Some very deep secrets are made painfully public when Meredith's mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, is brought to Seattle Grace for a surgical procedure. Meanwhile, some frightening news about Cristina's health is brought out into the open.

Meredith and Dr. Shepherd have to use more than medicine when a young woman's traditionalist, religious father forbids her to have a life-saving operation. Meanwhile, George and Alex are forced to perform surgery under less than ideal conditions in an attempt to save a patient's life, and its decision time for Derek and the two women in his life.