The Ultimate Ranking of Star Trek Doctors: Reveal the Top Physician in the Galaxy!

Summary

Star Trek doctors possess a combination of medical skill, compassion, and the ability to improvise in unexplored space.

In Star Trek, each doctor possesses distinctive traits and characteristics that differentiate them. Dr. Sarah April's pioneering spirit and Dr. T'Ana's blunt honesty are notable examples. However, it is Dr. Beverly Crusher who truly shines as an exemplary physician, leader, and champion of ethics, making her the finest doctor in the Star Trek universe.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) plays a vital role in Star Trek, with doctors holding a significant position in the franchise. From Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in the original series to Dr. Beverly Crusher in The Next Generation, and the more modern and holistic medical staff in Discovery and the complex characterizations in Strange New Worlds, the Star Trek universe has always relied on those brave individuals willing to risk their own lives to save others.

While being an exceptional physician is the core requirement, an effective CMO must possess more than just acquired medical skills. In Star Trek, notable doctors are recognized for their ability to adapt in uncharted territory, their immense compassion and commitment to ethics, and their tireless efforts to find new medical treatments for the crew members' ailments. The best Star Trek doctors embody all of these qualities, making them intriguing characters with compelling storylines.

16 Dr. Sarah April (Nichelle Nichols) - Star Trek: The Animated Series

In Star Trek: The Animated Series season 2, episode 6, "The Counter-Clock Incident", the USS Enterprise is visited by Dr. Sarah April and her husband, Commodore Robert April (James Doohan), the Enterprise's first captain. Dr. April, who previously served as the Enterprise's first CMO, shares her experience of developing medical technology on the spot, including some of the instruments commonly used in McCoy's sickbay. Captain Kirk himself praises her as "a medical pioneer." As the crew enters the reverse universe and starts aging in reverse, the aging Dr. April takes on her former role and assists in restoring the crew to their correct ages.

15 Dr. Phil Boyce (John Hoyt) - Star Trek: The Original Series

Dr. Phil Boyce served as the Chief Medical Officer on the USS Enterprise during the first pilot episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, titled "The Cage." Under the command of Captain Christopher Pike, portrayed by Jeffrey Hunter, Dr. Boyce adopted a rather unconventional approach to medicine. Notably, his medical kit featured a portable martini set, which he used to attend to his captain's emotional well-being alongside his physical health. However, the effectiveness of this technique was questionable, especially when Captain Pike presented genuine ailments.

14 Dr. Mark Piper (Paul Fix) - Star Trek: The Original Series

13 Dr. Ohk (Tiffany Shepis) - Star Trek: Picard

In Star Trek: The Original Series second pilot episode titled "Where No Man Has Gone Before," Dr. Mark Piper emerges as an early incarnation of Dr. Leonard McCoy, exhibiting similar characteristics albeit with slightly less proficiency. During his brief appearance, he assumes the role of Chief Medical Officer under the command of Captain James T. Kirk (portrayed by William Shatner). Dr. Piper's responsibilities encompass both medical research and the provision of care for Lt. Gary Mitchell (played by Gary Lockwood) and Dr. Elizabeth Dehner (portrayed by Sally Kellerman). These two individuals acquire extraordinary psychic abilities due to the influence of enigmatic energies emanating from the Galatic Barrier, infusing their narratives with a chilling aura.

In Star Trek: Picard season 3, Dr. Ohk serves aboard the USS Titan-A. Similar to Captain Liam Shaw (Todd Stashwick), Dr. Ohk upholds a strict adherence to protocol in her profession. She tends to prioritize caution when treating her patients, erring on the side of safety. Due to Dr. Beverly Crusher's absence from Starfleet duty, Dr. Ohk questions the relevance and effectiveness of Crusher's expertise and methods. As a result, she is initially hesitant to trust Crusher or acknowledge her former position as the head of Starfleet Medical. However, with time, Dr. Ohk eventually opens up to collaborating with Crusher and the rest of the Titan's crew.

12 Dr. T'Ana (Gillian Vigman) - Star Trek: Lower Decks

The Caitian CMO of the USS Cerritos in Star Trek: Lower Decks, Dr. T'Ana is quite direct when it comes to her role as a medical professional. T'Ana is known for her unwavering honesty, which is evident in her straightforward approach with patients and mentee Lt. D'Vana Tendi (Noël Wells). She doesn't shy away from openly discussing her lively romantic encounters with security chief Lt. Shaxs (Fred Tatasciore), and her bedside manner is often characterized by casual expletives. While she may follow her own instincts and occasionally come across as brash, T'Ana always gets the job done and couldn't care less about what others think of her.

11 Dr. Christine Chapel (Majel Barrett) - Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Dr. Christine Chapel, who is best recognized as a nurse on the USS Enterprise in Star Trek: The Original Series, makes a comeback in Star Trek: The Motion Picture following the attainment of her MD degree. Taking on the esteemed position of Chief Medical Officer aboard the Enterprise, Chapel soon reverts to her familiar role as Dr. Leonard McCoy's head nurse when he rejoins the team. This aligns with Chapel's subordinate portrayal in TOS, while embodying the trust and reliance that have developed between McCoy and Chapel throughout their years of collaboration. Consequently, they know they can depend on each other when faced with a crisis, such as the one depicted in The Motion Picture.

10 Dr. Tracy Pollard (Raven Dauda) - Star Trek: Discovery

9 Dr. Katherine Pulaski (Diana Muldaur) - Star Trek: The Next Generation

Dr. Tracy Pollard is a recurring medical professional on Star Trek: Discovery. However, unlike the main characters, little is known about her personality, similar to the bridge crew. In Discovery season 1, she works on unraveling the medical mystery surrounding Lt. Ash Tyler, and in Discovery season 2, she takes care of Dr. Hugh Culber after his resurrection. Demonstrating her commitment to her profession, Dr. Pollard chooses to remain with Discovery when they travel to the 32nd century to escape Control at the end of Star Trek: Discovery's second season. Undoubtedly, she continues to exhibit her competence as a physician.

In Star Trek: The Next Generation season 2, Dr. Katherine Pulaski takes over from Dr. Beverly Crusher. Pulaski is often compared to Dr. McCoy, as she shares his fear of transporters and takes a practical and balanced approach to medicine by blending modern and traditional techniques. While she is remembered for challenging Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner), Pulaski's commitment to the well-being of her human patients is unrivaled, and she is a highly skilled medical professional. She is willing to put her own health at risk to solve medical mysteries, demonstrating her determination in investigative medicine. Additionally, she respects her patients' wishes even when she believes she knows what is best for them.

8 Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy (Karl Urban) - Star Trek Movies Kelvin Timeline

In the Kelvin timeline of J.J. Abrams' Star Trek movies, Dr. Leonard McCoy enrolls in Starfleet Academy alongside James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), and a significant portion of his medical practice involves treating Kirk himself. Upon Kirk's appointment as Captain of the Enterprise, Bones assumes the role of Chief Medical Officer. Among Dr. McCoy's notable medical accomplishments (aside from "operating" on a photon torpedo), he successfully formulates the genetically engineered "super blood" of Khan Noonien Singh (Benedict Cumberbatch) to revive Kirk in Star Trek Into Darkness. Similar to his Prime Timeline counterpart, Bones is a competent physician; however, his approach at the bedside could use some improvement.

7 Dr. Phlox (John Billingsley) - Star Trek: Enterprise

If there is a medical issue that requires an innovative and unconventional solution, trust Dr. Phlox from Star Trek: Enterprise to find it. As a Denobulan affiliated with the Interspecies Medical Exchange program, Dr. Phlox holds the prestigious position of Chief Medical Officer on Captain Jonathan Archer's NX-01 Enterprise (played by Scott Bakula). His extensive knowledge of xenobiology enables him to devise creative treatments. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, Phlox takes delight in exploring and understanding the distinct characteristics of all forms of life, be it physiological or cultural. This quality makes him a perfect fit for the pioneering 22nd-century Enterprise.

6 Dr. Hugh Culber (Wilson Cruz) - Star Trek: Discovery

Like many of the characters on Star Trek: Discovery, Dr. Hugh Culber's service record is defined by immense trauma. In Discovery season 1, Culber is tragically killed by Ash Tyler. However, his husband Lt. Paul Stamets and Ensign Sylvia Tilly manage to resurrect him from the mycelial network in Discovery season 2. Following Discovery's leap to the 32nd century, Dr. Culber not only serves as a physician but also takes on the role of Counselor. This allows Hugh's holistic approach to medicine to truly shine, particularly as he establishes deeper personal connections with the crew. (

5 Dr. Joseph M’Benga (Booker Bradshaw/Babs Olusanmokun) - Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Dr. Joseph M'Benga in Star Trek: The Original Series appears as a knowledgeable Vulcan physiology expert. However, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds reveals a more complex side to M'Benga, uncovering his dark history as a former Starfleet special forces operative during the Klingon War. Prior to becoming the Enterprise's CMO, he had served in intense combat. M'Benga keeps his daughter's disabling illness a secret, using the transporter buffer to temporarily alleviate her condition. Reluctantly, he embraces his wartime persona when circumstances demand it. Despite his questionable actions and atonement for his past contributions, M'Benga stands unwaveringly devoted to healing in the present.

4 Dr. Julian Bashir (Alexander Siddig) - Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Dr. Julian Bashir commences his journey on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine with youthful enthusiasm, aiming to establish himself as a trailblazer in frontier medicine. However, his conceit is humbled when confronted by the harsh realities of the Dominion War. In DS9 season 6, Dr. Bashir discovers that he's a human augment with genetically enhanced intelligence. Yet, this revelation fails to diminish Julian's aspiration to leave an indelible mark on history. He consistently asserts his ability to tackle any medical challenge he encounters, displaying unwavering determination and a moral obligation to aid anyone in need, even adversaries of the Federation.

3 Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy (DeForest Kelley) - Star Trek: The Original Series

Renowned for his unmatched skills, Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy stands alone as an unparalleled doctor, a fact he delightfully reminds Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) of on numerous occasions. Despite encountering countless obstacles, his unwavering commitment to his patients remains at the forefront of his medical practice. In the face of adversity, McCoy's blend of traditional wisdom and contemporary techniques triumphs, ensuring accurate diagnoses and successful treatments for the crew of the Enterprise. However, his triumphs are not without their trials, as he often arrives only to find crew members in the infamous red shirts already beyond his healing reach.

2 The Doctor (Robert Picardo) - Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Prodigy

The Emergency Medical Hologram on Star Trek: Voyager, also referred to as The Doctor, melds the knowledge and abilities of every distinguished Starfleet doctor who came before him, making him extraordinarily skilled from a practical perspective. Nevertheless, he transcends his programming by acquiring new medical techniques and adapting his approach to effectively treat species in the Delta Quadrant that are not documented in Starfleet records. The Doctor's trajectory is characterized by personal growth, transforming from a mere program into a multifaceted individual, ultimately establishing himself as one of the finest medical professionals within the Star Trek universe.

1 Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) - Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Picard

Dr. Beverly Crusher, the Chief Medical Officer of the USS Enterprise-D, exhibits exceptional skills as a general physician and as a leader of the medical team. She adeptly handles both routine medical procedures and urgent situations with unwavering professionalism. Beyond her comforting presence in sickbay, Beverly demonstrates unwavering adherence to her ethical principles and her inquisitive nature drives her to explore new treatments and techniques. Notably, in Star Trek: Picard season 3, Dr. Crusher ascends to the position of head of Starfleet Medical and achieves the prestigious rank of Admiral, solidifying her status as the top physician in the Star Trek universe.