing adrenaline. Treatment: Dr. Murphy surgically "squeezed out" the hyperplastic tissue to resolve symptoms without removing the glands.
Complete Renal Failure (Secondary to Sepsis)
Wes Keeler. A cactus prick led to sepsis, damaging the heart valve and causing renal failure. Treatment: Wes was placed on low-flow dialysis while awaiting a transplant.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Hepatitis C: Viral liver infection.
Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels.
Idiopathic Dysautonomia: Autonomic nervous system malfunction.
Episode 18
Cervical Stenosis via Pseudoachondroplasia
Finn. Pseudoachondroplasia caused skull base narrowing, compressing the medulla and worsening sleep apnea. Treatment: A posterior transdural approach was used to remove C1/C2 joints and drill off the odontoid, relieving pressure.
Traumatic Limb Avulsion Sequelae
Tyson. Previously reattached arms developed neuropathy and arterial insufficiency. Treatment: Double amputation followed by the attachment of osseointegrated prosthetics controlled by neural signals.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Refractory Rheumatoid Arthritis: Dr. Glassman underwent a synovectomy to extend his surgical career.
Arterial Thrombosis: Blood clot in restricted vessels.
Episode 19
Spinal Cord Impingement
Marta. Following a building collapse, C2 screws from a previous fusion pressed on the spinal cord. Treatment: An emergency field surgery was performed using a beer engine to create a cell saver for transfusion.
Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy
Unnamed. An asthma patient presented with back pain, revealing an ectopic pregnancy. Treatment: The fallopian tube ruptured, requiring emergency surgery by Dr. Reznick to stop the hemorrhage.
Aortic Transection
Casey was impaled by rebar, severing his spine and acting as a cross-clamp on the aorta. Treatment: A high-risk plan was devised to compress the aorta against the spine during extraction.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Cardiac Tamponade: Fluid accumulation in pericardial sac.
Subdermal Hematoma: Blood collection under skin.
Episode 20
Traumatic Aortic Dissection and Ischemic Bowel
Dr. Melendez suffered a retroperitoneal hemorrhage and aortic dissection. Outcome: The condition progressed to ischemic bowel and septic shock. Deemed inoperable, he succumbed to his injuries.
Impalement and Field Amputation
Vera was trapped underwater by rebar. Treatment: Dr. Murphy performed an emergency field amputation in under three minutes to rescue her.
Other Medical Diagnoses and Conditions Discussed
Brain Death: Irreversible loss of function.
Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage: Internal bleeding behind the abdomen.
Surgical Diabetes: Result of major abdominal resections.
🔖 Key Takeaways
🗝️ Field Medicine: The season finale emphasized improvised trauma care, including a beer-pump transfusion and an underwater amputation.
🗝️ Genetic Mysteries: Cases like the "Bubble Girl" (SCID), Auto-Brewery Syndrome, and Eagle Syndrome highlighted rare congenital and genetic anomalies.
🗝️ Surgical Precision: Procedures utilizing robotic surgery for lung tumors and laser ablation for brain vascular malformations showcased high-tech interventions.
🗝️ Personal Cost: The medical staff faced their own diagnoses, from Dr. Glassman’s rheumatoid arthritis to Dr. Melendez’s fatal aortic dissection.
🗝️ Experimental Therapies: The season featured innovative treatments such as ex vivo organ cleaning, hypothermia for spinal injury, and using zebrafish for drug testing.
Keywords: Medical Diagnoses The Good Doctor Season 3
Medical Diagnoses The Good Doctor Season 3
