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Does Grey's Anatomy Miss Mark On Heart Surgery Reality?

By Adam Pick on May 30, 2008

Don't get me wrong.

I really enjoy the television show Grey's Anatomy (Thursdays, 9pm on ABC).

My wife (Robyn) really loves it. So, we always watch the weekly trials and tribulations of Meredith Grey, McDreamy, McSteamy, George, the Chief, Yang, Izzy and, lately, Dr. Erica Hahn - the head of cardiothoracic surgery at Seattle Grace.

Brooke Smith - Heart Surgeon Dr. Hahn On Gray's Anatomy

That said, the title of this blog may be a little harsh for ABC's hit series.

But, as a former open heart surgery patient, I'm getting a tad uncomfortable of the dramatic style by which Grey's Anatomy depicts life in a heart surgery ward.

Last week, the show depicted a three-way sexual innuendo among the operating physicians during cardiac surgery.
A few weeks before that, a patient showed little-to-no signs of physical trauma following heart valve surgery.
Recently, Dr. Hahn (played by Brooke Smith) failed to inspire and encourage her talented resident (Yang) to participate in a cardiac procedure.

I know. I know.

Maybe I'm a little sensitive.

It is a television show designed to win fans, ratings and ultimately advertisers.

I guess I just want future patients and caregivers to know what life is really like in a hospital. Especially, considering that Grey's Anatomy's viewers may be scheduled for surgery the next day, the next week or the next month. For that reason, I wish the writers and producers of the show would enhance their portrayal of hospital life for heart surgery patients.

Do you watch the show? What do you think?

Keep on tickin!
Adam

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Written by Adam Pick - Patient & Website Founder

Adam Pick is a heart valve patient and author of The Patient's Guide To Heart Valve Surgery. In 2006, Adam founded HeartValveSurgery.com to educate and empower patients. This award-winning website has helped over 10 million people fight heart valve disease. Adam has been featured by the American Heart Association and Medical News Today.

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