Scrubs, Sirens, and Spin: How TV Shapes What Patients Expect From Us

What happens when TV medicine meets real-world healthcare?

From instant diagnoses to heroic saves, medical dramas shape what patients expect from clinicians and care. But what do these portrayals get right—and what do they miss?

During Telehealth Awareness Week, healthcare leaders explored how shows like The Pitt and Scrubs influence patient expectations, portray the realities of clinical practice, and overlook virtual care.

The discussion highlighted how pop culture can shape perceptions of care, reinforce misconceptions about healthcare teams, and create opportunities to help patients understand how telehealth supports—not replaces—in-person care.

Read the full session summary to explore what TV gets right, what it gets wrong, and why these portrayals matter.

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