Intrigue

A comical nurse practitioner who treats his patients in an unconventional way, is challenged by a tough and stubborn patient, but is determined to show him the bright side, even when the end is so close.

"The Elephant In The Room", a story based on true events, follows a Palliative Care team in St. Mary's Medical Center, as they help their terminally ill patients navigate the final moments in life. MICHAEL LAFATA, a nurse practitioner specializing in pain management, addresses his patients in an unconventional way. Through his humorous and often goofy antics, Michael shows that death doesn't have to be a cold and dark experience. While Michael's offbeat approach to work can sometimes be exasperating to coworkers, the team always comes together in full support. VALERIE HOWARD, the team's social worker and Michael's childhood friend, provides support and a shoulder to lean on. When Michael's assigned to a tough and stubborn terminally ill cancer patient, COOPER DAVIS, he becomes determined to win him over, persistently showing Cooper that there is always a bright side to life even when the end is close. Meanwhile, Cooper's evolving medical needs prods Michael to work closely with ANNA CRAWFORD, the team's neurologist. Michael and Anna's mutual compassion for their patients slowly gives way to an unexpected romance. It's not long before Cooper and Michael form a unique bond, that leads Michael to struggle coping with the reality of his new friend's fate. When Cooper reaches his end, Michael is devastated. Inspired by his close friends and coworkers, Michael finds his joy in life and the strength to be resilient. Proving to himself and others that love and laughter can indeed coexist with loss and heartache.