‘Hero or human?’: the development of the medical profession image in American series

Abstract

This article aims to analyze and discuss the representation of health professionals in the American television series, with a specific focus on physicians. We defend that these professionals were initially presented as infallible heroes due to the direct and indirect participation of medical institutions. The literature review shows that this model began to deteriorate in the 1970s and 1980s presenting fallible physicians, that were liable to errors and even crimes. We argue that the current production, despite presenting ‘more human’ professionals, continues to be influenced by public and private health organizations and institutions, in order to perpetuate a favorable image of doctors and the medical institution. In this regard, we will draw attention to the recent participation of the Hollywood Health and Society in television fictional series.