Most people have probably heard of the more popular medical dramas like “Grey’s Anatomy” or “The Good Doctor.” Shows like these have motivated people to watch and start working toward a healthcare career.
Before I started watching medical shows, I already had an interest in healthcare, however, I was still unsure what I wanted to pursue. Watching medical shows helped expose me to the realities of healthcare.
An example of a medical show that showcases reality is “The Pitt.” This show has received remarkable feedback for its realistic portrayal of how the medical field works, especially in the emergency room. It has been applauded as being one of the most accurate medical dramas.
Many people have their own opinions about medical shows. Some criticize them because most tend to dramatize or add elements that don’t feel realistic, while others enjoy the drama. “Grey’s Anatomy” is a popular example.
“Grey’s Anatomy” is one of the most widely known medical television series, known for its dramatized portrayal of the medical field. While it isn’t the most realistic, most people enjoy it for entertainment rather than an accurate portrayal of what it’s like to work in the medical field.
Even though “Grey’s Anatomy” isn’t the most realistic medical television drama, it ranks among the most influential, encouraging younger people to enter healthcare.
However, “Grey’s Anatomy” is not the only influential medical drama series. Newer series such as “The Pitt” have also been incredibly influential. Both older and newer medical dramas have captivated younger viewers and made them more interested in the medical field.
In my experience, watching medical shows has influenced my own interest in the medical field. Because I wanted to enter and pursue a career in healthcare, watching medical dramas motivated me and made me more excited to start my journey.
Jazlyn Gonzales wrote an article, “On-screen aspirations: how medical shows can inspire real-life careers,” in The State Press. Gonzales interviewed fellow students at Arizona State University about their opinions based on medical television shows and how it’s affected their career choices.
Gonzales met with several students who said “Grey’s Anatomy” influenced their career choices, citing the show’s potent characters and their actions. Others explained that they became interested because their relatives worked in the medical field and even tuned in to the medical drama series.
In contrast, some students said “Grey’s Anatomy” was unrealistic and didn’t accurately portray what it feels like to work in the medical field. However, “The Pitt” did receive recognition for accurately depicting the variety of healthcare professionals who work in a hospital. At a glance, most people would think of doctors, nurses and surgeons.
However, it also showcases other essential healthcare workers, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, medical assistants, respiratory therapists and more.
Medical shows like “The Pitt” have opened my eyes and exposed me to different healthcare careers. While I was sure I wanted to enter the medical field, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to pursue. When I started college and had to choose my pre-concentration track, I wasn’t sure I’d made the right decision.
However, through exposure to the many other healthcare professionals who provide direct patient care, I started to see more options I wanted to pursue. While I don’t have a particular interest in medical school or nursing school, I realized I love working with kids, especially by helping them build daily skills.
I believe watching medical shows can influence someone’s career choice or lead them to question whether to pursue the medical field. Nevertheless, more accurate medical television shows, such as “The Pitt,” can show viewers what it is like to work in healthcare.
Susan Coppa wrote an article, “Is The Pitt realistic? A Stanford medical expert weighs in,” interviewing for The Stanford Report. Matthew Strehlow, a professor of emergency medicine at Stanford University, was asked a variety of questions about the medical series “The Pitt”. In the article, Strehlow’s responses show what it is like to work in healthcare.
The hardships that come along with working as a healthcare professional, the burnout and emotional distress, are all accurately depicted in “The Pitt.” One of Strehlow’s responses that stuck out to me the most was, “…emotional switching. There are many times I’ve left a room after a patient’s death and had to immediately give my full attention to the next patient.”
I think it’s important that “The Pitt” shows constant urgency and rapid switching between patients; Strehlow confirms that, in his experience, it’s accurate to switch from one patient to another with 100% attention, since all patients deserve the provider’s full attention.
So, medical shows may influence viewers and their career paths. While some people enjoy the entertainment of dramatized series, others may also appreciate the accurate interactions portrayed in a hospital.