The Ultimate Guide: Grey's Anatomy Characters Who Ruled as Chief of Surgery

Summary

Many Grey's Anatomy doctors have fought for the chief position, but they often overlook the responsibilities and fallout that come with it.

Richard Webber's tenure as chief was marred by scandal, personal turmoil, and earned him profound admiration from his peers.

Each subsequent chief, be it Preston Burke, Derek Shepherd, Owen Hunt, or Miranda Bailey, encountered distinct obstacles and made notable sacrifices while occupying this esteemed role.

Multiple doctors on Grey's Anatomy have held the esteemed role of chief, leaving behind lasting legacies. Initially, Richard Webber intended to retire and pass the torch to either Preston Burke or Derek Shepherd. However, the position attracted not only Burke and Shepherd but also Mark Sloan and Addison Montgomery, all vying for it.

While many doctors competed for the chief position, they soon realized it entailed much more than just professional responsibilities. The Grey's Anatomy chiefs found themselves confronting numerous tragedies and navigating the aftermath. These doctors had initially coveted the title and the prestige it would bring to their careers, without fully comprehending the weight of the role, even after witnessing the challenges endured by former chiefs.

9 Richard Webber (Season 1 - Season 6; Season 7-8; Season 11-12)

Richard Webber, the original Chief of Surgery in Grey's Anatomy, had been leading the department long before the series began. Whenever the hospital was in need of a chief, he would step in as the interim. Webber was faced with the first major scandal of the show when one of the interns, Izzie Stevens, deliberately tampered with a patient's LVAD wire. This incident set a precedent for the interns breaking the rules, and Webber had to handle the consequences. In reality, they would likely have been dismissed, but somehow they managed to retain their positions.

Later on, during season 4, a catastrophic event unfolded when two ambulances collided in the ER bay, endangering the lives of two paramedics. Webber took charge of the rescue operation, and although they were able to save one of the paramedics, the incident had a significant impact on the hospital's national ranking in the subsequent season. The hospital dropped to a distressing 12th place, a devastating blow for all the doctors. Reflecting on this setback, Webber acknowledged that his own compassion towards Meredith Grey may have contributed to this decline.

While Webber's tenure was generally smooth compared to the challenges future Chiefs of Surgery would face, he did have some setbacks. One notable instance occurred in season 5 when he experienced a relapse. To prioritize his recovery, he decided to step back from surgical duties and took Grey under his wing. Shepherd, upon learning about this, reported the situation to the board and Webber was given an ultimatum: either seek rehab or face termination. Taking this opportunity, Shepherd gladly assumed the role of Chief of Surgery.

In season 7, Webber reclaimed his position as chief as Shepherd was no longer interested in the job. However, towards the end of the season, he found himself entangled in a messy situation created by Grey. Grey had tampered with the Alzheimer's trial to administer the drug to his wife, Adele. To protect Grey, Webber took responsibility for the incident in season 8, leading to Owen Hunt becoming the new Chief of Surgery. He briefly resumed the position in season 11 until Miranda Bailey took over.

Webber’s tenure as chief firmly established him as a universally respected figure. Even in his non-chief role, he continues to be regarded as the de facto leader. Webber initially had a tumultuous relationship with Grey, but they ultimately became like family. Both instances where he lost his chief position revolved around Grey, first due to her hiding his drinking problem and secondly for taking the blame on her behalf. Despite his ongoing attempts to retire since season one, it is challenging to envision Grey’s Anatomy without him.

8 Preston Burke (Season 2)

Preston Burke had high hopes of becoming Chief of Surgery after Webber's retirement. However, his tenure as Interim Chief was short-lived, lasting only two episodes while Webber recovered from brain surgery. Despite the temporary nature of his role, Burke managed to handle the responsibilities quite competently. He successfully oversaw a complex transplant involving an abusive father and also navigated the unexpected arrival of Montgomery who specifically requested Grey's assistance. This was a major opportunity for Burke, one that Webber himself acknowledged and encouraged him to seize.

The pressure to regain his

7 Derek Shepherd (Season 6)

likely compelled him to fabricate information about his abilities to secure the complete promotion. Consequently, this deceitful act resulted in him being denied the promotion. As a result, Webber no longer possessed the confidence to assume the responsibilities of the chief role after misleading his colleagues. Ultimately, the pursuit of this elusive position led to his downfall.

Although Derek Shepherd may have been deserving of the chief role, his approach was not commendable. By divulging Weber's struggle with alcoholism to the board, Shepherd unintentionally secured the position that he had vied for since Season 1. Weber had previously promised Shepherd and Burke that they would succeed him upon his retirement. Shepherd faced one of the most significant crises in the history of Grey's Anatomy— the shooting incident. Notably, Shepherd made the decision to disconnect life support from a patient who was brain-dead, which did not sit well with the patient's husband.

6 Owen Hunt (Season 8 - Season 11)

After being shot, Shepherd underwent a life-saving surgery performed by Yang while held at gunpoint. Tragically, two residents and numerous hospital staff also lost their lives in the incident. This traumatic experience prompted Shepherd to resign as Chief and return to his true passion for surgery, which he had long been unable to fully pursue while in the administrative role. Shepherd had never truly desired to be Chief; instead, he yearned to find a cure for Alzheimer's in order to save Grey and to push the boundaries of surgical innovation and medicine. Upon stepping down, he wholeheartedly dedicated himself to these pursuits.

Owen Hunt served as Chief of Surgery for four consecutive seasons, making him the longest-tenured chief after Webber. His appointment was announced by Webber in season 8, episode 3. Throughout his tenure, Hunt's decision-making was occasionally influenced by his emotions, as demonstrated when he allowed Teddy Altman to reprimand him for lying about the death of her husband, Henry. Despite Altman's disrespectful behavior and occasional negative impact, Hunt refrained from confronting her.

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The airplane crash was the most tragic event during Hunt's tenure as Chief. He made the decision to switch airlines in order to cut costs and was unaware of the messages regarding the absence of his doctors. The burden of guilt weighed heavily on him. Furthermore, the resulting lawsuit pushed the hospital to the brink of bankruptcy, but Hunt's desire for Yang and the other doctors to win the settlement remained unwavering. Despite the near closure of the hospital, Hunt's compassionate and kind nature shone through, showcasing his true character.

Viewers may have anticipated that the plane crash would be the catalyst for Hunt's resignation, as the shooting was for Shepherd. However, it was only after Shepherd's death and his return to the battlefield that he finally relinquished his position as chief. The need to distance himself was apparent, but it was upon his return that the decision became crystal clear. Being Chief of Trauma had always been the ideal role for Hunt, as he thrived in the emergency room. Therefore, it was ultimately beneficial for both his character and the show when he stepped down, paving the way for Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital's first female chief.

5 Mark Sloan (Season 8)

Mark Sloan excelled during his brief stint as Chief, despite not being requested to assume the role. When Hunt requested Shepherd's assistance, Sloan intervened and challenged Shepherd to devise an innovative solution for the patient's surgery preparation. By the end of the episode, Shepherd even complimented Sloan for his leadership abilities, unaware that Sloan overheard. Sloan proved to be an exceptional mentor to Jackson Avery, and it was evident that he had the potential to excel as a Chief had he lived long enough for the opportunity. Sloan's admirable qualities extended beyond his reputation as "McSteamy" or his talent in plastic surgery, as recognized by Lexie Grey, Callie Torres, Arizona Robbins, and Jackson. On that particular day, Sloan's true capabilities were also acknowledged by the other doctors.

4 Miranda Bailey (Season 12 - Season 18)

Miranda Bailey faced numerous challenges during her tenure as Chief. From handling an escapee who caused a hospital fire to dealing with a cyber attack, navigating through the Covid pandemic, and even Grey contracting the virus, Bailey had her hands full. She also had to address a blood shortage and the temporary closure of the residency program.

Amidst these trials, Bailey had to confront the aftermath of Alex Karev's assault on Andrew Deluca, as well as Deluca's subsequent breakdown. Additionally, she found herself suspending her husband, Ben Warren, after he performed a C-section in a halfway open elevator. This was perhaps her most significant test, and the six-month suspension strained their marriage. Nevertheless, they managed to overcome this setback, although Warren has since switched careers once again.

Bailey's journey has been one of resilience and self-care. She navigated through numerous challenges and emerged stronger. Taking a sabbatical to prioritize her health was a crucial step for her. Furthermore, when the residency program was dissolved, she wisely decided to take another break. Bailey has come a long way since her past clashes with her ex-husband over her demanding work schedule. Currently, she is committed to safeguarding women's reproductive rights at the clinic, while also practicing surgery. Importantly, she has found a better balance in juggling these responsibilities. Eventually, she gracefully stepped down from her position due to the program's disbandment and entrusted Grey with the task of resolving the mess caused, at least partially, by Grey themselves.

3 Alex Karev (Season 15)

Alex Karev, although unlikely, became the Chief (excluding Sloan) for the sole reason that Baily did not want someone more competent than her to replace her, as suggested by Link. However, despite a rocky start, Karev excelled in his role as chief. He managed to spend nearly a quarter of the budget in just one day, but swiftly learned from his mistake. Through effective delegation, he not only impressed Bailey and Webber, but also won their support, although they would never openly admit it.

2 Meredith Grey (Season 18-19)

: The evolution of Karev's character was evident in this significant development. He had traversed a remarkable journey since his initial portrayal as an arrogant intern. Thus, the perplexity surrounding his departure arises – why would a man of his newfound maturity and responsibilities abandon his wife? The squandered depiction of his growth on the show has undeniably caused controversy surrounding Karev's exit from Grey's Anatomy.

Meredith Grey's tenure as Chief of Surgery was brief, but impactful. She inherited a chaotic hospital and diligently worked to rebuild it from the ground up. She boldly initiated the residency program ahead of schedule, assembling a talented group of aspiring doctors, each grappling with their own personal hurdles on their path to greatness. This ambitious endeavor was inspired by Nick Marsh's own journey. Despite the challenges, it felt fitting that Meredith assumed the role of Chief at the very hospital that shaped her upbringing.

If Ellen Pompeo hadn't considered stepping away from Grey's Anatomy, the trajectory of this story could have been quite different. As she took charge, she proved to be a remarkable Chief. However, Grey eventually made the decision to step down in order to prioritize her daughter Zola. After discovering Zola's exceptional abilities, which played a role in her panic attacks, Grey actively sought out a reputable school in Boston.

1 Teddy Altman (Season 19 -)

In Grey's Anatomy Season 19, the Chief position was desired only by Teddy Altman. This comes as no surprise considering the challenges faced by previous chiefs. Webber, Hunt, and Bailey persevered through them, while Shepherd chose to step aside. Altman, on the other hand, fought for the role and has proven to be exceptional during her short tenure.

Altman's tenure as the new clinic head was immediately met with protests. However, she skillfully managed the situation by swapping her shoes for sneakers and equipping herself with a walkie-talkie. Drawing upon her military training, Altman proved herself to be the most suitable candidate for the job. In her proactive approach, she even called for a crucial meeting to address the issue of intern burnout. As a result, an emergency relief fund was established, alleviating the burden of working multiple jobs for doctors such as Mika Yasuda during their training. All of these achievements were accomplished within just 12 episodes, showcasing Altman's immense potential for the upcoming season 20 of Grey's Anatomy.