Who Really Runs the ER? Uncover the Roles of Doctors, Nurses & Interns in The Pitt

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On Max’s “The Pitt,” viewers are introduced to a variety of characters who occupy different roles within the hospital system, from seasoned doctors to fresh trainees; let me explain this further. The first season of “The Pitt” premiered in January 2025 and consisted of 15 episodes. This show delves into a single shift occurring at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital’s emergency department. Each doctor, from attendings to medical students, must tend to their patients while juggling personal matters and hospital-related challenges.

Since The Pitt focuses more on realistic medicine than drama, some viewers might struggle to follow the fast-paced action in the emergency room. This involves quick diagnoses, treatments, and medical terms that can be confusing. Even the titles of the characters might lead to uncertainty about who’s in charge and how much expertise each person possesses. However, The Pitt’s accuracy makes it straightforward to understand their roles and decipher the medical terms used.

Attending Physician

Dr. Robby & Dr. Abbot

In the hierarchy of the emergency department, you’ll find the attending physicians at the peak. These doctors are often the most seasoned and proficient, having obtained their complete medical licenses and board certifications. They can handle the challenging medical situations in the ER while also serving as department heads and mentors for the junior doctors. In essence, attendings manage the entire department, distributing cases and addressing major issues like the Pitt’s Pittfest shooting. On The Pitt, the main attending physician characters are Dr. Robby and Dr. Abbot.

Since the beginning of the series, Robby and Abbot exude an air of seasoned expertise and self-assurance. Robby, in particular, frequently demonstrates his proficiency with ER cases, as well as his knack for solving complex problems. Yet, what truly captivates us are their feelings of dissatisfaction and melancholy regarding their jobs. Given their exposure to harrowing cases, they lack the enthusiasm typically found among younger physicians. Interestingly, they are also more prone to bend the rules and take chances that other doctors might not dare to, due to a lack of authorization.

Senior Resident

Dr. Collins & Dr. Langdon

On “The Pitt” platform, senior residents represent experienced doctors in their final year of residency training, which can last anywhere from three to four years. In simpler terms, these are the doctors who are nearly finished with their specialized training. They have completed medical school and gained significant practical experience working in their chosen field for several years. Although they don’t possess the same level of authority as attendings, senior residents are knowledgeable physicians capable of guiding their less-experienced colleagues. Among “The Pitt’s” senior residents are Collins and Langdon.

In the captivating world of “The Pitt,” I’ve come across two more doctors who radiate assurance – Dr. Collins and Dr. Langdon. They stand out not just for their medical expertise, but also for their deep understanding of the ER’s intricate dynamics. Compared to their senior colleagues, they possess a touch of ego, with Langdon being sensitive to peer criticism, and Collins sometimes challenging Robby’s authority due to their personal bond. Nonetheless, these two are exceptional physicians, boasting an impressive collection of credentials and years of experience.

Resident

Dr. Mohan, Dr. McKay & Dr. King

As a cinephile, I’d rephrase it like this: Among the main characters in the movie, there are the residents – Mohan, McKay, and King. Although they’ve all completed medical school, they’re still undergoing their residency training, which means they have different levels of experience. The Pitt gives us a glimpse into this through its residents: McKay and Mohan appear to be veterans at the hospital, whereas King comes from a background working with veterans and is new to an emergency room setting. While they’re all seasoned professionals in the medical field, they’re still very much learning on the job. They have to make tough calls, but sometimes those decisions aren’t without their flaws.

It can be argued that Mohan, McKay, and King play some of the most captivating roles in The Pitt. These characters hold significant positions, allowing them to exercise medicine relatively independently, yet they remain in a learning stage, which provides audiences with insights into their growth and development. Notable instances include Mohan diagnosing a patient’s makeup poisoning, McKay performing an eye surgery, and King assisting a neurodivergent patient in a way that Langdon couldn’t. Residents, being midway between doctors and students, provide the perfect balance of expertise and learning, making their progress relatable and engaging.

Intern

Dr. Santos

Currently, only Dr. Santos serves as an intern at The Pitt. As a freshman postgraduate trainee, this is her initial year of learning. Throughout this year, she’ll experience practical training before applying to residency programs, be it emergency medicine or surgery. While interns are occasionally referred to as first-year residents, their duties aren’t yet as extensive. Over the duration of their internship, they must demonstrate their competence to earn more autonomy and responsibility.

While it’s important to note that Santos doesn’t embody every medical intern globally, she does highlight certain recurring roles. Specifically, Santos demonstrates the ego and ambition that can transform a diligent intern into a potentially reckless one. Although Santos is undeniably knowledgeable and passionate about her profession, her eagerness to advance in medicine often compromises her bedside manner and her interactions with fellow interns. Santos might be correct on many matters, but her approach can be too abrasive for a field where interpersonal skills are crucial. In essence, Santos embodies the relentless pursuit of knowledge that characterizes some medical interns.

Medical Student

Whitaker & Javadi

To clarify, the medical learners at the entry-level are the medical interns. As their title suggests, these individuals have yet to finish medical school and are currently rotating through various departments to discover where they fit best. Medical interns hold minimal authority and primarily focus on learning. More seasoned doctors usually mentor them during specific procedures and delegate low-risk cases, while also encouraging observation and input on critical patients. Among these trainees at Pitt’s medical school are Whitaker and Javadi.

Whitaker and Javadi clearly exhibit a mix of apprehension and eagerness typical of fledgling medics. They’re thrilled to be part of the scene, yet apprehensive about wielding the responsibilities that come with medicine. The ER’s challenges seem to weigh heavily on them. For instance, Whitaker finds it particularly tough when a patient under his care passes away, and Javadi often reveals a dislike for blood and injections. However, despite their greenness, Whitaker and Javadi occasionally shine with their medical expertise, getting the chance to apply it practically.

Charge Nurse

Dana

In the bustling environment of an emergency room, it’s the charge nurse who plays a pivotal role, much like Dana does at The Pitt. Just as an attending physician leads the doctors, the charge nurse serves as the head of the ER’s nursing team. They ensure the department operates efficiently and are a valuable source of information. In times of crisis, they act as a guiding force, assigning tasks and helping to steer the team through the chaos. They combine their medical expertise, administrative skills, and strong leadership qualities to effectively manage the emergency department.

On The Pitt, Dana is depicted as a true superhero, which aligns perfectly with the role of a charge nurse. Dana seems to know everything related to the ER, and her commanding presence is such that even the attendings find it challenging to overlook her. While Dr. Robby might be the most proficient medical professional on The Pitt, Dana stands out as the leader of the pack. If Dr. Robby is unsure about something, Dana has the answer. Her kindness only adds to her appeal, making her one of the most compelling characters in the show.

ER Nurse

Perlah, Mateo, Princess, Donnie, Jesse & Kim

In summary, the indispensable role of nurses is evident within the emergency room setting. They are instrumental in orchestrating patient care, from triaging waiting room patients to conducting tests such as drawing blood. Furthermore, during critical situations like traumas, their assistance proves vital as doctors require aid in monitoring vitals and administering treatments. It is worth noting that while nurses may not undergo the same educational pathways as doctors, they possess a broad spectrum of medical knowledge essential for managing the emergency department effectively.

As a dedicated movie reviewer, I must say that the ensemble cast of characters at Pittsburgh General Hospital, affectionately known as “The Pitt,” is nothing short of remarkable. Among them are Perlah, Princess, Mateo, Donnie, Jesse, and Kim. These unsung heroes may not always be the center of attention, but they’re an integral part of every scene, especially during crises, where they can be found quietly providing essential support in the background.

What truly sets “The Pitt” apart is its unflinching portrayal of the challenges and hardships faced by nurses. They encounter prejudice and violence from patients, yet they stand tall, demonstrating a courage and competence that rivals even the finest doctors. The show doesn’t shy away from shedding light on these harsh realities, but it also celebrates the resilience and dedication of its nursing staff. Each character brings a unique perspective, making “The Pitt” not just a hospital drama, but a testament to the indomitable spirit of healthcare professionals.

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2025-04-23 12:59