Advanced Television

Medical TV shows that changed the way we see medicine and doctors

March 25, 2025

We cannot fully count on the accuracy of TV shows, as sometimes life can be way crueler than many of those happy-ending dramas. It’s worth reinforcing the fact that cinema can induce a distorted perception of real life, spreading misinformation and persuading fake standards, whether regarding romance and family or medicine and politics. However, as long as you stay true to your values and beliefs and always remember to filter what you see through the lens of your own mind, television can be a guiding light that shapes you into a more informed and enlightened individual. In short, you have to watch everything critically and never let what you see on the big screen become a doctrine.

For decades, medical TV shows have fascinated audiences due to their massive influence in the training of bioethical and professional practices that define the health sciences. Notably, their impact goes beyond entertainment, as it allows people to see a large number of individuals who are facing precisely the experiences they fear most, encouraging them to engage on an intellectual and emotional level with the characters and, ultimately, to deal with their own pain and discomfort impetuously.

It’s the effortless manner in which people can relate to medical shows that makes them so loved and appreciated. Nevertheless, we’ve curated a list of four medical TV shows that have revolutionized the genre and inspired generations, thinking that at some point you  will want to give them a chance too.

Grey’s Anatomy (2005 – present)

Grey’s Anatomy is an exciting, dramatic, and revolutionary medical TV series that has more than 400 episodes. It depicts numerous relatable life lessons, all vividly portrayed through the characters’ struggles and triumphs. We’ve thought about the most important revelations imparted by Grey’s Anatomy, which are:

  • “It hurts to grow” is one of the famous lines of Meredith Gray, a surgical intern from Seattle Grace Hospital. Meredith boldly states that you can either adapt and embrace change (no matter how painful it is) or slowly turn into a nobody that no one will ever remember. There’s no in-between.
  • Don’t allow panic to overcome your reasoning. One of the most powerful personality traits an individual can possess is the mastering of their own emotions regarding intensity or any unpleasant circumstances. Learn that, and no one will ever stop you.
  • Get justice. The worst thing you can do to yourself is to let fear keep you quiet. That is a principle that should be generally applied, especially when you have the misfortune to be the victim of a terrible accident. Sometimes, filling the silence with your voice can mean defending yourself, while there are cases when that translates as leveraging the skills of specialist solicitors such as those from https://www.legalexpert.co.uk/how-to-claim/back-injury-claims/ and getting the justice you deserve.

Grey’s Anatomy is definitely a show worth watching. And yes, no hospital has had as many romantic pairings as this series does.

E.R (1994 – 2009)

No other medical series can get the audience’s hearts racing as E.R. does. The plot fascinates people through its blending of humour, horror, and human relationships, and its insights are so valuable that educators from medical schools would play short videos from the show in their classes. ‘E.R.’ stands for emergency room, as the action is centered on the inner life of the E.R. of the fictional County General Hospital in Chicago, following the personal and professional crises of the doctors, nurses, and staff working there. This serial show is distinguished by its compelling narratives, each wavering intricate storyline about sexual abuse, post-traumatic stress, AIDS, addiction, LGBT parental rights, and death. Yes, this show is marked by frequent deaths, but overall, it stands for valuing the life that comes before it.

Scrubs (2001-2010)

Scrubs has long transcended the mere definition of a TV show, becoming a masterpiece that spectacularly blends humour and drama. Many medical professionals regard this show as the most authentic portrayal of the healthcare field in cinematic history, as it avoids the common scenario of representing the doctor as a larger-than-life individual who holds the secret of immortality. Scrubs shamelessly depicts the flows and insecurities of all of its characters, refusing to offer a romanticised or distortional version of reality. Its main focus is to depict life in its rawest form, capturing the hospital’s eccentric staff, absurd situations, and unpredictable patients. In short, this TV show will forever be cherished and loved due to its marvelous manner in which it publicly airs medicine jokes and dirty laundry.

House (2004-2012)

Let us begin by reminding everyone about the two Golden Globes and several Emmy Awards that “House” has received for its extraordinary impact and quality. This TV show is witty and unpredictable, and it can easily kill people with the sarcasm in which the lines are drenched. Mainly, this show is about an individual who has had a rough childhood (like many of us), which caused him to develop a bunch of disruptive thoughts about life, God, emotions, humanity, and truth (again, like so many of us.) Besides having the misfortune to be born in a troubled environment, he has always lived with chronic pain in his leg, ending up hating everything around him. One day, he got tired of the poison his mind was soaked in and the never-ending self-pity and decided to become a doctor. He is not your average “give me money so I can treat you” doctor, but a full-time hero who goes to any stage to find answers, even if the path happens to be self-destructive or incredibly dangerous.

Final Thoughts

The truth is, these series are far from being brief and immersing yourself in them will undoubtedly take immeasurable time and consideration. Don’t rush the process; savor every moment, and keep your mind open.

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