A Duke University neurosurgeon’s dreams came true after he was asked to become a medical consultant on the hit drama television show Grey’s Anatomy.
Stephen Bergin, 35, a sixth-year resident at the hospital, made the decision to study medicine after becoming a regular viewer of the 21-season show while still in high school.
Following in the footsteps of the show’s beloved character, Dr. Derek Shepherd, popularly known as McDreamy among fans, Bergin decided to become a neurosurgeon at a young age.
When she completed her fourth year of residency at the hospital, the show’s producers put out a public call for Duke doctors who wanted to become medical consultants in season 19.
Stephen Bergin, 35, a sixth-year neurosurgeon resident, had his dreams come true after he was asked to become a medical consultant on the hit television drama show Grey’s Anatomy.
Bergin, a passionate fan, quickly seized the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and applied for the position.
‘I was immediately interested because watching Grey’s Anatomy in high school inspired me to study neurosurgery.
‘The production always has medical specialists on staff for consultations and they like to have a resident in that group so that all the residents’ stories seem realistic.
‘I was in my fourth year of residency, which is also known as research year, so I had more time available to take on the role.
“I applied, I was interviewed and I was lucky enough to be chosen,” Bergin told British news agency SWNS.
The Duke University Hospital doctor decided to save lives after becoming a regular viewer of the 21-season show while in high school.
Bergin (center) is pictured with Caterina Scorsone, who plays Dr. Amelia Shepherd (left) and Kim Raver, who plays Dr. Teddy Altman (right) on the sets.
In a video clip, he explained that as a consultant, he is involved in generating the show’s story and providing writers with real-life medical scenarios that they incorporate into the script.
‘We would get scripts from showrunners or writers with lines that literally said ‘doctor, doctor, doctor.’
‘My job was to fill these lines with applicable medical jargon.
‘I would also be asked what type of injury could unite two characters who work in different medical departments.
“For example, if they needed a reason for a neurosurgeon and a cardiothoracic specialist to be in a room together, I would invent the injury that made both of them necessary.”
The senior resident also appeared as an extra on the Emmy-winning series.
But his role on the set is not limited to being a mere consultant.
Bergin has also occasionally contributed to filming by teaching actors how to use medical equipment and once helped lead Ellen Pompeo with her lines during the Season 19 midseason finale, “Thunderstruck,” in October 2022.
‘When I was on set, I was able to interact with the actors about the words I had written.
‘Ellen Pompeo was going over her lines at one point and asked if there was an alternative way to say something.
‘I suggested a change that was approved and then Ellen sang “The doctor saved the script!” over and over again.
‘I helped Caterina Scorsone, who plays Amelia Shepherd, understand the correct way to use a spinal tool.
The Duke University resident is shown here with Scott Speedman, who plays Dr. Nick Marsh on the show.
“She was very committed to doing a good job. Everyone was! I was very impressed with her commitment and kindness to me at all times.”
The senior resident also appeared as an extra on the Emmy-winning series.
Sharing a short video of himself on X, he wrote: “Found me! Helping transport patient after successful #greysanatomy surgery.”
In addition to being a physician and consultant, Bergin also shares his experiences on set and as a neurosurgeon on social media to raise awareness.
