8 Superstars from Your Favorite Medical TV Shows
April 16, 2015
Television shows often introduce us to the possibilities of working in the healthcare field, and they allow us to fantasize about becoming a famous doctor or nurse. It's not hard to imagine yourself as a TV superstar doctor, saving lives, egregiously violating HR codes of conduct, and being glamorous while doing it. Loved by many, hated by some, you're nothing if not controversial, and you like it that way.
Too bad real life isn't like the TV episodes you watch on TV or Netflix. The reality of healthcare training and employment is much different. Still, while your hospital job may not exactly resemble what you see on medical TV shows, we think it's a great idea to draw inspiration from your favorite heroes of televised medicine.
Being a medical hero isn't easy, but we bet you can do it with a little help from these beloved fictional medical specialists. So, check out our list of the top medical TV superstars to watch when you need some inspiration for your healthcare job.
1. Dr. Gregory House
Chris HE / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND
TV Show: "House" (2004-2012)
Actor: Hugh Laurie
House is one of the most controversial characters in the history of medical shows. He’s insanely gifted, intelligent, cunning… and also an absolutely arrogant menace. His motto is: “I’m better and superior to you, and you’ll be reminded of that fact every minute you spend in my presence.”
Why do we love Dr. House?
Despite his obscene behavior and his twisted, but witty, mix of sarcasm, satire and simply over-the-top humor, House makes us laugh and de-stress. Just like the victims of his verbal barrage of medical terminology and occasional insults, we're often confused about whether to be offended or entertained, but it works for us either way. Needless to say, his miracle-performing brain adds to his overall charisma.
2. Meredith Grey
geekchick89 / Flickr / CC BY-NC-SA
TV Show:"Grey's Anatomy" (2005– )
Actor: Ellen Pompeo
Meredith's drama-filled journey from intern to seasoned doctor has enough twists and turns to keep everyone tuned in. Dealing with a famous mother, falling in love with McDreamy, working with not one, but two half-sisters, and raising two children, she strongly pushes forward inspiring us to have it all and enjoy the ride at the same time.
Why do we love Meredith?
When the drama in your own life is at a pleasingly low level, Grey's Anatomy is a go-to guilty pleasure. Self-aware and introspective, Meredith's narration helps us learn how to deal with our own interpersonal relationships at the hospital, make it through the difficult days, and make up with our friends and lovers (hopefully as dreamy as Dr. Shepard) at the bar after work. It's a dose of "reality" we can all use.
3. John Michael "J.D." Dorian
Imagine Communications / Flickr / CC BY-ND
TV Show:"Scrubs" (2001-2010)
Actor: Zachary Israel "Zach" Braff
This TV series follows JD through his rise from an intern to a residency director. At first glance, he may seem a bit goofy and scatterbrained, but when his patients are concerned, he’s a real professional. Compassion and personal touch are just a few of the great assets he’s not afraid to show.
Why do we love JD?
His personal trademark is his tendency to daydream… almost all the time. What goes inside his head has rarely anything to do with his hospital job. His daydreams reveal him to be a very down-to-earth person, with a ton of insecurities and crazy fantasies, making him someone we can all relate to.
4. Dr. John Truman Carter III
Heather F / Flickr / CC BY-NC-SA
TV Show: ”ER” (1994-2009)
Actor: Noah Wyle
Dr. John Truman Carter III is undoubtedly one of the most iconic TV characters in the medical genre. During his 11 years of on-screen presence, Dr. Carter goes through tremendous challenges and personal drama. Easily one of the most complex and constantly evolving TV characters.
Why do we love Dr. Carter?
Unlike most of the characters on our list, he starts out as a rather untalented young medical student, with no clear and bright future on the horizon. After his unexpected professional success, he continues to beat the odds, recovering from a drug addiction, a broken heart and even the passing of close friends and family. No wonder he tugs at our heart strings.
5. Carla Espinosa
Richard Sandoval / Flickr / CC BY-SA
TV Show:"Scrubs" (2001-2010)
Actor: Judy Reyes
Carla is basically Sacred Hospital's official mom, torn between genuine care and concern for the others. As head nurse, she oversees all the busy nurses and health professionals. Outside the hospital, she’s known to her peers as a loyal and supportive friend.
Why do we love Carla?
She’s strikingly humble and hardworking. Fueled by her intelligence, her strong character makes her an effective leader, respected by all. At the same time, she radiates warmth and femininity, acting as a safe haven of understanding for all the goofballs working alongside her.
6. Doogie Howser
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TV Show: ”Doogie Howser, M.D.” (1989-1993)
Actor: Neil Patrick Harris
Doogie begins his medical career at age 14, which makes him the youngest licensed doctor to appear in a medical TV show. He’s practically an accomplished professional at age 16, yet still “trapped” in the body of a teenаger. Needless to say he often succumbs to his childish nature.
Why do we love Doogie Howser?
His naive, but positive, view of the world, combined with his boyish vigor and stamina are what make him truly unique. And while other contestants on our list are also very gifted and intelligent, Doogie clearly dominates in the “smarts" department.
7. Christina Hawthorne
TV Show: ”Hawthorne” (2009-2011)
Actor: Jada Pinkett Smith
Despite her relatively short on-screen life, Christina Hawthorne left a lasting impression on all her fans. Similar to Carla Espinosa, Hawthorne is a Chief Nursing Officer, managing a number of hospital workers. Unlike what we see in "Scrubs," the hectic and drama-filled days at Richmond Trinity Hospital have turned Christina into a veteran leader, with less time for fun and games.
Why do we love Christina Hawthorne?
She’s driven by passion for her work and love for her patients, even if it threatens her professional career. Her strong personality compliments her intelligence, but does not obscure her true feminine energy, which attracts everyone around her.
8. Dr. John Zoidberg
loquevenmisojosm / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND
TV Show:"Futurama" (1999-2013)
Actor: Billy West (voice)
Dr. Zoidberg is a Decapodian (lobster-like humanoid) working as staff doctor at Planet Express. His absolutely non-existent understanding of human anatomy often leads to disastrous situations. Apart from his incompetence as a medical professional, he’s also homеless and despised by his co-workers. The one thing he’s actually good at is “cutting stuff.”
Why do we love Zoidberg?
He’s the only alien at Planet Express, which wins him a few extra points right off the bat. His poor usage of 31st century English, combined with his often wrong understanding of human anatomy, usually leads to very comical situations. At the end, you cannot help but feel just a little bit of empathy for the underdog on the team.
Who's your favorite medical TV hero?
Who inspires you the most? If they're not on this list, make sure to let us know in the comments.
Plus, if you want to not just de-compress in front of the screen, but also learn something, make sure to check out our list of awesome medical YouTube channels.
