A case of deadly pneumonic plague turns up at the hospital, creating havoc for Trapper, his ex-wife, and an entire wedding party. 

It's love or, at least, passion, at first sight for Dr Gonzo Gates, the instant he sets eyes on a beautiful female surgeon, but the object of his affection clobbers him with a rebuff in the form of women's lib. 

Initially, Trapper is not worried when an old friend begins to act strangely. However, Gonzo becomes suspicious that something is wrong, especially when the doctor freezes during an emergency. In the meantime, San Francisco Memorial is overwhelmed with patients from a nearby hospital that was damaged by fire.

Gonzo and Trapper take on the challenging job of trying somehow to lift a dying patient out of his depression. 

Trapper tries to diagnose the illness of a seemingly gregarious, self-confident, outspoken socialite (Celeste Holm).

 A hospital orderly shoots a patient during a flashback to a combat situation In Vietnam.

Trapper John must face an influx of casualties from a hotel fire—and a headlong, would-be staffer named Gonzo