Top Ten Best Shows for Medical Students (in our opinion)
- Bryan Knowles
- Dec 29, 2024
- 4 min read
Here it is. A curated list of how best to waste time while you should be studying for a test while still learning something about being a doctor.
These are the top ten shows every medical student should consider watching. Each show has been chosen for its educational, inspirational, or ethical relevance to the field of medicine, along with its entertainment value. Additionally, specific medical school concentrations are recommended for each.
Will watching these shows make you better at practicing medicine? I would argue yes, because they can prompt discussion and present situation where we can think, "What would I do?" and "How would I do that differently". Of course, these are very dramatized versions where the drama is played up for a TV audience, however there is definitely a grain of truth to many of these situations.
Scrubs (2001–2010)
Recommended for: General Medicine, Internal Medicine
Why It Deserves a Spot: While comedic, Scrubs provides a surprisingly accurate depiction of life as a medical intern, including the challenges of balancing personal life with professional responsibilities. Its mix of humor and emotional moments captures the highs and lows of medical training, making it relatable for students embarking on clinical rotations. Extremely watchable and extremely fun.
House, M.D. (2004–2012)
Recommended for: Internal Medicine
Why It Deserves a Spot: This medical drama revolves around Dr. Gregory House, a brilliant but unconventional diagnostician who solves complex medical mysteries. The show’s focus on rare diseases, differential diagnoses, and critical thinking makes it a must-watch for students learning how to think outside the box when diagnosing patients. It also raises important questions about patient care and ethical dilemmas in medicine. Just ignore all the illegal activities in the name of medicine such as breaking and entering for the sake of finding black mold.
Grey’s Anatomy (2005–Present)
Recommended for: Surgery, Emergency Medicine
Why It Deserves a Spot: I know what you're thinking: This show is still on??? This long-running medical soap opera follows the lives of surgical interns and residents at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. It highlights the challenges of surgical training, including intense work hours, personal sacrifices, and the emotional toll of dealing with life and death. Medical students interested in surgery will find the show's portrayal of teamwork and resilience relatable.
The Good Doctor (2017–Present)
Recommended for: Pediatrics, General Surgery
Why It Deserves a Spot: This show follows Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgical resident with autism and savant syndrome, as he navigates the medical field. It sheds light on neurodiversity in medicine and emphasizes the importance of empathy, teamwork, and perseverance in patient care. Medical students will appreciate the show's focus on overcoming biases and building trust with patients and colleagues.
ER (1994–2009)
Recommended for: Emergency Medicine, Trauma Surgery
Why It Deserves a Spot: An absolute classic (maybe THE classic) with featuring a dashing young George Clooney. As one of the most influential medical dramas, ER delves into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of emergency medicine. The series showcases the pressure of making split-second decisions, managing chaotic situations, and handling ethical dilemmas in a trauma setting. It’s ideal for students considering emergency medicine or trauma surgery.
Call the Midwife (2012–Present)
Recommended for: Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Medicine
Why It Deserves a Spot: Set in 1950s and 1960s London, this series portrays the lives of midwives and nuns working in impoverished neighborhoods. It highlights the importance of compassionate care, patient education, and advocacy for women’s health. Medical students interested in maternal-fetal medicine will find the historical perspective and patient-centered approach valuable.
Quite Bri'ish: Call the Midwife is just lovely. New Amsterdam (2018–Present)
Recommended for: Primary Care
Why It Deserves a Spot: This show follows Dr. Max Goodwin as he takes over as medical director of one of the country’s oldest public hospitals, striving to improve patient care while navigating bureaucratic challenges. It’s a great watch for students interested in healthcare policy, hospital administration, or underserved populations.
Chicago Med (2015–Present)
Recommended for: Emergency Medicine, Critical Care
Why It Deserves a Spot: Part of the Chicago franchise, this show focuses on the chaotic world of emergency medicine in a bustling city hospital. It highlights interdepartmental collaboration, patient advocacy, and the complexities of managing critical care cases. Medical students can learn about the importance of teamwork and communication in high-pressure environments.
Do No Harm (2013)
Recommended for: Psychiatry, Neurology
Why It Deserves a Spot: This short-lived but intriguing series follows a neurosurgeon with dissociative identity disorder as he struggles to balance his career and personal life. It provides a unique lens into mental health and neurological conditions, making it especially interesting for students focusing on psychiatry or neurology.
Untold Stories of the ER (2004–Present)
Recommended for: Emergency Medicine
Why It Deserves a Spot: This reality-based series showcases real-life cases encountered in emergency rooms, narrated by the doctors who experienced them. It provides a raw, unfiltered look at the unpredictable nature of emergency medicine, emphasizing the importance of quick thinking, adaptability, and staying calm under pressure.
Comments