TV doctors #23 – Dr. Chris Turk, Scrubs
Christopher Duncan Turk (Donald Faison) was the main character’s best friend on the cast of Scrubs through its nine seasons on NBC and ABC. Turk eventually became Chief of Surgery at Sacred Heart Hospital.
That makes 23 profiles of African-American TV doctors and nurses. Did I miss any? Who’s your favorite? Now we get back to telling true stories of real-life doctors, stories you will see in A Doctor’s Dream.
TV doctors #21 – Dr. Dennis Hancock, Chicago Hope
Detroit native (and nurse’s son) Vondie Curtis-Hall played Dr. Dennis Hancock at David E. Kelley’s Chicago Hope over its first five seasons. Interestingly, Curtis-Hall played a different character on NBC’s ER in 2001, earning him an Emmy nomination. He also directed two episodes in Season 8 of ER.
TV doctors #20 – Dr. Eric Foreman, House
Neurologist Eric Foreman (Omar Epps) is a main part of the diagnostic team on Fox’s House. Who can go head-to-head with the mercurial Dr. House? Who has the medical skills to contend with him? The back story says Foreman had a 4.0 GPA at Johns Hopkins, and a troubled past as a juvenile delinquent. Art imitates life.
TV doctors #19 – Dr. Raymond Langston, CSI
Laurence Fishburne brings a certain pathos to his portrayal of Dr. Raymond Langston on the original CSIfranchise. Darkness (and a dark past) surrounded him for the three seasons (9-11) he was part of the CBS show. In addition to being a medical examiner, his character also did pro-bono surgery at a Las Vegas hospital. Fishburne’s star power makes his the only character to be on all three CSI shows (including Miami and NY).
TV doctors #18 – Dr. Greg Pratt, ER
Dr. Gregory Pratt (Mekhi Phifer) was a strong presence in the ER beginning in season 8, progressing from medical student up through the ranks to attending. The character was a central figure in the season 14 cliffhanger, and the opening episode of final season 15.
TV doctors #17 – Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable
Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable kept his OB/GYN practice in the basement of his well-appointed Brooklyn home. Starring Bill Cosby for 197 episodes (1984 – 1992), The Cosby Show on NBC was award-winning, groundbreaking, and, with syndication, is the third-longest running sitcom in American TV history. Oh yeah, the sweaters!
TV doctors #16 – Dr. Jackson Avery
Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams) joined the cast of Grey’s Anatomy as a surgical resident in Season 6 (2009). Lots of drama for this character, who came to Seattle Grace as part of a hospital merger. He was on staff during the Season 7 hostage/shooting incident. Isn’t Grey’s Anatomy just the juiciest nighttime medical drama ever?
TV doctors/nurses #15 – Julia
Julia. Diahann Carroll made television history by starring in a hit TV show all her own. The NBC role won her a Golden Globe and an Emmy nomination. The show ran only two seasons, but it is still recognized for being one of the first non-stereotypical TV roles for an African-American (still a struggle in 2012?).
TV doctors #14 – Dr. Julius Hibbert
Dr. Julius Hibbert is the family doctor on The Simpsons, first appearing in Season 2 (1989). Good natured and pricey, one writer says he is “noticeably less dysfunctional” than other characters. A classic Simpsons-style send up of Cosby’s Dr. Huxtable. Voiced by Harry Shearer.