Behind the Scenes: Doctors Who Make Medical TV Shows Realistic with Dr. Oren Gottfried
From Operating Room to Writers’ Room: The Fascinating Life of a Medical TV Consultant
By Dr. Rob Beck, Host of The Interesting MD Podcast
When you think about doctors on TV, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s the high-stakes drama of ER, the romantic whirlwind of Grey’s Anatomy, or the inventive “MacGyver” medicine of Royal Pains. I grew up alongside many of these shows, and, like so many of you, was inspired by the fast pace, the clever diagnoses, and that seemingly endless well of adrenaline.
But what if I told you that behind every dramatic collapse and groundbreaking surgery, there’s often a real-life doctor quietly making sure it all looks and sounds authentic? That’s the job of a medical consultant for TV—a world where medicine, creativity, and a good dose of Hollywood magic collide.
On a special episode of The Interesting MD, I sat down with Dr. Oren Gottfried, a neurosurgeon and director of neurosciences at Duke University who’s also the go-to medical expert for many hit medical dramas. His journey into television consulting is a story every doctor should hear—because it’s about more than TV. It’s about saying “yes,” following your passion down unexpected paths, and, most importantly, finding balance and joy outside the traditional hospital walls.
How Does a Neurosurgeon Wind Up on TV Sets?
Dr. Gottfried’s entry into Hollywood reads almost like a script itself—a call out of the blue from someone needing help with a “patient,” only to learn it was for a television show, not the ER. What followed was a whirlwind journey that’s now spanned over 70 TV series, from Chicago Med to The Good Doctor and even to the creation of futuristic “AI operating rooms” for network television.
Here’s what fascinates me (and I bet it’ll resonate with you): Oren didn’t set out to chase the spotlight. He just kept saying yes to opportunities that piqued his interest, combining his storytelling passion with his medical expertise. It started as something he did “by accident,” answering the phone for a random consult. That simple yes opened the floodgates to a world of creativity that never would have appeared on his career roadmap.
There’s a lesson in that for all of us clinicians who feel stuck or stifled by the day-to-day grind. Sometimes, you don’t need a five-year plan. Sometimes you just pick up the phone.
The Balancing Act: Medicine, Hollywood, and Family
Now, being a successful neurosurgeon at a major institution is demanding enough. So, how does Dr. Gottfried handle it all? The truth is, it’s not always easy. Sometimes he’s consulting on several shows at once, fielding 100 emails a day from producers, actors, and writers who need everything from “what does this medical term mean?” to “how would this wound look after three days?”
His secret? He treats every request, every script review, and every last-minute phone call with the same care he gives to his patients. That doesn’t mean he never says no (though he admits that’s rare!), but it does mean he’s fiercely organized, deeply passionate, and honest about what he can—and can’t—do.
I asked him about balance, especially as a father of three, and his answer was both humble and real. At this stage, his kids have “become desensitized” to seeing Dad’s name in the credits or hearing his voice as an AI in the OR on Chicago Med (yes, he even got to do some voice acting!). But the experience—the stories, the connections—are what matter.
Why Medical Accuracy on TV Matters (Even If It’s Not Perfect)
Every show has its own “reality,” and as medical professionals, we all bristle at the scenes that get it wildly wrong. But, as Dr. Gottfried reminds us, medical dramas aren’t documentaries. Their primary audience isn’t us—it’s the millions of viewers who might be inspired to pursue medicine, nursing, paramedicine, or research after watching a gripping (if occasionally exaggerated) diagnosis.
The real job, as a medical consultant for TV, isn’t to turn every episode into a lecture. It’s to strike that perfect balance—making sure the medicine is as real as it can be, within the rules of the show, and elevating the storytelling so viewers (and maybe even a few future doctors) are hooked.
And sometimes, it’s about the details you don’t see. Dr. Gottfried keeps a full bibliography and research notes for his script suggestions, just in case anyone questions his accuracy. It’s that dedication—going above and beyond, even when the camera’s not on you—that sets true professionals apart.
Opening New Doors for Doctors (and Preventing Burnout Along the Way)
If there’s one theme that ran through my entire conversation with Dr. Gottfried, it’s the value of pursuing creative outlets and saying “yes” to new experiences. Not just for the excitement or the stories (though there are plenty!), but for our own well-being.
Many of us deal with the very real threat of burnout. Hospitals are high-pressure environments, and the stakes are literally life and death. Having a creative, non-clinical pursuit—whether it’s consulting on medical shows, writing, painting, or picking up the guitar—gives us a chance to step back, reconnect with what makes us human, and ultimately, become better clinicians.
Dr. Gottfried’s journey is proof that medicine can open doors you never imagined. Your expertise is valuable in more places than just the hospital. Sometimes, it’s the worlds outside our comfort zones that help us grow the most.
Want to Become a Medical TV Consultant?
I know many readers are curious: “How do I get started?” Dr. Gottfried’s main advice is simple:
Let your network know you’re interested.
Say yes to unexpected opportunities, even if they aren’t paid or credited at first.
Be flexible—it’s all about balancing your day job, your family, and your passions.
And remember: Your impact might be far greater than you think. You’re not only correcting medical jargon, you might just inspire the next generation of healers, scientists, and dreamers.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for ways to bring more balance and joy to your medical career, or just want to hear incredible stories from doctors doing amazing things outside the clinic, stay tuned to The Interesting MD. We’re here to remind you that your white coat can take you farther than you ever imagined.
If you’d like to get in touch, share your own non-clinical adventures, or suggest a future topic, please email me at rob@interestingmd.com. And don’t forget to check us out on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform.
About the Author:
Dr. Rob Beck is a practicing internal medicine physician, podcast host, and advocate for physician creativity, balance, and well-being. Follow him on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and more at @InterestingMD.