The Unbelievable Journey of Dr Schmitt to Becoming the Ultimate Chief Resident on Grey’s Anatomy

Dr. Levi Schmitt became the Chief Resident at Grey Sloan Memorial in Grey's Anatomy season 19, making him the last remaining member of his Residents class. Over the years, numerous interns have come and gone, but aside from the original interns and those in season 19, few have stayed or received significant screen time. The focus primarily revolves around Meredith Grey, her class, and the attending physicians. Lexie Grey, Meredith's sister, was the only prominent intern from her class. Stephanie Edwards and Jo Wilson also had their own storylines, with Stephanie dating Jackson Avery and Jo marrying Alex Karev.

Schmitt made his debut in Grey's Anatomy season 14, episode 1 as a fourth-year medical student visiting Grey Sloan Memorial with hopes of becoming an intern. He secured a position in the residency program but encountered a mishap on his first day as a sub-intern when his glasses fell into the surgical field while observing the surgeons. This incident earned him the nickname "Glasses." However, since then, he has grown significantly. In Grey's Anatomy season 19, he assumes the responsibility of overseeing the new interns.

Schmitt Became A Fan Favorite Intern

Schmitt's endearing charm lies in his awkwardness, which resonates with fans. While his colleagues often fail to communicate their expectations clearly, this is not entirely his fault. Unlike characters like Meredith or Cristina Yang, Grey's Anatomy did not initially portray Schmitt as a promising surgeon, but rather as comedic relief. It was only through his relationship with Nico that he finally received a significant storyline. However, it is this very awkwardness that captivated fans and endeared him to them.

Grey’s Anatomy Gave Schmitt Many Focused Storylines

Schmitt, one of the interns, has not been given solo storylines like some of the others. However, even before Borelli became a series regular, he and Taryn Helm were the main focus of their intern group. After becoming a regular, Schmitt experienced a major storyline where he lost a patient due to the Webber method. This incident led him to quit the program, end his relationship with his boyfriend, and spend time playing video games in his mother's basement. Webber attempted to bring him back, but Schmitt, like other doctors who had lost patients, found it difficult to cope. This moment marked a significant turning point in Schmitt's character development. The storyline was even referenced in season 19, with Schmitt expressing his determination to never make a mistake again.

Schmitt stood out among the interns. When Meredith needed blood for her patient, he happened to have the right blood type and willingly donated blood during surgery. Additionally, he was the only intern who escaped injury when a car crashed into Joe's bar. Schmitt demonstrated his ability to step up and assist his friends in times of need. In more recent seasons, he has used his voice to advocate for various causes. For instance, he argued to Bailey that gay individuals should be allowed to donate blood regardless of their recent sexual activity. Throughout his six seasons on the show, Borelli's character has had numerous opportunities to shine. Although he has been present for significant moments, he has not been one of the Grey's Anatomy interns known for breaking the rules.

Schmitt Was Part Of Grey’s First Same-Sex Relationship With Two Males

In the earlier seasons of Grey's Anatomy, Callie Torres embarked on a journey of self-discovery and had relationships with several women. One of the most beloved couples among fans was Callie and Arizona Robins. However, it wasn't until Schmitt and Nico Kim that the show introduced a same-sex relationship between two male characters. This groundbreaking relationship had a profound impact on Schmitt's character development, as he gained a newfound confidence and maturity. Despite facing challenges due to their different love languages, Schmitt's personal growth not only benefited their relationship but also enhanced his growth as a doctor.

Hookups have always been a significant aspect of Grey's Anatomy, starting from the moment Meredith and Derek got together. Schmitt and Nico found an unconventional yet thrilling location for a passionate encounter: the confines of an ambulance during a storm. Although they were discovered by Alex, there was no judgment, as he simply reminded them that on-call rooms were designed for such moments. This unexpected twist added a refreshing element to the show, as getting caught in compromising situations has become somewhat of a tradition in Grey's Anatomy. Thus, Schmitt and Nico have rightfully earned their place among the memorable couples in the Grey's Anatomy universe.

Schmitt’s Friendship With Jo Kept Him At Grey Sloan Memorial

Their friendship blossomed when Jo, once a stray herself, opened her home to Schmitt. They became pillars of support for each other during tough times, including Jo's heartbreak after Alex's departure and Schmitt's breakup with Nico. In the midst of the pandemic, Schmitt was there to lift Jo's spirits when she was battling depression. Their bond grew stronger as Jo confided in Schmitt about her desire to switch to OB. Little did they know that their friendship would eventually lead Schmitt to find a place at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. With the hospital's program disbanded, Schmitt and the other residents had to seek other residencies. However, fate intervened when Schmitt ended up working alongside Jo as an OB, and when the interns needed a chief resident, he was in the right place at the right time.

Schmitt Deserves Grey’s Chief Resident Role

Schmitt has been the go-to person for attendings in the past, and his skills have been recognized by Miranda Bailey, who enlisted his help with her prototype for the contest. Any resident who comes under Bailey's wing is bound for success. Schmitt has also assisted Arizona with her birth cart, despite organizing it incorrectly, he managed to save a woman from hemorrhaging later on. Additionally, he intubated Owen Hunt when Owen was mistakenly given a sedative during surgery. These experiences have shaped Schmitt into the doctor he is today.

Schmitt has always shown deep care and compassion, qualities that make him a promising surgeon. He has shown significant improvement as an intern on Grey's Anatomy, although not to the extent of Alex's complete transformation. Fans have played a role in shaping Schmitt's character, as they wanted to see more of him. He has grown into his role, but there is still room for further growth. Just like Callie, who wasn't initially great as Chief Resident but excelled as an ortho surgeon, and Bailey, who needed time to adjust to being Chief of Surgery, this is just the next chapter in Schmitt's character journey.