From Zoanne Clack, M.D., writer of "Deny, Deny, Deny"

Originally posted on 10/16/05

As the doctor/writer on the show, I can really relate to trying to have a real life while going through internship and residency. I did my training in emergency medicine, but I was this close (showing fingers really close together) to going into surgery. At the last minute I decided to do emergency medicine instead which gave me the flexibility to pursue other interests (like, um, writing). I moved out to LA with my good "day job" (and I still work in the ER, too, though mostly at night) and was lucky enough to land my first writing job soon after I made the move.

Grey's Anatomy is actually my second show but this is my first produced episode. I think the most amazing moment on set for me was watching Chandra Wilson humanize Bailey. When she had to call the parents to tell them Jeremiah had died, it brought up memories of the many times I've had to do that myself. It was heart wrenching to watch and I felt like it captured the intensity of the emotions that medicine rigorously trains doctors to shut down. Through the characters on Grey's, real emotional issues and medical cases are explored. In fact, in this episode the case of the gunshot wound to the head was based on a guy I took care of during my residency. In the real case the patient shot himself in the head, but that seemed too morbid for our show, plus we'd already had an episode with a self-inflicted gunshot wound (and how many times do you want to see that?!).

Putting out accurate medical information is a task that we take very seriously. We realize we could be an important source of information for medical and public health issues and see it as our responsibility to make our medicine as accurate as possible. That said, there is a fine line between drama and reality. Drama is king, or maybe queen would be more accurate for our show. We research the medicine very intensely and have outside doctors that we consult but our main focus is the relationships of our main characters and the impact that the cases have on them. As a result, sometimes (but not often, I promise) medical details are sacrificed to highlight dramatic moments.

Bit of trivia for you: Kalpana Vera is the lady with Munchausen's. The translation of her name is "imaginary truth." (Kalpana: Hindi, Vera: Latin)

Comments

[bethp]

I would be in DENIAL if i will say your episode didnt touch me.....

[laurenK.]

thanks so much for writing that episode. you are a genious. that episode was too good to put into words.

[JW]

I really like how Bailey is starting to open up as the interns develop. It's really nice character, uh, development. It's most plain in "Make Me Lose Control", the way she's just watching Cristina and the way she fends off Meredity. Really good stuff.

[kelly]

I agree with your show being an important medical information source. I recently suffered from peri-partum cardiomyopathy and was amazed at the lack of knowledge and awareness of this serious disease that affects otherwise healthy young women. I think it would be wonderful if a PPCM case could be included in an episode.

[nursesupporter]

thanks so much for writing the episode about the nurses' strike. It's unusual to see such a sympathetic-and honest-portrayal of workplace issues in a hospital setting. nurses want fair treatment on the job, but they also want to do right by their patients, as you showed on the episode. on behalf of working nurses, I applaud you.

[old friend]

zoanne,
your shows are insightful and witty. we are all impressed with your accomplishments... your med school friends.

I really enjoy watching your show. It's so real and personal. Please keep pushing yourself to get better and better. Also have Isis in a show or 2.

[Sara]

This was one of my favorite episodes, so many layers. As you watch Bailey, you see the crack in her armour go straight to the heart. And you know how much she loved the guy who died, he was so good. Also loved watching Alice Grey, particularly when she is in the room and Richard walks in and she kisses him thinking they are going to have a moment. Something about that just really got me. It's obvious how much he still loves her and yet we know he's married and he just can't help how much he loves her. And she's crazy but she still has all of these parts, the brilliant analysis skills, the love of him, the coldness toward her daughter. Really interesting. And Burke climbing into bed with Christina in front of her mother, I loved that, too. Thanks.

[Perisa Harrison]

Dear Shonda

If I knew your personal fan club email or address I would sent it there. I don't know where to begin. First things first though, I really wish ABC would consider keepying "G.A." on Sunday night where in my opinion I feel that the audience would be greater. Where do I really begin, this show has touched me in a way that is beyond words. My preteen is even hooked. Your creation has left a powerful mark within me. Chondra Wilson is superb as well as the rest of your cast. I am so very proud and honored to see so may African Americans portrayed in such a power and positive role. I thank, I thank you. It would be such a huge honor to meet you one of these days.

[Phil F. (MSTP @ UTSW class of '97)]

Zoanne-

Congratulations on a great job with Grey's Anatomy! My wife (C.F.) and I enjoy it very much. My only suggestion, from a medical standpoint, would be to have a pediatric surgeon caring for the surgical needs of infants and children at SGH rather than an OB/GYN.

I am happy to offer my services as a pediatric surgical consultant, if this would assist you.

[Charlotte Cav]

As a former employee for one the the largest Children's Hospital in the nation, I also suggest having a pediatric surgeon on "staff" for your show.
Also, with thirteen years of working in a children's hospital, I have many unbeliveable but shockingly true stories.