A medical drama is a television movie or film in which events center upon a hospital, clinic, physician's office, an ambulance staff, or any medical environment. Most recent medical dramatic programming goes beyond the events pertaining to the characters' jobs and portray some aspects of their personal lives. The longest running medical drama in the world is the British series Casualty , airing since 1986, and the longest running medical soap opera is General Hospital , running since 1963.
114-530: Grey's Anatomy is an American medical drama television series focusing on the personal and professional lives of surgical interns , residents , and attendings at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital , later named the Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. The series premiered on March 27, 2005, on ABC as a mid-season replacement . The show's title is an allusion to Gray's Anatomy , a classic human anatomy textbook. Writer Shonda Rhimes developed
228-443: A Grey's Anatomy softball team, which competes against teams from other television shows, such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation . She brought this energy that felt very fresh. From the beginning, I've been shaping Cristina around Sandra a little bit. One of my favorite things to do is take as much of her dialogue out of a scene as possible because she does so much nonverbally. Then I just watch what she manages to do without having
342-505: A Train" "Drowning on Dry Land" and " How to Save a Life ". However, the episode titled "1-800-799-7233" breaks from this pattern, referencing the National Domestic Violence Hotline . This title change was suggested by actor Giacomo Gianniotti (who plays Andrew DeLuca ), according to showrunner Krista Vernoff . Before the series debuted on March 27, 2005, a few early screenings were shown to close friends and family of
456-500: A baby girl from Malawi. Conceived as a patient with a tumor condition who later develops diabetes , Henry Burton ( Scott Foley ) befriends Dr. Altman and eventually joins her in marriage only to get treated using her medical insurance, until he dies while undergoing heart surgery in season 8. Dr Catherine Avery (played by Debbie Allen), a urologist, is introduced in the show's eighth season and subsequently makes recurring appearances in all subsequent seasons thus far. Her character becomes
570-605: A blue post-it note . O'Malley dies in the Season 6 premiere , due to injuries sustained from saving a woman from being hit by a bus, and Stevens later departs Seattle following a communication breakdown with her then-husband Karev following the Seattle Grace merger with Mercy West Hospital. New characters are introduced as Seattle Grace Hospital merges with Mercy West Hospital. Residents April Kepner and Jackson Avery transfer to Seattle Grace Hospital from Mercy West Hospital, and Avery has
684-443: A bombshell that she is the child of Dr. Webber and the late Dr. Grey, and was given up at birth for adoption. Dr. Meredith Grey has to accommodate another half-sister in her life. Also, Dr. Yang privately gives her shares in the hospital to Dr. Karev, also giving him her seat on the board. But Dr. Webber all but promises the seat to Dr. Bailey, so the board has to decide between them. Season 11 begins with new surgical residents coming to
798-405: A brief relapse of temporary health ("the surge ") and the remaining characters work through their post traumatic stress and Robbins's loss of limb by way of suing Seattle Grace Mercy West, as the hospital was responsible for putting the surgeons on the plane. Meanwhile, Jo Wilson, Stephanie Edwards, Leah Murphy and Shane Ross are introduced as a new group of interns. The ninth season continues with
912-440: A brief relationship with Lexie, until she reunites with Sloan. Subsequently, Teddy Altman is introduced as the new Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Ben Warren is also introduced in the sixth season , who becomes a romantic interest for Bailey throughout the series, eventually marrying her. In the Season 6 finale , a deceased patient's grieving husband embarks on a shooting spree at the hospital, injuring Karev, Shepherd, and Hunt. In
1026-434: A car accident and pulls over to help the injured, but his car is hit by a truck with him inside as he attempts to leave the scene. He later dies at another hospital following the doctors' mishandling of his injuries. Season 12 saw Andrew DeLuca join the main cast as a new intern at the hospital, as well as Nathan Riggs as a new cardiothoracic surgeon with a pre-existing off-screen history with Hunt. The Season 12 finale saw
1140-523: A cardiothoracic surgery fellowship (typically 2–3 years). However, new programmes are currently offering cardiothoracic surgery as a residency (6–8 years). Pediatric surgery is a subspecialty of general surgery. Pediatric surgeons do surgery on patients under age 18. Pediatric surgery is 5–7 years of residency and a 2-3 year fellowship. In the 2000s, minimally invasive surgery became more prevalent. Considerable enthusiasm has been built around robot-assisted surgery (also known as robotic surgery ), despite
1254-429: A case, each doctor works to diagnose the patient, typically with the support of an attending physician, which usually results in surgery. The show often portrays the doctors forming personal connections with their patients, with many cases indirectly reflecting the doctors' own personal struggles. One notable instance is Isobel "Izzie" Stevens ' engagement to her patient, Denny Duquette, in Season 2 . Relationships between
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#17328768709481368-416: A competitive drive and seek recognition. Upon arrival at the hospital each morning, residents may compete over who gets assigned a challenging case, often generating tension. A hospital superior typically assigns cases, further intensifying the dynamic between residents and their superiors. Episodes shift between the doctors' interactions with patients and their personal dynamics with colleagues. Once assigned
1482-513: A craniofacial surgeon consulting on a case at Grey Sloan Memorial who showed romantic interest in Arizona and eventually ended up having a one-night stand with her. Dr. Heather Brooks dies in the premiere of season 10. She goes to search for Dr. Webber and finds him lying in the basement of the hospital. Trying to save Dr. Webber, she accidentally steps into a puddle and electrocutes herself while hitting her head as she falls. Also introduced in season 10
1596-421: A family foundation and Koracick, who also moved to Boston to assist Avery, as main characters. Hayes departed the series in Season 18 after deciding to return to Ireland with his kids. Season 18 saw the introduction of five new interns with Simone Griffith, Mika Yasuda, Benson Kwan, Jules Millin and Lucas Adams, the latter of which is revealed to be a nephew of Amelia and Derek Shepherd. Meredith Grey, one of
1710-449: A friendship with Meredith while the two were in college. Harris is fired in the fifth season, due to not actually having a medical degree , and departs the show immediately after. Meredith and Shepherd's relationship reaches a crisis, and the two separate, leaving Shepherd to entertain a relationship with Rose ( Lauren Stamile ), a nurse. Rose appears frequently until season 5, when Derek and Meredith decide to rekindle their flame. Throughout
1824-424: A general surgical oncologist (a specialty of a general surgeon), but thoracic surgical oncologists, gynecologist and so forth can all be considered surgeons who specialize in treating cancer patients. The importance of training surgeons who sub-specialize in cancer surgery lies in evidence, supported by a number of clinical trials, that outcomes in surgical cancer care are positively associated to surgeon volume (i.e.,
1938-399: A girl like that girl from Moonlight Mile (2002) ," said Rhimes, "and after a while, they were like, 'We think we can get that girl from Moonlight Mile ." The next to be cast, Sandra Oh ( Dr. Cristina Yang ), was initially invited to audition for the character of Bailey, but pressed to read for the role of Cristina instead. Many actors read for the role of Dr. Derek Shepherd . Rob Lowe
2052-564: A grant to aid children in Malawi , which leads to a falling-out between her and Torres. While in Malawi, Robbins is replaced by Dr. Robert Stark ( Peter MacNicol ), a pediatric surgeon with an interest in Dr. April Kepner, who appears occasionally until season 8. Following the breakdown of Dr. Torres's relationship with Dr. Robbins, Dr. Torres becomes pregnant with Dr. Sloan's baby. Torres's relationship with Robbins
2166-435: A hospital merger in Season 6 . Other additions include Leah Murphy ( Tessa Ferrer ), who departs at the end of Season 10 but returns during Season 13 ; Shane Ross ( Gaius Charles ), who leaves with Yang for Zürich , Switzerland , in the Season 10 finale ; Stephanie Edwards ( Jerrika Hinton ), who resigns at the end of Season 13; Jo Wilson ( Camilla Luddington ), who marries Karev; Andrew DeLuca ( Giacomo Gianniotti ),
2280-607: A lack of data suggesting it has significant benefits that justify its cost. In Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States general surgery is a five to seven year residency and follows completion of medical school , either MD, MBBS, MBChB , or DO degrees. In Australia and New Zealand, a residency leads to eligibility for Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons . In Canada, residency leads to eligibility for certification by and Fellowship of
2394-470: A love-interest for Meredith, while Shepherd is with Montgomery. Dandridge is included in a multi-episode story arc in seasons 2 and 3, consisting of 9 episodes, ending when Meredith reunites with Shepherd. In season 3, George's father, Harold O'Malley ( George Dzundza ), is diagnosed with cancer and dies, with his wife Louise ( Debra Monk ) and George's brothers Jerry ( Greg Pitts ) and Ronny ( Tim Griffin ) by his side. Louise goes on to appear occasionally, and
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#17328768709482508-459: A medical practice is used as a focus for stories detailing the life of a (usually small) community. The long running Australian series A Country Practice (1981–1993) is a later example of this subgenre. From 1969 to 1976, the series Marcus Welby, M.D. and Medical Center were extremely popular for their both orthodox and unorthodox way of presenting medical cases. In 1972, the series Emergency! , starring Robert Fuller and Julie London ,
2622-448: A passion for depth involvement in every aspect of experience, creates an obsession with bodily welfare. The sudden emergence of the TV medico and the hospital ward as a program to rival the western is perfectly natural. It would be possible to list a dozen untried kinds of programs that would prove immediately popular for the same reasons. Tom Dooley and his epic of Medicare for the backward society
2736-478: A plane crash, which kills Lexie and endangers Meredith, Shepherd, Yang, Sloan and Robbins in the Season 8 finale . The season finale also sees Altman being courteously fired by Hunt as she struggles to decide whether or not to take the job as Chief at the United States Army Medical Command (MEDCOM). In the Season 9 premiere , Sloan dies due to sustained injuries from the plane crash following
2850-477: A relationship with Cristina. Introduced in the show's second season are obstetrician-gynecologist and neonatal surgeon , Addison Montgomery, plastic and ENT surgeon Mark Sloan (nicknamed 'McSteamy' by the interns), from New York, and orthopedic surgeon Callie Torres. Montgomery is Shepherd's estranged wife who arrives in Seattle seeking reconciliation with him, Sloan is Shepherd's former best-friend, who aided
2964-614: A resident who later becomes head of orthopedic surgery and leaves Seattle for New York at the end of Season 12 ; Erica Hahn ( Brooke Smith ), as head of cardiothoracic surgery, who leaves Seattle Grace in Season 5 after a disagreement with Torres; Owen Hunt ( Kevin McKidd ), as head of trauma surgery who later marries and divorces Yang; Arizona Robbins ( Jessica Capshaw ), as head of pediatric surgery , and later head of maternal / fetal surgery who marries Torres; Teddy Altman ( Kim Raver ), as head of cardiothoracic surgery who departs at
3078-439: A resident. Two new characters are introduced, former United States Army trauma surgeon Dr. Owen Hunt, and pediatric surgeon Dr. Arizona Robbins. Hunt becomes a love-interest for Yang, while Robbins begins a relationship with Torres. When Stevens is diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic melanoma , she and Karev get married at the conclusion of the fifth season. In addition, Meredith and Shepherd marry, with their vows written on
3192-509: A role in the pilot episode. Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh ) also joined the show in Season 2, after making a guest appearance in the season 1 finale Medical drama City Hospital , which first aired in 1951, is usually considered to be the first televised medical drama. (The first serialized medical drama was probably the Dr. Kildare film series (1937–1947), starring a number of actors in
3306-458: A romantic interest for Dr Richard Webber, and eventually his second wife following the death of his first wife, Adele. In the season 9 premiere, interns Dr. Jo Wilson ( Camilla Luddington ), Dr. Shane Ross ( Gaius Charles ), Dr. Stephanie Edwards ( Jerrika Hinton ), Dr. Leah Murphy ( Tessa Ferrer ) and Dr. Heather Brooks ( Tina Majorino ) are introduced. Steven Culp and William Daniels play Dr. Parker and Dr. Craig Thomas, respectively. Dr. Parker
3420-459: A sabbatical, due to her pregnancy, the cheerful Dr. Sydney Heron ( Kali Rocha ), fills her position as the resident supervising Grey, Yang, Stevens, Karev and O'Malley, and makes occasional appearances until the fifth season. Thatcher and Susan Grey ( Jeff Perry and Mare Winningham ), Meredith's estranged father and step-mother, are introduced in season 2, with Susan making appearances until her death in season 3, and Thatcher continuing to appear in
3534-445: A senior resident , who works with attending physicians Derek Shepherd ( Patrick Dempsey ), head of neurosurgery and Meredith's love interest, and Preston Burke ( Isaiah Washington ), head of cardiothoracic surgery and Yang's eventual fiancé. Richard Webber ( James Pickens Jr. ), Chief of Surgery and attending general surgeon, is the former lover of Ellis Grey during the first six seasons, Burke, O'Malley, and Stevens all depart
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3648-617: A sexual relationship with O'Malley, giving him syphilis . Serving as an assistant and secretary to the Chief of Surgery, former nurse Patricia ( Robin Pearson Rose ), has appeared on the show since its debut. Tyler Christian ( Moe Irvin ), a hospital nurse, makes occasional appearances throughout the series. Within the second season, Bailey becomes pregnant by her husband, Tucker Jones ( Cress Williams ), who makes frequent appearances on Grey's Anatomy , until their divorce in season 5. While Bailey takes
3762-442: A silly detail. But then I thought about the fact that it was the only time and place this woman might have to shave her legs. That's how hard the work is. —Rhimes on the creation of Grey's Anatomy While creating the characters and writing the initial script, the series' writers did not have specific character descriptions in mind, instead hoping to cast the best actor available for each role. Shonda Rhimes has expressed that if
3876-401: A systematic review of such uses indicated that it is a "feasible and acceptable" complement to medical education. General surgery General surgery is a surgical specialty that focuses on alimentary canal and abdominal contents including the esophagus , stomach , small intestine , large intestine , liver , pancreas , gallbladder , appendix and bile ducts , and often
3990-408: A variety of procedures to stabilize such patients, such as thoracostomy, cricothyroidotomy , compartment fasciotomies and emergency laparotomy or thoracotomy to stanch bleeding. They are also called upon to staff surgical intensive care units or trauma intensive care units. All general surgeons are trained in emergency surgery. Bleeding, infections, bowel obstructions and organ perforations are
4104-515: A wide variety of major and minor colon and rectal diseases including inflammatory bowel diseases (such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease ), diverticulitis , colon and rectal cancer, gastrointestinal bleeding and hemorrhoids. General surgeons can specialise in Upper Gastro-intestinal (or foregut ) surgery, which includes the surgical treatment of diseases of the stomach and oesophagus , liver , pancreas and gallbladder . In
4218-419: A word to say. —Rhimes on Oh's audition Grey's Anatomy used a color-blind casting technique, resulting in a racially diverse ensemble. Each role was cast without the character's race being pre-determined, keeping Rhimes's vision of diversity. The production staff began casting with the program's title character, Dr. Meredith Grey , which Rhimes said was a challenging role to cast. "I kept saying we need
4332-402: Is Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Dr. Craig Thomas ( William Daniels ) is an attending cardiothoracic surgeon at Mayo Clinic , where Cristina worked temporarily. Dr. Alana Cahill ( Constance Zimmer ) introduced in season 9 is appointed to cut costs at the hospital and she eventually decides the best course of action would be to seek out a new buyer until the 4 crash survivors and Torres on
4446-413: Is a common relaxation area for the physicians. Also introduced in the pilot, is the legendary former general surgeon, Dr. Ellis Grey ( Kate Burton ), Meredith's Alzheimer's -stricken mother, who appeared on the show until her death in season 3. In the first season, Olivia Harper ( Sarah Utterback ), a nurse who appeared on the show occasionally until getting laid off in the merger with Mercy West, engages in
4560-477: Is a new intern at the hospital, as well as Andrew's sister, Carina DeLuca, an obstetrician who enters into a relationship with Robbins. During the fourteenth season, Warren transitions out to become a main character of the series' second spin-off, Station 19 , after his character decides to quit working at the hospital to become a firefighter. Carina DeLuca eventually joins him as a main character of that spin-off series. Long-time characters, Robbins and Kepner depart
4674-420: Is ensured by consultants Karen Lisa Pike, M.D. and Linda Klein, R.N. In an interview, Ellen Pompeo (who plays Meredith Grey ) shared that the cast frequently consults the medical team for accuracy, asking about procedures and surgeries to ensure authenticity. Many cast members observed real-life surgeries to prepare for their roles. In addition to their work on the show, the production staff participates in
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4788-498: Is exactly who Miranda is." James Pickens Jr. was selected to appear as Dr. Richard Webber in the series' pilot and first season . Katherine Heigl wanted to portray Dr. Izzie Stevens as a brunette but was requested to retain her natural blonde for the part. Isaiah Washington , who portrayed Dr. Preston Burke , initially read for the role of Shepherd but was cast as Burke, because the actor who had been intended to play Burke, Paul Adelstein , had to withdraw due to commitments to
4902-471: Is now divided into two further phases (phases 2 and 3). Trainees are expected to declare a sub-specialty before the end of phase 2, and training during phase 3 focuses on that sub-specialty. Before the end of HST, the examination for Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) must be taken in general surgery plus the subspeciality. Upon completion of training, the surgeon will be eligible for entry on
5016-439: Is now evolving from this concept (see below). Gallbladders, appendices, and colons can all be removed with this technique. Hernias are also able to be repaired laparoscopically. Bariatric surgery can be performed laparoscopically and there a benefits of doing so to reduce wound complications in obese patients. General surgeons that are trained today are expected to be proficient in laparoscopic procedures. General surgeons treat
5130-431: Is particularly true of complex cancer resections such as pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer, and gastrectomy with extended (D2) lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer. Surgical oncology is generally a 2-year fellowship following completion of a general surgery residency (5–7 years). Most cardiothoracic surgeons in the U.S. (D.O. or M.D.) first complete a general surgery residency (typically 5–7 years), followed by
5244-405: Is speeding up their medical shows, [Rhimes] found a way to slow it down, so you get to know the characters. There's definitely a strong female appeal to it. ER is high-speed medicine. The camera flies around, adrenaline is rushing. My show is more personal. The idea for the series began when a doctor told me it was incredibly hard to shave her legs in the hospital shower. At first, that seemed like
5358-722: Is stabbed while chasing a child abductor/ human trafficker and despite the efforts of Hunt and Altman, he dies. Avery and Koracick also depart in Season 17, with Avery moving to Boston to take over his family's charitable foundation and Koracick leaving to assist him. In Season 18 , Hayes moves back to his home country, Hunt and Altman flee the country, Marsh returns to Minnesota , Webber and Fox go on sabbatical, and Bailey resigns as chief of surgery, leaving Grey as chief of surgery. In Season 19 , new interns Simone Griffith ( Alexis Floyd ), Benson "Blue" Kwan ( Harry Shum Jr. ), Jules Millin ( Adelaide Kane ), Mika Yasuda ( Midori Francis ) and Lucas Adams (Niko Terho), Derek and Amelia's nephew, join
5472-516: Is subsequently mended, and the couple endeavors to raise their new daughter, Sofia Robbin Sloan Torres, with the help of Dr. Sloan. Dr. Lucy Fields ( Rachael Taylor ), an obstetrician-gynecologist, is introduced in the seventh season, and serves as a love-interest for Dr. Alex Karev, until eventually taking up Robbins' job in Africa. Shepherd and Meredith also become new parents, with their adoption of Zola,
5586-422: Is the longest-running scripted primetime show currently airing on ABC, and the longest scripted primetime series carried by ABC. Its success catapulted many series regulars, including Pompeo, Oh and Dempsey, to worldwide recognition; they were among the top five highest-earning television actors in 2013. Once among the overall top-ten shows in the United States, the show's ratings have fallen, although as of 2017 it
5700-600: Is undertaken by Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery sub-specialists. General surgeons perform a majority of all non-cosmetic breast surgery from lumpectomy to mastectomy , especially pertaining to the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer . General surgeons can perform vascular surgery if they receive special training and certification in vascular surgery. Otherwise, these procedures are typically performed by vascular surgery specialists. However, general surgeons are capable of treating minor vascular disorders. General surgeons are trained to remove all or part of
5814-462: The Discovery Channel . There's something fascinating about the medical world—you see things you'd never imagine, like the fact that doctors talk about their boyfriends or their day while they're cutting somebody open. So when ABC asked me to write another pilot, the [operating room] seemed like the natural setting. The series was pitched to ABC Entertainment , which gave it the green light . It
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#17328768709485928-583: The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada , while in the United States, completion of a residency in general surgery leads to eligibility for board certification by the American Board of Surgery or the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery which is also required upon completion of training for a general surgeon to have operating privileges at most hospitals in the United States. In
6042-419: The Season 10 finale . Amelia Shepherd, the sister of Derek, joined the main cast in Season 11 , transitioning over from being a main character of the spin-off series, Private Practice which had recently ended. The 11th season also saw the introduction of the new Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Maggie Pierce, Richard's secret daughter with Ellis Grey. Towards the end of the 11th season, Derek Shepherd witnesses
6156-718: The United Kingdom , surgical trainees may apply to enter training after five years of medical school and two years of the Foundation Programme . During the two year core surgical training programme ("phase 1"), doctors are required to sit the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examination. On award of the MRCS by one of the four surgical colleges, surgeons may hold the title ' Mister ' or ' Miss / Ms. / Mrs ' rather than doctor. This tradition dates back hundreds of years in
6270-450: The United Kingdom , the overall responsibility for trauma care falls under the auspices of general surgery. Some general surgeons obtain advanced training in this field (most commonly surgical critical care) and specialty certification surgical critical care. General surgeons must be able to deal initially with almost any surgical emergency. Often, they are the first port of call to critically ill or gravely injured patients, and must perform
6384-412: The thyroid gland . General surgeons also deal with diseases involving the skin , breast , soft tissue , trauma , peripheral artery disease and hernias and perform endoscopic as such as gastroscopy , colonoscopy and laparoscopic procedures. General surgeons may sub-specialise into one or more of the following disciplines: In many parts of the world including North America , Australia and
6498-403: The Chief of Surgery, who has a pre-existing personal relationship with Meredith, having had an affair with her mother, famed general surgeon Ellis Grey, when Meredith was a child. In Webber's employ are attending neurosurgeon Derek Shepherd, dubbed 'McDreamy' by the residents, and attending cardiothoracic surgeon Preston Burke. Shepherd is introduced as Meredith's love-interest, while Burke begins
6612-508: The UK, Upper GI surgeons can subspecialise further as benign surgeons, dealing with hiatus hernias and gallbladder diseases, bariatric surgeons, providing surgical care for weight management and metabolic diseases, or oesophago-gastric surgeons, dealing with complex problems related to the upper gastrointestinal tract (the foregut), including cancer. Surgical care of complex liver and pancreatic problems (including liver cancer and pancreatic cancer )
6726-547: The United Kingdom from when only physicians attended medical school and surgeons did not, but were rather associated with barbers in the Barber Surgeon's Guild. The tradition is also present in many Commonwealth countries including New Zealand and some states of Australia . After completion of phase 1 training, trainees may apply for a nationally awarded Higher Surgical Training (HST) programme, which lasts six years and
6840-573: The United Kingdom. Casualty continues to be aired, making it the longest running TV medical drama. Its sister show Holby City aired from 1999 to 2022. In 2000, the BBC commissioned Doctors , a medical drama soap that continued to air and became the BBC's flagship daytime series. In 2023, Doctors was axed by the BBC after 23 years on air, with the final episode airing in November 2024. Communications theorist Marshall McLuhan , in his 1964 work on
6954-452: The behalf of Sloan pool their money together in a bid to purchase the hospital themselves. Kepner starts dating a paramedic named Matthew Taylor ( Justin Bruening ) and they form a deep relationship over the course of seasons 9 and 10 and she eventually agreed to marry before reconciling with Avery in the middle of her wedding ceremony to Matthew. Lauren Boswell ( Hilarie Burton ) is introduced as
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#17328768709487068-493: The breakdown of his marriage by having an affair with Montgomery, while Torres is introduced as a love-interest, and eventual wife for O'Malley. The penultimate episode of Season 3 introduces Lexie Grey, Meredith's half-sister who unexpectedly decides to pursue her internship at Seattle Grace Hospital after her mother's sudden death, and begins an on-again, off-again relationship with Sloan. Burke and Yang, having been engaged, endeavor to plan their wedding, while Montgomery departs
7182-439: The changes they implement is renaming the hospital to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in memory of Lexie Grey and Mark Sloan. Robbins cheats on Torres with a visiting facial reconstruction surgeon and Webber gets electrocuted in the Season 9 finale , although survives the incident. Grey's Anatomy saw the departure of one of its major players, Cristina Yang, played by Sandra Oh, as well as the departure of interns Murphy and Ross, in
7296-453: The departure of one of the show's longest-running characters, Callie Torres, played by Sara Ramirez. Edwards departed at the end of Season 13 , deciding to quit her job as a surgeon after surviving a major fire at the hospital. Riggs departed and Altman returned to Seattle toward the beginning of Season 14 . The fourteenth season also saw the introduction of Tom Koracick who worked as a new neurosurgeon alongside Amelia Shepherd, Levi Schmitt who
7410-422: The doctors, whether romantic or platonic, frequently develop and create conflicts between their personal and professional lives. Emotional moments are often underscored by an indie rock soundtrack, something that has become a hallmark of the series. Each episode concludes with a voice-over , generally providing contrast or a follow-up to the initial narration. This section includes characters who have appeared in
7524-462: The early episodes of Season 14, Thomas Koracick ( Greg Germann ), an attending neurosurgeon, begins making appearances and Riggs leaves the series to start a life with Owen's long-lost sister Megan ( Abigail Spencer ); by the season finale, Robbins, Kepner and Warren also depart the show. Midway through Season 16 , Cormac Hayes ( Richard Flood ) becomes the new chief of pediatric surgery and Karev departs to reunite with Stevens. During Season 17 , DeLuca
7638-568: The end of Season 8 but returns in Season 14 ; and Amelia Shepherd ( Caterina Scorsone ), Derek's sister, who is hired to replace him as head of neurosurgery. Lexie Grey ( Chyler Leigh ), Meredith's paternal half-sister, joins the residency program in season 4 until her death with her love interest Sloan in a plane crash at the end of Season 8 , after which Seattle Grace is renamed Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital in their memory. Former Mercy-West residents April Kepner ( Sarah Drew ) and Jackson Avery ( Jesse Williams ) join Seattle Grace following
7752-408: The eponymous role, and Lionel Barrymore throughout the series.) Medic , which featured Richard Boone , ran two seasons, from 1954 to 1956. The genre became a staple of prime time television with the enormous popularity of Dr. Kildare and Ben Casey , both debuting in 1961. The BBC series Dr. Finlay's Casebook (1962–1971) is an early example of another common variant of the genre in which
7866-422: The feelings and qualities they conveyed. Season 2 marked the introduction of attending doctors Mark Sloan ( Eric Dane ) and Callie Torres ( Sara Ramirez ). They were initially cast as recurring characters, but both were given star billing at the opening of Season 3 . Ramirez was cast after ABC executives offered them a role in the network show of their choice; Dane had previously auditioned unsuccessfully for
7980-432: The fifth season, Stevens experiences full-out hallucinations of Duquette, signaling that she is ill, and once she is lucid, he departs, marking his final appearance. Following the announcement of her relationship with Robbins ( Jessica Capshaw ), Callie's father Carlos Torres ( Hector Elizondo ) initially contests his daughter's concurrence in homosexuality, but eventually accepts it, and he reappears several times throughout
8094-515: The former love interest of Meredith's maternal half sister Maggie Pierce ( Kelly McCreary ) who also served as head of cardiothoracic surgery; and Ben Warren ( Jason George ), an anesthesiologist -turned resident- turned firefighter who marries Bailey. Season 11 sees the death of Derek Shepherd, and in season 12, attending cardiovascular surgeon Nathan Riggs ( Martin Henderson ) joins the show, and later briefly becomes Meredith's love interest. In
8208-429: The hospital. Introduced in season 11 is Dr. Nicole Herman ( Geena Davis ), who is Chief of Fetal Surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial. Dr. Herman selects Robbins for a fetal surgery fellowship and becomes her mentor. Herman features in a 12-episode arc before departing in episode 14. Season 14 sees the introduction of Taryn Helm (played by Jaicy Elliot), a new intern who eventually becomes a resident, with recurring appearances in
8322-404: The intern exam. Subsequently, Torres and O'Malley divorce, due to him having an affair with Stevens, initially concealing it from Torres. Early in the fourth season , cardiothoracic surgeon Erica Hahn becomes Torres's love-interest. During the fifth season , Hahn departs from the series after a disagreement with Torres, and O'Malley retakes his intern exam, passes and joins his fellow physicians as
8436-405: The interns progressively evolve into seasoned doctors under the guidance of their residents, attendings, and chiefs of surgery. Each episode usually opens with a voice-over narration from Meredith Grey or another season regular, often foreshadowing the episode's theme. Each season typically mirrors the physicians' academic year, with each completed year elevating the residents to a higher level in
8550-418: The last remaining intern from the original cast. Season 17 saw Nick Marsh, a transplant surgeon, join the ensemble of main characters as a new romantic interest for Meredith Grey. The seventeenth season also saw the departure of Andrew DeLuca, after he was stabbed and ultimately died after pursuing a sex trafficker, and was also the last season to feature both Jackson Avery, who moved to Boston in order to run
8664-466: The last remaining original characters of the series, as well as Pierce, both depart Seattle during the course of Season 19 . With the drama's setting being a hospital, numerous medical personnel appear regularly on the show, as well as several other recurring characters. Joe ( Steven W. Bailey ), is first shown as the owner of the Emerald City Bar and Grill, across the street from the hospital, which
8778-768: The life of Meredith Grey ( Ellen Pompeo ), the daughter of world renowned general surgeon Ellis Grey ( Kate Burton ), starting from her acceptance into the surgical residency program at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital (later named Seattle Grace Mercy West, and finally, Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital). During her time as an intern, Grey works alongside fellow physicians Cristina Yang ( Sandra Oh ), Izzie Stevens ( Katherine Heigl ), Alex Karev ( Justin Chambers ) and George O'Malley ( T. R. Knight ), who each struggle to balance their personal lives with hectic schedules and stressful residency requirements. During their internship , they are overseen by Miranda Bailey ( Chandra Wilson ),
8892-657: The limbo, Meredith is entertained by deceased acquaintances Duquette and Dylan Young ( Kyle Chandler ), who was killed during a bomb crisis in the second season, until eventually being resuscitated. Seeking a cure to her depression, Meredith undergoes therapy sessions with the hospital psychiatrist, Dr. Katharine Wyatt ( Amy Madigan ), who in addition, serves as a psychiatrist to Hunt. The season 4 premiere introduces several new interns, to be trained under Meredith, Yang, Stevens, Karev, and eventually O'Malley. Among them are Dr. Steve Mostow ( Mark Saul ) who continues to make appearances, and Dr. Sadie Harris ( Melissa George ) who formed
9006-462: The loving wife or the nice friend. But who gets to be the bitch? Who gets to be the three-dimensional woman? The show's title, Grey's Anatomy , was devised as a play on words, referencing both Henry Gray 's classic English medical textbook, Gray's Anatomy (first published in 1858 and still in print), and the title character Dr. Meredith Grey ( Ellen Pompeo ). Almost all episodes are titled after songs, with notable examples including "Into You Like
9120-547: The main problems they deal with. Cholecystectomy , the surgical removal of the gallbladder, is one of the most common surgical procedures done worldwide. This is most often done electively, but the gallbladder can become acutely inflamed and require an emergency operation. Infections and rupture of the appendix and small bowel obstructions are other common emergencies. This is a relatively new specialty dealing with minimal access techniques using cameras and small instruments inserted through 3- to 15-mm incisions. Robotic surgery
9234-549: The media outlets as a television "phenomenon" or a "juggernaut", owing to its longevity and dominant ratings. It is considered to have had a significant effect on popular culture and has received numerous awards , including the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama and a total of 38 Primetime Emmy Award nominations, including two for Outstanding Drama Series . The cast members have also received accolades for their individual performances. The series follows
9348-402: The more cancer cases a surgeon treats, the more proficient he or she becomes, and his or her patients experience improved survival rates as a result). This is another controversial point, but it is generally accepted, even as common sense, that a surgeon who performs a given operation more often, will achieve superior results when compared with a surgeon who rarely performs the same procedure. This
9462-421: The most frequent director, followed by Tom Verica . Horton, Edward Ornelas, and Jessica Yu have also directed numerous episodes. Cast members Chandra Wilson , Debbie Allen and Kevin McKidd have each directed multiple episodes as well. Susan Vaill has edited Grey's Anatomy since its inception, with David Greenspan joining as an editor in 2006. Casting directors Linda Lowy and John Brace have been part of
9576-480: The movie Be Cool . T. R. Knight signed on for the pilot as Dr. George O'Malley , expecting that the role might be short-lived, because he liked that the character was multi-faceted. Rounding out the season 1 cast was Justin Chambers as Dr. Alex Karev , a character who was not originally included in the show's pilot, but added through digital editing and additional scenes. Rhimes later shifted focus away from physical descriptions of characters, instead emphasizing
9690-422: The nature of media , predicted success for this particular genre on TV. One of the most vivid examples of the tactile quality of the TV image occurs in medical experience. In closed-circuit instruction in surgery, medical students from the first reported a strange effect-that they seemed not to be watching an operation, but performing it. They felt that they were holding the scalpel. Thus the TV image, in fostering
9804-523: The network had not permitted her to create characters this way, she would have been hesitant to continue with the series. Female roles, in particular, were crafted to be multi-faceted and complex characters. Rhimes offered her insight: I wanted to create a world in which you felt as if you were watching very real women. Most of the women I saw on TV didn't seem like people I actually knew. They felt like ideas of what women are. They never got to be nasty or competitive or hungry or angry. They were often just
9918-573: The pilot and served as showrunner, head writer, and executive producer until stepping down in 2015. Set in Seattle, Washington , the series is filmed primarily in Los Angeles, California , and Vancouver, British Columbia . The original cast consisted of nine star-billed actors: Ellen Pompeo , Sandra Oh , Katherine Heigl , Justin Chambers , T. R. Knight , Chandra Wilson , James Pickens Jr. , Isaiah Washington , and Patrick Dempsey . For most of its run,
10032-488: The producers and actors. The show was initially scheduled to run in the Boston Legal time slot for four weeks. Due to its high ratings and viewership, ABC decided to keep it in that time slot for the remainder of the season. ABC Entertainment President, Steve McPherson, explained the scheduling change: "Ultimately, we decided that, without having adequate lead time or marketing dollars to devote to moving either show so late in
10146-419: The production team since 2005. The show's production design is led by Donald Lee Harris, with Brian Harms assisting as art director. Mimi Melgaard heads costume design, with Thomas Houchins supervising costumes. Ellen Vieira serves as the makeup artist, while Jerilynn Stevens is the hairstylist. The Director of Photography is Herbert Davis, and the music coordinator is Danny Lux . The show's medical authenticity
10260-521: The program; Meredith moves to Boston and Pierce departs to move to Chicago . In Season 20 , Marsh resigns from his role as Residency Director and moves to Boston with Meredith; leaving Bailey to be the new Residency Director. Grey's Anatomy chronicles the lives of surgical interns , residents , and attendings at the fictional Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital (formerly Seattle Grace Hospital, Season 1–6; Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital, Season 6–9; and then Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, Season 9–present), as
10374-731: The season, we'd continue to let [ Grey's Anatomy ] build on its tremendous momentum through May." Prior to its broadcast, there were discussions about changing the show's title from Grey's Anatomy to Complications , though this change never took place. List of showrunners throughout the series' run: Grey's Anatomy is produced by Shondaland and 20th Television , in association with Lionsgate Television (formerly known as The Mark Gordon Company ) and, until 2024, ABC Signature (formerly Touchstone Television until 2007 and ABC Studios between 2007 and 2020). Shonda Rhimes , Betsy Beers , Krista Vernoff , Mark Gordon , Rob Corn , and Mark Wilding have all served as executive producers throughout
10488-429: The series as credited cast. The five characters who are first introduced in the series premiere as surgical interns are Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, Izzie Stevens, Alex Karev, and George O'Malley. They are initially mentored by Dr. Miranda Bailey, a senior resident who becomes the hospital's Chief Resident, and later an attending general surgeon , in Season 6. The surgical program is initially headed by Richard Webber,
10602-445: The series by answering fan questions on her Twitter account. Other key members of the writing staff include Vernoff, Wilding, Peter Nowalk , Stacy McKee, William Harper, Zoanne Clack , Tony Phelan , Joan Rater , and Debora Cahn . From seasons 2 through 7 , the writers maintained a blog titled Grey Matter , where the writer of an episode provided insights into the writing process. Directors vary by episode, with Rob Corn being
10716-427: The series in all subsequent seasons thus far. Shonda Rhimes wanted to make a show that she would enjoy watching, and thought it would be interesting to create a show about "smart women competing against one another". When asked how she decided to develop a medical drama , Rhimes responded: I was obsessed with the surgery channels... My sisters and I would call each other up and talk about operations we'd seen on
10830-413: The series in the Season 14 finale to pursue other career opportunities. Season 15 saw the introduction of Atticus "Link" Lincoln, as a new orthopedic surgeon, while Season 16 saw the introduction of Cormac Hayes, a new pediatric surgeon, and Winston Ndugu, a new cardiothoracic surgeon. The sixteenth season was the last to feature Alex Karev, who moved to Kansas to reunite with Stevens, leaving Grey as
10944-412: The series revolves around Dr. Meredith Grey (Pompeo), chronicling her progression from surgical intern to fully-qualified doctor to the hospital's chief of general surgery . The cast has undergone major changes throughout the series' run, with only three original members remaining by the 19th season – Pompeo, Wilson, and Pickens. Pompeo stepped back from the series in its 19th season , at which point
11058-536: The series until his death in season 15. Adele Webber ( Loretta Devine ), is introduced as Richard's wife, who eventually acquires Alzheimer's, in the seventh season, and continued to make appearances until her death in season 9. Introduced as Preston's mother, Jane Burke ( Diahann Carroll ) makes occasional appearances until the fourth season. Denny Duquette ( Jeffrey Dean Morgan ), a patient with congestive heart failure , originates as one of Burke's patients, who goes on to propose to Stevens, after weeks of bonding between
11172-478: The series. The hospital's merging with Mercy West introduces new residents: Dr. Reed Adamson ( Nora Zehetner ) and Dr. Charles Percy ( Robert Baker ), but the two are both murdered in the season 6 finale . Also introduced in the sixth season is Dr. Ben Warren ( Jason George ), an anesthesiologist and eventual husband to Dr. Miranda Bailey, as well as Sloan Riley ( Leven Rambin ), Dr. Mark Sloan's estranged pregnant daughter who seeks kinship with him. Robbins receives
11286-566: The series. The series also shows the drama, emotions, and romance in Meredith's life. In addition to Webber, Burke, and Shepherd, the surgical wing is primarily supervised by Addison Montgomery ( Kate Walsh ), Shepherd's ex-wife and the head of OB/GYN , neonatal and fetal surgery who leaves for Los Angeles at the end of Season 3 ; Mark Sloan ( Eric Dane ), head of plastic surgery and also certified in ENT surgery ; Callie Torres ( Sara Ramirez ),
11400-425: The series. In later seasons, Steve Mulholland, Kent Hodder, Nancy Bordson, James D. Parriott , and Peter Horton have also been executive producers, with Allan Heinberg joining the team in 2006. By Season 8 , the executive producers were Rhimes, Beers, Gordon, Vernoff, Corn, Wilding, and Heinberg. Rhimes serves as the series' head writer , or its most prolific writer. In the show's early years, she often promoted
11514-564: The shooting's emotional reverberations, Yang and Hunt abruptly marry, not wanting to risk separation. Torres and Robbins eventually wed, in Season 7 , officiated by Bailey. In Season 8 , Webber steps down as Chief of Surgery and allocates his job to Hunt. As the final year of residency for Meredith, Yang, Karev, Kepner and Avery is coming to a close, the doctors are all planning to relocate to different hospitals to pursue their specialty careers. However, all plans are put on hold when several doctors from Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital are engaged in
11628-440: The show in the Season 3 finale , relocating to California, seeking a new life, thus becoming the lead character of the spin-off Private Practice . The Season 3 finale also shows Burke's exit from the show, after leaving Yang at the altar on their wedding day. Grey, Yang, Stevens, and Karev are all promoted to residents in the Season 4 premiere , while O'Malley is forced to repeat his internship year, following his failing of
11742-462: The show shifted to more of an ensemble format. ABC announced the show had been renewed for a twenty-first season in April 2024. Grey's Anatomy has two spin-off series : Private Practice (2007–2013) and Station 19 (2018–2024). Other shows which may parallel in plotline and medical dramatics would be programs like ER (1994–2009), overlapping early seasons of Grey's Anatomy . Grey's Anatomy
11856-537: The struggle of the lawsuit and the animosity that it creates within the hospital, Yang and Hunt eventually divorce in order to help the lawsuit. The doctors who were on the plane win the lawsuit, but the payout bankrupts the hospital. They all club together and buy Seattle Grace Mercy West, with the help of the Harper Avery Foundation, and they become the Board of Directors, once being called the "Grey-Sloan 7". One of
11970-449: The surgical field. The season finale often culminates in a dramatic event, such as a character's death or departure. The series focuses on the doctors' professional lives as surgeons, but also gives significant attention to their personal lives. Character development and relationships frequently take precedence over medical ethics concerns. While the physicians perform intricate surgeries and treat their patients' illnesses, they also exhibit
12084-548: The thyroid and parathyroid glands in the neck and the adrenal glands just above each kidney in the abdomen. In many communities, they are the only surgeon trained to do this. In communities that have a number of subspecialists, other subspecialty surgeons may assume responsibility for these procedures. Responsible for all aspects of pre-operative, operative, and post-operative care of abdominal organ transplant patients. Transplanted organs include liver, kidney, pancreas, and more rarely small bowel. Surgical oncologist refers to
12198-499: The two. Facing death, Stevens cuts Duquette's left ventricular assist device (LVAD), to elevate his position on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) transplant list. This ultimately ends in his death season 2 finale , marking his initial departure from the show, and placing Stevens on disciplinary probation. Initially conceived as a veterinarian hired for Shepherd's dog, Doc, Dr. Finn Dandridge ( Chris O'Donnell ) soon becomes
12312-492: Was Dr. Karev's estranged father Jimmy Evans ( James Remar ) who tries to form a relationship with his son but fails repeatedly, and dies in a botched surgery. The conclusion of season 10 has Cristina leaving Grey Sloan for Dr. Burke's job as head of Klausman Institute for Medical Research in Zurich, while Dr. Ross makes a last-minute decision to follow her in order to study under her. Dr. Maggie Pierce ( Kelly McCreary ) unknowingly drops
12426-481: Was a natural outgrowth of the first TV decade. According to Professor George Ikkos, the president of the psychiatry sector of the Royal Society of Medicine , medical dramas have accumulated large audiences because the characters in the shows are often depicted as everyday citizens who have extraordinary careers, which promotes a sense of relatability among viewers. Medical drama is sometimes used in medical education;
12540-505: Was last seen in season 8. A ferryboat accident brings along Rebecca Pope ( Elizabeth Reaser ), who is initially introduced as a pregnant amnesiac Jane Doe patient. Pope eventually embarks on a relationship with Karev, until she is diagnosed with a personality disorder in season 4, and makes her final departure. Amidst the crisis of the ferryboat crash, Meredith falls into the water at the disaster site. Although rescued, she goes into cardiac arrest, waking up in what appears to be limbo. Within
12654-453: Was offered the role, but turned it down as he had already agreed to star in another medical drama Dr. Vegas . When Patrick Dempsey read for the part, "he was just perfect," according to Rhimes. The only character developed with a racial description in mind was Dr. Miranda Bailey , who is portrayed by Chandra Wilson. Her character was first described as a tiny blonde with curly hair, but when Wilson began speaking, Rhimes reported: "[Wilson]
12768-414: Was picked up as a mid-season replacement for Boston Legal in the 2005 television season . Francie Calfo , executive vice president of development at ABC Entertainment, noted that ABC was looking for a medical show that stood apart from the others airing at the time. She pointed out: Medical shows are hard, and it was hard trying to figure out where ours could be different. But where everybody else
12882-414: Was still one of the highest-rated shows among the 18–49 demographic . The show also does well on streaming television ; as of February 2023, Grey's Anatomy was ranked the 10th most popular on-demand program. Grey's Anatomy has been well received by critics throughout much of its run and has been included in various critics' year-end top 10 lists. Since its inception, the show has been described by
12996-679: Was the first medical drama ever to combine both, a fire department paramedic rescue program with an emergency room in a general hospital, which also focused on real-life rescues. Also in 1972, the first episode of M*A*S*H aired; the show's tone was generally comedic, but dark—poignant moments emanating from the death caused by war were not uncommon. This trend of comedy with undercurrents of darkness in medical TV shows can also be seen in St. Elsewhere , Doogie Howser, M.D. , House M.D. , Grey's Anatomy , Scrubs , ER , Code Black and Chicago Med . In 1986, Casualty started airing on BBC One in
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