How Accurate Is 'The Pitt'? A Real-Life ER Doctor Has an Answer
The Pitt has quickly become one of the best medical dramas in recent years, but how realistic is it? Here's what a real ER doctor says.
What is the hardest job in the world? It depends on what show you're watching. In recent years, Maid and The Bear have tried to convince viewers that housekeepers and cooks work in hell.
Recently, The Pitt has finally set the record straight: a doctor is the best candidate for the title of hardest and most heroic profession.
However, many viewers wonder how realistic everything shown in The Pitt is – real-life ER doctor Reed Caldwell answered this question when speaking with Insider.
'The Pitt' Is Highly Accurate, But Sometimes Overly Dramatic
According to the specialist, most scenes in The Pitt do indeed reflect real situations that doctors face. For example, the fast pace, high stress, and need for quick decision-making are all part of everyday work in the emergency room.
Additionally, the technical aspects are extremely accurate – all procedures are carried out correctly.
Dr. Reed Caldwell's only small complaint about The Pitt is that some situations are exaggerated for dramatic effect. He believes it's unlikely that a doctor would treat his own wound or that a resident would be allowed to place a Raboa.
Dr. Caldwell Noted How Well 'The Pitt' Depicted Social Problems & Covid-19 Struggles
However, Dr. Caldwell praised The Pitt most for its portrayal of the challenges and mental struggles that ER workers face.
He noted that the storyline in which Doug Driscoll lost his temper, and ultimately punched Dana in the face was "incredibly accurate."
In addition, Dr. Caldwell admitted that he was impressed by the scene with Dr. Robby's flashbacks to the times of Covid-19:
“This clip is exceptionally accurate and represents a lot of what my teammates and colleagues have gone through in the last five years.”
'The Pitt' Actors Underwent Training With Real Doctors to Ensure Their Performances Were Authentic
To achieve authenticity, the actors underwent a two-week training camp led by real doctors. They learned how to perform medical procedures, such as stitching wounds, performing CPR, intubation, and blood transfusions.
Taylor Dearden, who played Mel, said:
“The coolest skill might be that we can all ultrasound now. It's really trippy because we had volunteers, and we just put gel on their belly and do the whole ultrasound.”
The series' consultants were practicing doctors who helped ensure accurate depictions of medical processes.
So if you're looking for a medical drama as close to reality as possible with deep characters and socially significant themes, The Pitt is the perfect choice. It's an honest story about people who fight for patients' lives every day, face difficult decisions, and don't always win.
