Shocking Plot Twist: 10 Grey’s Anatomy Doctors on the Brink of Quitting Medicine After a Tragic Loss

Devout viewers of Grey's Anatomy would not be surprised to learn that several doctors from the show have considered leaving the medical profession after experiencing the loss of a patient. Despite facing a constant shortage of staff, Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital consistently provides a backdrop for dramatic and life-changing moments. Over the course of 19 seasons, the team has endured numerous personal and professional tragedies, causing some doctors to contemplate leaving their careers behind. From Derek Shepherd's devastating loss in season 5 to Addison Montgomery's recent struggles with reproductive health justice, Grey's Anatomy continues to push its doctors to their limits. Even though former lead character Meredith Grey has taken a step back, it is evident that the groundbreaking medical drama will continue to challenge its doctors in season 20, demonstrating that not every day is an opportunity to save lives.

10 Derek Shepherd

"In Grey's Anatomy season 5 episode 16, Meredith opens with a poignant observation about the way people perceive doctors. Once they discover your profession, they elevate you to a level beyond being just a person. They see you as gods, which sets us apart from the rest of society," explains Meredith in a voiceover. The episode, titled "An Honest Mistake," highlights the fallibility of even esteemed neurosurgeon Derek Shepherd.

The story centers on Derek's involvement in a complicated first surgery for a pregnant patient, leading to a cascade of complications. In a heated argument with Addison Montgomery, Derek refuses to follow her advice on how to proceed with Jen, who is experiencing mini-strokes and aphasia. Addison cautions Derek against playing the role of a divine entity, but he dismisses her warnings and disregards her recommendation of a C-section. Instead, he rashly removes large portions of Jen's brain in a desperate attempt to save both the mother and child. Tragically, Jen's demise becomes the catalyst for Derek's downward spiral, causing him to question his career and his pending proposal to Meredith.

9 Levi Schmitt

During season 18 of Grey's Anatomy, Grey Sloan Memorial faces yet another shortage of staff, attributed this time to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers. To address the hiring stress, ensure an adequate number of surgeries, and provide residents with more operating room (OR) time, Richard Webber (played by James Pickens Jr.) introduces a new approach to the residency program: the Webber Method.

In essence, the Webber Method allows residents to independently perform routine procedures or certain portions of surgeries, with attending physicians stepping in for the more complex aspects. Miranda Bailey (played by Chandra Wilson) expresses her concerns, which are validated when Levi Schmitt (played by Jake Borelli) proceeds without an attending physician. Unfortunately, this results in the patient experiencing excessive bleeding, triggering an investigation into the residency program. However, after a period away from the hospital, Dr. Schmitt eventually returns as the Chief Resident on Grey's Anatomy.

8 Maggie Pierce

Meredith's sister, Maggie Pierce, is an extraordinary talent in cardiothoracic surgery. Unfortunately, she has also faced significant losses in her life. After her mother's tragic demise due to breast cancer, Maggie's relationship with Jackson Avery ends, leading to complicated dynamics within their blended family. Richard and Catherine, now married, are Maggie's parents.

To cope with her hardships, Maggie immerses herself in her surgical work. It is during this time that she encounters her cousin, Sabrina "Sabi" Webber. Richard never mentioned Sabi to Maggie because of the strained relationship between him and Chris, Sabi's father. Developing a strong bond with Sabi, Maggie hopes to mend the rift between the brothers. Despite Chris' reservations, Maggie encourages Sabi to undergo surgery. However, during the operation, Sabi's bypass machine becomes obstructed by an alarming amount of blood clots. Tragically, Sabi does not survive.

Unable to find comfort after the loss of Sabi, Maggie decides to quit her job. Adding to her distress, Chris files a lawsuit against her for medical malpractice.

7 Izzie Stevens

When Izzie Stevens, played by Katherine Heigl, develops feelings for Denny Duquette Jr., portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, it is not the first or last time a doctor engages in an inappropriate relationship. Denny, who is diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy, is admitted to the hospital in preparation for a heart transplant. Izzie, with whom Denny has flirted during his stay, informs him that the procedure will not take place. However, Denny returns to the hospital later, this time experiencing heart failure.

After stabilizing Denny's condition, Preston Burke, played by Isaiah Washington, decides to implant an LVAD, a device that assists the functioning of a failing heart, in order to extend Denny's wait for a new heart donation. When another potential organ donor fails to materialize, Izzie falsely claims that Denny's condition is deteriorating and intentionally disconnects his LVAD wire to deceive UNOS. While this act of malpractice successfully secures Denny a new heart, he tragically dies from a stroke after the operation. The loss deeply affects Izzie, but she decides to establish a clinic in honor of Denny's memory. Despite recovering from the ordeal, Izzie should have faced consequences and possibly been compelled to leave the medical field.

6 Jackson Avery

In season 15's episode "With a Wonder and a Wild Desire," Jackson assures Maggie that he supports April Kepner's impromptu marriage, as he has grown to admire her strong faith. However, his attention is diverted when he narrowly escapes being hit by a car, with Andrew DeLuca coming to his rescue. Unfortunately, a bicyclist named Nisha is struck instead. This experience motivates Jackson to believe that he was spared in order to save Nisha's life.

Although Nisha's initial surgery is successful, complications arise in the subsequent episode. Determined to provide the best possible outcome for the patient, Jackson disregards waiting for Link, the primary surgeon, and rushes Nisha to the hospital's new hyperbaric chamber. He believes that the oxygen-rich environment will enhance the surgical results, despite the chamber's inability to be immediately opened once pressurized. Tragically, Nisha flatlines, leading a furious Jackson to perform CPR for an extensive 35 minutes. This incident, among others, prompts Jackson to take a brief break from surgery.

5 Ben Warren

Jason George, an actor from Station 19, previously appeared on Grey's Anatomy before the firehouse-based series premiered. Playing the character of Ben Warren, a firefighter, he had once worked at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital and even trained as a medical resident. However, during his residency, Ben made some questionable choices. In one instance, he improvised a scalpel out of a clipboard for an emergency surgery, leading to an inflated ego and concerns from his superiors.

In a later episode, the hospital faces a lockdown, and Ben decides to perform an emergency C-section with limited supplies from a nearby crash cart in a hospital hallway. He sees himself as a hero, but Bailey and Webber view his actions as reckless. Security footage reveals that Ben took an unnecessary risk by using an open elevator. While he manages to keep his medical license, these events become a turning point for Ben, leading him to pursue an entirely new career.

4 Miranda Bailey

Miranda Bailey, a cherished mentor, exceptional surgeon, and often the glue that holds Grey Sloan together, is known for her unwavering determination. However, there have been a few moments on Grey's Anatomy that have pushed Bailey to her limits. One significant event in season 9 involved three of Bailey's patients who developed post-operative infections, prompting the intervention of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate the hospital thoroughly.

The CDC's findings indicated that Bailey might have been contaminated with MRSA, which subsequently resulted in the three post-operative fatalities. This shocking revelation deeply affects Bailey. It was discovered that the replacement stock of surgical gloves in the hospital had micro-tears, leading to the transmission of the infection. Despite repeatedly testing herself for MRSA, Bailey refuses to perform surgeries out of fear. Additionally, this incident triggers her previously undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), further complicating her return to the operating room.

3 Taryn Helm

Grey's Anatomy fans have long been advocating for Taryn Helm to be given a more well-rounded storyline. Jaicy Elliot's character, once a resident and now a bartender, had been primarily defined by her unreciprocated feelings for Meredith Grey. However, when Grey's Anatomy decided to address the real-life effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers, Helm's narrative took a significant shift. With elective surgeries put on hold, Helm and the other residents were tasked with caring for COVID patients, resulting in a heavy toll on her well-being.

Aside from dealing with her idol, Meredith, being in a coma due to the virus, the hospital was also facing unprecedented losses every single day. Feeling isolated and utterly exhausted, Helm made her desire to step away from the medical field known. Eventually, the temporary closure of Grey Sloan's residency program made the decision for her. Although the latest season's conclusion sees Helm returning to the operating room, it is evident that the unspoken losses inflicted by the pandemic have profoundly impacted her on both personal and professional levels.

2 Addison Montgomery

Grey's Anatomy has consistently demonstrated its willingness to address challenging real-life issues in recent seasons. Season 19 episode 5 exemplifies this, as it explores the return of Addison to Grey's Anatomy and her partnership with Bailey on a significant journey. The two doctors describe themselves as a medical version of "Thelma and Louise", as they visit a friend of Bailey's who manages an understaffed family-planning clinic on the border between Washington and Idaho. Due to the ban on abortion services in Idaho, the neighboring clinic has experienced a surge in patients.

The storyline takes a dramatic turn in "When I Get to the Border" when Susan, a pregnant woman residing in Idaho, is unable to access vital medical care. Bailey and Addison cross state lines to rescue Susan, who is experiencing a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy. Unfortunately, all of Susan's Idaho-based doctors are too apprehensive to provide assistance due to the restrictive laws. Tragically, Susan begins to experience severe bleeding in the car, and Addison is unable to save her. Initially filled with frustration and defeat, Addison experiences a momentary despair that ultimately transforms into newfound determination.

1 Penelope Blake

Patrick Dempsey's character Derek's death in season 11 of Grey's Anatomy not only devastated fans but also had a profound impact on the medical professionals involved. Derek is brought to Seattle's Dillard Medical Center after a series of car accidents and Penelope Blake, a resident at the time, is a part of his care team. Despite Penny's desire to order a head CT, her superior insists on immediate surgery to address his abdominal bleeding, even though Derek's condition starts to stabilize.

Penny fights for the head CT, hoping it will save Derek's life, but ultimately she gives in. Later, it becomes apparent that the neurosurgeon at Dillard's takes an unusually long time to arrive, leading him to acknowledge that a head CT could have expedited his response, adding to Penny's sense of guilt and frustration. When Derek dies in a shockingly unexpected turn of events, Meredith, who is devastated, advises Penny not to let one outcome define her career as a surgeon. Both Penny and Meredith continue to practice medicine, but Derek's death prompts Meredith to leave Grey Sloan and her life behind for a year.