How Real Doctors Brought ‘The Pitt’ To Life
17:21 minutes
What is it actually like to work in an emergency room? To deal with overcrowded waiting rooms, a shortage of hospital beds, and a constant flow of life-and-death health conditions—while trying to maintain your sanity at the same time?
That’s the focus of “The Pitt,” a new medical drama on Max from the creators of “ER,” starring one of that show’s key actors, all grown up: Noah Wyle. The first season takes place over a single shift, and each episode is one hour of that shift in real time. And medical professionals are praising the show for its accuracy.
Joining Host Ira Flatow to talk about the accuracy of the show is one of its medical consultants, Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, associate professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Further Reading
- Read an interview with Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah about her experience consulting for “The Pitt” via TribLive.
- Watch Noah Wyle talk about the success of “The Pitt” via PBS News Hour.
Subscribe To Science Goes To The Movies
In this monthly newsletter, explore the surprising science behind the latest blockbusters, hot new shows, and a couple spectacular flops.
Donate To Science Friday
Invest in quality science journalism by making a donation to Science Friday.
Segment Guests
Sylvia Owusu-Ansah
Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Segment Transcript
The transcript of this segment is being processed. It will be available early next week.
Meet the Producers and Host
About Dee Peterschmidt
Dee Peterschmidt is a producer, host of the podcast Universe of Art, and composes music for Science Friday’s podcasts. Their D&D character is a clumsy bard named Chip Chap Chopman.
About Ira Flatow
Ira Flatow is the founder and host of Science Friday. His green thumb has revived many an office plant at death’s door.