Medical TV shows are a great way for audiences to get their fix of fast-paced, real-world drama. Shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and, more recently, "The Pitt" evoke that adrenaline rush fans crave. For some, it's even strong enough to inspire total careers.
Elizabeth Wakefield, a graduate student studying nursing education, said the medical field has always been within arm's reach. Growing up with her mom, a pediatric nurse, Wakefield saw firsthand how necessary patient care and empathy are in the doctor's office.
In her junior year of high school, Wakefield started watching "Grey's Anatomy". The show solidified her dreams of a job in medicine — specifically, the character Addison Montgomery, who practiced neonatal care.
"There's specifically an episode where she performed a surgery on the fetus while the mom was still pregnant," Wakefield said. "And I was like, 'Oh my gosh, I have to go into medicine specifically to do something in the neonatal realm.'"
After her revelation, Wakefield said her mother steered her toward the nursing track because of its emphasis on patient care and interaction.
Katie Stuart, a senior studying biological sciences, said her mom is a practicing nurse. That meant being surrounded by healthcare workers and "Grey's Anatomy" playing frequently at home.
For Stuart, a show like "Grey's Anatomy" is much more a drama than an accurate depiction of the field because it's too formulaic.
"If you watch 'Grey's Anatomy,' you'll realize, every episode, a patient dies, a patient gets cured, and a patient carries on to the next show, or there's a resolution," Stuart said.
While the show might be entertaining, Stuart said if people want a show that focuses on accuracy, they should look to recent streaming standout "The Pitt."
Yahli Harel, a sophomore studying biological sciences, has also found "The Pitt" to be special because it represents all aspects of healthcare.
"Something I've noticed in 'The Pitt' versus shows like 'Grey's Anatomy' is that they actually value the nurses," Harel said. "I feel like the nursing aspect is much more accurate."
Wakefield has noticed this storytelling shift in "The Pitt," highlighting how the show places emphasis on important non-medical employees, like social workers. Overall, she wants to see all contributing staff represented more in the media.
"It's not just the doctor and the nurses — it's the doctor, the nurses, the respiratory therapist, the physical therapist, the occupational therapist, the social work team, the case management team, there are so many different levels of healthcare providers," Wakefield said.
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Although early in its seasons, "The Pitt" is looking like a new staple in the medical drama megaverse. Its popularity brings to light just how impactful medical shows can be, even if they aren't entirely based in reality.
Harel developed an interest in the medical field when she broke her arm in grade school. At the hospital, the doctors' kindness inspired a love for patient care and medicine. Harel's biology teachers also pushed her towards medicine and encouraged her to realize her dreams.
Harel said "Grey's Anatomy" also helped strengthen her love for medicine.
"Watching ('Grey's Anatomy') affirmed that decision for me, just because I love the fast-paced nature that they live," Harel said.
Edited by Kasturi Tale, Henry Smardo, Emilio Alvarado and Ellis Preston.
Reach the reporter at jagon128@asu.edu.
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Jazlyn Gonzales is junior studying Journalism and Mass Communication. This is her third semester with the State Press. She has also interned at KJZZ.
