A few weeks ago, we chatted about the pitfalls of Grey’s Anatomy’s depiction of heart surgery reality ^[1]for both patients and caregivers. Well, I just learned that ABC is doing a six-part mini-series called “Hopkins”. Apparently, the buzz around this television documentary is very positive.

Amongst other stories, this first episode of the tv show will feature content on heart surgeon, Doctor Brian Bethea.

According to ABC’s website, “Dr. Brian Bethea has made it to the top of one of the most difficult residencies in medicine, cardiothoracic surgery. After nine years of apprenticeship at Johns Hopkins, Bethea is ready to join the ranks of the nation’s most illustrious heart and lung surgeons. But, the demands of residency have left his family life in shambles. Repairing a ruptured aorta may be easier than saving his marriage.”

This should be an interesting show. Especially, when you consider that Johns Hopkins is regarded as one of the “pioneer” heart care centers. As you may know, Dr. Blalock, and his talented research assistant, Vivien Thomas ^[2], performed one of the first heart surgeries at Hopkins in 1944.

Needless to say, my DVR is set to record.

UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE! So you know, I exchanged emails with Dr. Bethea earlier today. He informed me that next week, he will leaving Johns Hopkins for a new position at the University of Texas – Southwestern Medical Center.

Keep on tickin!