TV doctors #16 – Dr. Jackson Avery

Dr. Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams), Grey's Anatomy, CBS

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 #10 – Dr. Richard Webber

Dr. Richard Webber (James Pickens, Jr.), ABC's Grey's Anatomy

Dr. Richard Webber’s role as mentor on Grey’s Anatomy is rife with all the same personal issues that make nighttime dramas (soaps) work.  What’s he mentoring them in anyway?  James Pickens, Jr.’s long TV career landed him in a great role.

TV doctors #9 – Dr. Miranda Bailey

Residents called Dr. Miranda Bailey “the Nazi” for her tough exterior and even tougher demands.  Now an attending surgeon at Seattle Grace, this role is a central character on the hit TV franchise Grey’s Anatomy (thank you Shonda Rhimes!).  And Chandra Wilson’s portrayal has won her a SAG and several Emmy nominations.  How she handles the turmoil around her interns is a weekly joy to watch.

Dr. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson), Grey's Anatomy, ABC

TV doctors #8 – Dr. Naomi Bennett

Dr. Naomi Bennett (Audra McDonald) on ABC's Private Practice

Naomi Bennett, M.D. was the OB/GYN fertility specialist and bestie to Addison Montgomery on ABC’s Private Practice, the first Grey’s Anatomy spin-off from creator Shonda Rhimes.  First played by Merrin Dungey in the backdoor pilot, then by Audra Montgomery through Season 4, there was plenty of drama between her and her ex-husband, played by Taye Diggs.

The 1st Naomi Bennett (Merrin Dungey), ABC

TV doctors #3 – Dr. Preston Burke

Dr. Preston Burke (Isaiah Washington) from Grey's Anatomy (Disney/ABC)

Dr. Preston Burke (Isaiah Washington) was released from the hit ABC show Grey’s Anatomy after he made insensitive remarks about gays.  But before all that, he was a major star on the show and won awards from the Screen Actors Guild and the NAACP, as well as TV Guide’s 2008 “Hot Doctor” list.