As a pre-med student, and now in medical school, I have to admit I absolutely adore the over-the-top drama, nail-biting suspense, and oh-so-steamy relationships of doctor shows. When I was deciding what major to choose, I have to admit that watching these shows were also part of what inspired me to pursue a career in medicine!
Much like pre-med podcasts, doctor shows can give you a sneak peek into the medical field. But –reality check—real-life healthcare isn’t nearly as dramatic or glamorous as what you see on the screen. These shows tend to conveniently leave out the nitty-gritty hard work, dedication, and long hours.
That being said, doctor shows can still be awesome motivators for your pre-med journey. Although they’ll NEVER replace real-life insights like shadowing and clinical experiences, you can still use these shows to explore your own medical aspirations. So, grab some popcorn, cozy up on the couch, and let these binge-worthy doctor shows inspire and entertain you on your pre-med journey!
This post is all about doctor shows.
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List of Best Doctor Shows
Emergency Room (ER)
Despite it being a bit of an older series, if you’re looking for a show to get you pumped up for your pre-med journey, look no further than the heart-pounding drama of “ER.” Buckle up for a wild ride through the fast-paced world of the ER, where you’ll witness the highs and lows of saving lives in the blink of an eye. And, fun fact – the screenwriter of the pilot episode, Michael Crichton, attended Harvard Medical School, where he earned his MD!
Although it won’t replace your clinical experience, you’ll get a front-row seat to the chaotic but exhilarating environment of an emergency room.
From the adrenaline-fueled moments of critical decision-making to the importance of teamwork in high-pressure situations, “ER” gives you a taste of what it’s really like to be in the trenches of medicine. Learn about teamwork, critical decision-making, the intensity of saving lives under pressure, and the sacrifices that come with the job.
Private Practice
A spin-off of Grey’s Anatomy, this show follows doctors in a private practice setting. The series mainly focuses on neonatal surgeon Addison Montgomery as she starts over in Los Angeles after leaving Seattle Grace Hospital. (Addison has a whole sordid backstory on Grey’s Anatomy, so you may want to watch that series first. Also, then you’ll totally understand why she needs a fresh start in a new city.)
Join Addison as she teams up with her colleagues, Naomi, an endocrinologist and fertility expert, and Sam, a swoon-worthy internist and cardiothoracic surgeon, at their private practice. Also, Addison collaborates with a crew of other characters in the medical field, including Violet, the psychiatrist, Cooper, the pediatrician, Pete, the infectious diseases specialist and alternative medicine guru, and Dell, the multitasking receptionist who’s training to become a midwife.
As for the inspiration factor, you’ll see these doctors face all kinds of challenges, from ethically complex cases to personal dilemmas that make you think. It’s like peeking behind the curtain of the medical world and getting a firsthand look at the tough decisions doctors have to make every day.
Grey’s Anatomy
If you’re looking for a doctor show that will have you hooked from the first episode, step inside the chaotic world of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. Here, the iconic staff (Paging Dr. McDreamy!) faces medical emergencies and personal challenges that will have you laughing and crying in the same episode.
Highlighting the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the emotional toll of working in medicine, this show is like a gateway drug to the medical drama genre. The fast-paced surgeries, complicated relationships, and life-or-death decisions definitely get your adrenaline pumping.
However, reality check, I wouldn’t watch the show as an alternative for shadowing a surgeon IRL! Grey’s Anatomy isn’t known for being the most medically accurate. And let’s be real – the drama is cranked up to 1000%! Also, in real life, there’s a lot less hooking up in hospital broom closets and a lot more paperwork.
House
Dr. House, a genius diagnostician known for his unconventional methods and brilliant mind, unravels complex medical mysteries alongside his team. It’s a thrilling ride that highlights the significance of critical thinking, determination, and perseverance in the medical field.
House may sometimes oversimplify medical diagnosis and treatment for the sake of dramatic effect. While it’s incredibly entertaining to watch the quick, sometimes improbable solutions to complex cases, real-life medical scenarios are often more nuanced and require a multidisciplinary approach.
The challenges faced by Dr. House and his team encourage viewers to hone their critical thinking skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, and emphasize the importance of thorough patient assessments. These are key skills that, as you aspire to become a medical professional, you could certainly benefit from incorporating into your own educational and career path.
Royal Pains
Explore the fast-paced world of a concierge doctor in the Hamptons, who treats the rich and famous in their luxurious mansions while facing unique medical challenges. While Royal Pains may stray a bit from reality, it’s a captivating blend of medicine and an elite lifestyle that keeps you hooked episode after episode.
This series showcases the diverse settings where doctors can practice, from traditional hospitals to high-end concierge services. It emphasizes the importance of patient care and human connection, reminding us that medicine is not just about curing ailments but also about providing comfort and support to those in need.
Scrubs
This absolute gem takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the hilarious chaos of Sacred Heart Hospital. Join a group of medical interns as they stumble through the highs and lows of their journey in the medical world. Although real-life hospital politics and dynamics can be a lot messier, it’s fun to watch these characters grow and learn throughout the series.
Scrubs strikes a perfect balance between comedy and drama, giving you a peek behind the curtain of what it’s like to work in the medical field. The camaraderie and support among the staff at Sacred Heart Hospital is both entertaining and heartwarming.
The Good Doctor
Follow the incredible journey of Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome who tackles the highs and lows of the medical world. Sure, the show might simplify some medical stuff to fit into that TV time frame, but what it really nails is spreading the message of empathy and understanding in healthcare. It’s like a crash course in what it means to truly care for your patients and colleagues.
This show showcases the brilliance of those with autism and how they can excel in the medical field. Witnessing Dr. Murphy’s unique abilities and watching him kick butt in the medical field is beyond motivating. It’s a reminder that everyone, regardless of their differences, has the potential to shine in the world of medicine.
However, it’s important to remember that not every doctor with autism is going to be a prodigy like Dr. Shaun Murphy. Real life is a lot more nuanced and diverse, and not every storyline will play out as neatly.
Chicago Med
Get a glimpse of the high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping life in a Chicago hospital. You’re gonna be totally hooked on this show – it’s packed with drama, excitement, and heartwarming moments that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.
The show first came out in 2015 and is part of an epic trilogy that also features Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. It features Dr. Will Halstead, an emergency medicine practitioner who has amazing surgical skills and can nail a diagnosis; Dr. Ethan Choi, an ED doctor who’s a bit of a tough guy due to his Navy background; and Dr. Natalie Manning, a pediatrics specialist who also specializes in emergency medicine and is a single mom.
Despite the fact that the show amps up the drama for entertainment purposes (I mean, who doesn’t love a good twist?), it does a fantastic job of showcasing the dedication and resilience required in the real medical field. You’ll witness the sheer determination and passion these doctors pour into their work, which can really motivate you to push through those tough pre-med classes or long study sessions. It’s like having your very own pep talk session, courtesy of Dr. Halstead and his team!
New Amsterdam
Follow the rollercoaster journey of Max Goodwin, the super idealistic and totally lovable medical director of New Amsterdam. After some major shake-ups in the hospital’s leadership, Max is back in the driver’s seat, ready to tackle the chaos of New York City’s busiest public hospital. But here’s the twist – Max’s personal life is also a hot mess, adding even more drama and emotions to the mix.
This show is based on Dr. Eric Manheimer’s real-life experiences as the medical director for fifteen years and his memoir “Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital,” so you know it’s got that authentic medical drama vibe. Also, get ready to laugh, cry, and feel all the feels as you watch Max and the gang navigate the crazy world of medicine with heart, humor, and a whole lot of determination.
New Amsterdam may amp up the drama, but it still shows the heart of patient-centric care. Watching the dedication, compassion, and ingenuity of the characters might just ignite that fire within you to pursue a career in medicine to make a real difference in people’s lives.
The Resident
One of the more recent TV series on this list, running between 2018 and 2023, The Resident gives you a front-row seat to Dr. Devon Pravesh’s journey from wide-eyed optimism to the harsh reality of hospital life. As the fresh-faced newcomer at the hospital, he’s feeling overwhelmed by it all. With Dr. Bell as his hero, things seem a bit too perfect until he uncovers a medical malpractice cover-up. Yikes!
It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that will keep you hooked episode after episode. Watching the residents deal with tough decisions, challenging diagnoses, and patient care can provide valuable insights into the reality of the medical profession.
It can motivate you to push your boundaries, enhance your critical thinking skills, and empathize with the complex situations that doctors face daily.
Code Black
Step into the busiest, overcrowded emergency room in the nation where doctors are constantly fighting against the clock to save lives. In the middle of all this action is the fierce Dr. Leanne Rorish, the residency director who stops at nothing to save lives in this high-pressure environment.
Dr. Rorish is not alone in this intense world – she’s got Col. Ethan Willis by her side, focusing on field medicine with his partner-in-crime, Rox Valenzuela, a fearless paramedic. Joining them is the top-tier surgeon Dr. Will Campbell, keeping everyone in check in the ER and OR, and senior ER nurse Jesse Sallander, who is lovingly referred to as “Mama.”
While “Code Black” may up the drama for entertainment purposes, it does accurately portray the teamwork, quick thinking, and life-saving interventions of emergency medicine. As you watch the adrenaline-fueled episodes, you’ll likely feel inspired by the dedication displayed by the doctors and nurses on the show. Their tireless efforts to provide the best care possible despite the chaotic environment can ignite a passion within you to pursue a career in medicine.
Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman
Set in the frontier town of Colorado Springs in the 19th century, you’ll be captivated by the story of Dr. Michaela Quinn as she fearlessly challenges the norms of a male-dominated medical world. While this series which ran in the 1990s, might be much slower and less dramatic compared to the more recent, edge-of-you-seat shows set in an ER, that doesn’t make it any less binge-worthy!
This show beautifully weaves together history, medicine, and personal triumphs. Dr. Quinn’s determination, passion for helping others, and willingness to overcome obstacles can be motivating as you pursue your own dreams in medicine.
Also, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, highlights the importance of resilience, empathy, and the impact one person can have on a community. Plus, Dr. Quinn’s open mind for exploring alternative methods of healing, like learning from the Native Americans, shows how being resourceful and open to different ideas can make a huge difference in medicine.
Doctor Shows Vs. The Real World
So, there you have it – 12 binge-worthy doctor shows to inspire your pre-med journey! Just remember that everything you see on TV has been amped up and polished, so it’ll be entertaining to watch. Hollywood loves to glamorize and exaggerate, but the reality of medicine is a lot more complex. Nothing beats real-world experience and mentorship when it comes to preparing for a career in medicine. Enjoy the shows, learn from them, and let them inspire your passion for helping others as you continue on your premed journey!
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