Act 2, Scene 1 Summary

This act begins three months after the conclusion of the previous act. In a boardroom the hospital's advisory committee discusses the current financial situation. The business managers including Houghton, Spencer, and Rummond urge the doctors to cut down on their expenses. The doctors including Gordon, Wren, and Hochberg say they can't possibly cut expenses without compromising service. When it appears that there isn't going to be any immediate agreement on that issue Spencer moves the discussion along to the recommendations from the internships committee. Houghton is dismayed to see that the son of a senator, an important donor to the hospital, isn't on the list but in spite of his protests that the senator is upset the doctors insist the son is simply not competent. When again there seems to be no compromise possible Spencer moves the discussion along.

Spencer begins...