Hooked on ‘The Pitt’? Here’s what a trauma doctor thinks.
RBWH Director of Emergency Dr Sean Rothwell weighs in on hit TV series The Pitt.
Director of Emergency Dr Sean Rothwell draws parallels between hit hospital drama The Pitt and life at the frontline in Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) Emergency and Trauma Centre.
Currently one of the hottest shows on TV, The Pitt is set in the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Centre, following the team as they manage the many and varied cases that come through their doors.
“Just like in the TV show, no two days are ever the same in the RBWH Emergency and Trauma Centre (ETC),” Sean said.
“While it’s not for everyone, the fact that there is no ‘normal day’ is what attracts people to work in emergency medicine.”
With each series of The Pitt reflecting one shift, Sean notes that the level of activity and types of cases vary during the day and across the week in the ETC.
“The department is always particularly busy in the afternoons and evenings,” he said.
“As well as being the leading trauma centre north of the Brisbane River, we are also the stroke centre for north Brisbane, and we triage and manage all other patients who present for care.”
Sean emphasises that he is supported by a fantastic team who keep the ETC running smoothly each day.
“From my medical colleagues to nurses, administration staff, and allied health practitioners, we are truly a multidisciplinary team able to respond to whatever treatment patients need on any given day.”
In addition to clinical care, the team recognises that patients have loved ones concerned for them, and they work hard to keep families updated and supported.
“We’re all trained to work with families, but we are also supported by an amazing team of social workers who care for families and other loved ones during what can be a very difficult time,” Sean said.
So, what does he think of The Pitt?
“Along with others in the team, I have been enjoying the series. It’s certainly one of the more realistic hospital dramas.”
High praise indeed, from a doctor managing the realities of emergency and trauma care in Queensland.