Favorite Medical TV Shows: ER

I have watched ER since it started, and, in the early years, it was my favorite show. I always enjoyed the variety of characters: Dr. Ross, Nurse Hathaway, Dr. Green, Dr. Benton, and we got to see Dr. Carter go from a medical student to an attending. The nursing staff always had prominent roles, and ER likely "introduced" much of its viewers to the physician assistant profession, with the PA played by Gloria Reuben ("Jeanie Boulet"). One of the technical advisors on ER was an osteopathic physician, Dr. Jon Fong (a 1984 graduate of Western University). Alas, no "D.O.s" have been featured as physicians on the show itself.

Certainly, the fast pace is an appeal of this show, along with the relationships among all the characters. What I think characterizes this show is that the health providers truly seem to care about the lives of their patients. Some of the patients reappear in future episodes, suggesting the continuity of care (although an ER isn't ideally a place for continuity of care). For example, in last night's episode, Dr. Lockhart called a patient from home to remind him to come in for an appointment (in typical dramatic fashion, we later learn this patient is her long-lost father she never knew); Dr. Gates gets arrested for dispensing medications at a church for people who wouldn't otherwise be able to obtain the medicines. And, Dr. Barnett (with a new and curious mustache) castigates a parent for what he sees as his mistreatment of his stepson. Clearly, these physicians care about their patients, and that message seems to override how "cool" the patients' conditions are or how noble the physicians are in finding "cures." I think that is why the show has lasted so long on the air, with so many changes in major characters and plot points.

Getting back to Dr. Barnett, aka Ray; there is always one thing that has bothered me about the depiction of this character. I realize he is the "rock star" doctor, who has given up his ambitions to be in a band in order to complete his medical training. But his attire (jeans and t-shirts) is completely unprofessional! On the Today Show this morning, they actually had a segment on how physicians should wear business clothes. This is certainly an expectation we have of our students when they go out on rotations--that they dress and act professionally, show up on time, etc. Those requirements seem very basic, but it is sometimes a challenge for some students. Professionalism is a very critical value at MWU in all of our programs.

In conclusion, "ER" should probably end soon, as the concept has about run its course. This season has brought some great guest stars (Forrest Whitaker), and John Stamos brings an interesting energy. I suspect that this show has inspired many people to consider medical careers, and maybe even some nurses or EMTs to consider going to medical school.

Last comment for the record: If my life is ever made into a movie, I'd like to be played by Maura Tierney.