Debunking the Myths: Unveiling the Most Inaccurate Grey’s Anatomy Medical Scenes

Summary

Grey's Anatomy

The show's preference for dramatic television over medical accuracy often results in memorable yet inaccurate medical scenes. Medical protocols and procedures are frequently disregarded, leading to doctors making egregious errors that are remembered by fans.

From wearing jewelry during surgery to delivering bad news in public spaces,

Grey's Anatomy

Grey's Anatomy, which has been on air for almost twenty years, frequently presents inaccurate medical scenes and fails to acknowledge the important contributions of nurses. While the show aims to shed light on real-world issues such as racism and gender-affirming care obstacles, it often prioritizes dramatic intensity above medical precision. This approach, spearheaded by creator Shonda Rhimes and her team, has resulted in all 19 seasons of Grey's Anatomy being highly memorable.

Of course, that doesn't mean Grey's Anatomy viewers aren't questioning the series' choices. However, the fact that the show may consult with medical experts doesn't guarantee that the Grey's team adheres to real-life policies and procedures while crafting each episode's medical mystery. By prioritizing entertainment value, the series has portrayed supposedly competent doctors making glaring errors, and these scenes have left a lasting impact on fans. At times, these medical inaccuracies are so evident that they can be deemed as grounds for medical (drama) malpractice.

11 Grey's Anatomy Doctors Wrongly Wear Jewelry During Surgery

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In terms of standard operating-room protocol, the doctors on Grey's Anatomy appear cautious and capable to the average viewer. Viewers witness the attendings properly scrubbing in, donning surgical gowns, gloves, caps, and masks. This routine portrayal creates the impression that Grey Sloan Memorial operates seamlessly, at least to some extent. However, Grey's Anatomy falls short when it comes to attention to detail.

To begin with, surgeons frequently wear jewelry while in the OR. Although the show makes a point of showing doctors removing their wedding bands, this is the extent of it. While this may seem like a minor oversight, when a patient is undergoing a procedure, one can never be too cautious. Considering the incident where Dr. Levi Schmitt (Jake Borelli) accidentally drops his glasses into a patient mid-operation, it is surprising that a stray earring has yet to inadvertently end up in an open cavity.

10 Grey's Anatomy's Doctors Gave An MRI To A Patient With A Fork In Their Neck

One of the most unforgettable errors that Grey's Anatomy fans couldn't overlook was when Dr. Derek Shepherd (played by Patrick Dempsey) made the mistake of ordering an MRI for a patient with a fork lodged in her neck. The main issue here is that Shepherd neglects to instruct anyone to remove the fork before the patient is placed in the machine, which is a significant oversight.

As common knowledge dictates, patients are required to remove all metallic objects before entering an MRI machine (according to Shields Health). Essentially, the machine functions as a colossal magnet, which means it would forcefully attract and extract the fork from the patient's neck, potentially causing severe harm. It's a basic procedure that even laypeople are aware of, yet Derek fails to comprehend this crucial protocol. Consequently, episode 20 of season 2 serves as a timeless illustration of the flaws Grey's Anatomy exhibits in the field of medical practice.

9 Grey's Doctors Use Medical Equipment Incorrectly

While the cast of Grey's Anatomy may have provided mask-wearing tips to viewers during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, they do not always correctly utilize the tools of the trade. According to real-life Dr. Kailey Remien, who spoke with PureWow, there are specific concerns regarding the use of stethoscopes. Dr. Remien explains that the ear tips should be angled into the ear canal, whereas the actors tend to place them in a way that they angle back onto their outer ear. This not only inaccurately positions the stethoscope, but it also hinders the doctors' ability to hear anything at all.

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