TV doctors #23 – Dr. Chris Turk, Scrubs

Dr. Christopher Turk (Donald Faison), Scrubs, NBC-ABC

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 #17 – Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable

Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable (Bill Cosby), NBC

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/nurses #15 – Julia

Nurse Julia Baker (Diahann Carroll), NBC

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 #12 – Dr. Melinda Warner, Coroner

Law & Order: SVU: Dr. Melinda Warner (Tamara Tunie), NBC

Dr. Melinda Warner (Tamara Tunie) has been the medical examiner on NBC’s Law & Order: SVU since season 2 at the turn of the millennium.  Stunning in appearance, the ex-Air Force Dr. gets to mix it up with the detectives every now and then, and even saved a living patient once.  Cool for a coroner!

TV doctors #11 – Michael Gallant, E.R.

ER's Michael Gallant (Sharif Atkins) back in Iraq, NBC

Michael Gallant (Sharif Atkins) arrived at the E.R. as the classic wet-behind-the-ears medical student in Season 7.  A member of the U.S. Army Reserve, his service in Iraq was a platform for E.R. to tackle veteran’s issues.

TV doctors #5 – Dr. Peter Benson

Dr. Peter Benson, E.R., NBC (Eriq LaSalle)

E.R.’s Dr. Peter Benson was erratic and driven, part of one of TV’s great ensemble casts.  It was a fantastic role for actor Eriq LaSalle.

TV doctors #4 – Dr. Phillip Chandler

Dr. Phillip Chandler, St. Elsewhere, NBC (Denzel Washington)

Dr. Phillip Chandler lit up the small screen when he appeared in the premiere of St. Elsewhere in 1982.  It was a great six-season run for the young actor Denzel Washington.  Set at the “old and disrespected” St. Eligius Hospital in Boston, St. Elsewhere was the medical drama of the 80s.