The sensational TV drama Grey’s Anatomy has been on air for nearly two decades, from 2005-2024. The show follows five surgical interns as they learn, compete, and make mistakes at the infamous Seattle Grace Hospital. However, what may seem like a show that highlights the emotional stress and high stakes of working in the medical field, it is filled with drama.
Although Grey’s Anatomy revolves around various patients and surgeries, what keeps the viewers engaged are the outlandish story lines happening in the background. Interns dating residents, patients marrying their doctors, and questionable medical ethics are just some of the scandals the show covers. In addition to personal drama, the interns are faced with absurd medical cases: two fully conscious people impaled by a pole, a biological male with a positive pregnancy test, and a boy encased in cement, to name a few.
While the eccentric plot and 21 seasons makes for a binge-worthy show, viewers should ask themselves: Is this really what the medical field is like? This question is most important for younger generations, as their world views are highly impacted by the media. Making career choices based on a romanticized and over-dramatic interpretation of such a serious field can be harmful without the proper research.
Audrey Arias, a senior at Mayfield, explained to the Crier how the popular show impacted her career plans. “Addison Montgomery Shepard has influenced me when choosing what career I want to pursue,” Arias explained, “I’ve just felt seen with her character as a whole.” In the show, Addison is a neonatal surgeon who advocates for increased visibility of women’s reproductive issues in the medical field. “Women’s health has been at the forefront of my life over the past couple of years, with family and even personal issues,” Arias continues, “With women’s reproductive rights being a subject of debate in our country— Addison’s character coming back to Grey’s to advocate for women’s reproductive rights is a big inspiration for me regarding my interest in the medical field.”
Monika Vargas ‘25, a prospective veterinarian, also found inspiration from the popular show. “I have wanted to be a vet my whole life,” Vargas explained. “However, Grey’s Anatomy made me eager, and more excited to go into med school.” There is a fine line between being inspired, and falling victim to over-dramatised renditions of the medical field. Vargas explains that “it isn’t unhealthy [to be inspired by these shows]” but “oftentimes, the shows we watch are embellished.”
Sarah Leiva, another senior at Mayfield, attributes her interest in working in the healthcare field to her love for science classes. While Sarah knows that “Grey’s Anatomy does not perfectly show the reality of the lives of doctors,” she explains that the show taught her “more about the healthcare field and how a hospital runs.” Sarah’s journey with finding inspiration through Grey’s Anatomy exemplifies the positive way media can educate younger generations about career industries.
“The media, especially for our generation, is one of the most influential resources for a career choice. I think it’s extremely healthy.” Mackenzie Younker ‘25 said when asked about misinformation in the media. Mackenzie founded the Cubs In Scrubs club at Mayfield, a club devoted to volunteering at hospitals and learning about careers in the medical field.
“Since most people interact with the media on a daily basis, you can be exposed to careers you’ve never heard of,” Mackenzie explained.
While it is easy to get wrapped up in the trials and tribulations of the characters in Grey’s Anatomy, as Sarah Leiva explained; it is very important to remember that TV shows do not show the full reality of these professions. Gaining inspiration from TV shows and outside media is a natural response to living in a digital world. However, as Monika Vargas advises, “you should definitely do your research about career options outside of the media.”
