Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Harrowing medical drama about hospital politics, ethics.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Where to Watch
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The Resident
What's the Story?
THE RESIDENT is a medical drama about the kinds of things that can happen behind the scenes at a major hospital. Devon Pravesh (Manish Dayal) is a first-year resident at the fictitious Chastain Park Memorial, where he's paired up with difficult third-year resident Conrad Hawkins (Matt Czuchry), a brilliant doctor who puts his patients first and hospital politics last. Hawkins successfully uses unorthodox approaches to teach Pravesh to think beyond medical school textbooks, and is willing to break hospital rules when he deems it necessary. He continually butts heads with Chief of Surgery Solomon Bell (Bruce Greenwood), whose ego overshadows his sense of ethics and his patients' well-being. Also on staff is Dr. Mina Okafor (Shaunette Reneé Wilson), who experiences Dr. Bell's bullying firsthand, the arrogant Chief of Oncology Lane Hinter (Melina Kanakaredes), and Nicolette Nevin (Emily VanCamp), a committed and ethical nurse who also happens to be Dr. Hawkins' former love interest. Practicing medicine isn't easy, but it's definitely harder when trying to negotiate the internal affairs of the medical business.
Is It Any Good?
This compelling series curiously explores the idea that while doctors have a hard and important job, they don't always practice good medicine. It highlights the fact that the medical field is a business, which often leads to decisions based on politics and economics rather than the needs or well-being of the patient. It also raises questions about the code of ethics doctors are expected to follow, and the unexpected (and unfortunate) consequences that can result.
It's an entertaining work of fiction, but it shares some harrowing real-life information, including the fact that medical error is the third leading cause of death in the United States. There are also scenes that are reminiscent of some well-publicized instances of malpractice. Ultimately, The Resident reinforces the idea that while there are a lot of wonderful things doctors and nurses do to save lives, there are a lot of things they can do to damage them, too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about some of the ethical issues that come up throughout The Resident. What are the most difficult situations they face when treating patients? Would you make the same choices?
Does The Resident offer a realistic view of what being a medical professional in a hospital is like? Or are conflicts exaggerated to make it more dramatic?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 21, 2018
- Cast : Manish Dayal , Matt Czuchry , Bruce Greenwood
- Network : Fox
- Genre : Drama
- TV rating :
- Last updated : March 13, 2020
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