In the second episode of 's third season, titled " Essential Workers ," the story centers on the team's continued struggle with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the personal battles of the hospital staff. Key Storylines
: Dr. Sharpe navigates her relationship with Dr. Cassian Shin, eventually finding common ground as they both deal with the emotional toll the pandemic has taken on their lives. In the second episode of 's third season,
: Dr. Reynolds returns to New Amsterdam from San Francisco to perform a high-stakes surgery on Dr. Vijay Kapoor, whose heart was severely damaged by COVID-19. Although the surgery faces complications, Kapoor eventually wakes up after a vision of his late wife. Cassian Shin, eventually finding common ground as they
: Dr. Max Goodwin attempts to address the opioid epidemic by restricting prescriptions, but this leads to unintended suffering for chronic pain patients. After being arrested by the DEA while trying to deliver medications via bike messenger, Max finds a solution to watermark the hospital's drugs with fluorescent fibers. Vijay Kapoor, whose heart was severely damaged by COVID-19