Check out the movies from the SEADOC team’s selection. We hope these movies have strengthened your love and inspire you in the journey of healthcare professionals. Have a great weekend and stay tuned to read upcoming articles!
Awakenings (1990)
Inspired by Oliver Sacks’s memoir of the same name, ‘Awakenings’ is a drama movie featuring stand-out performances by Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, John Heard, and Julie Kavner. In late 60s New York and centres upon Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a compassionate physician who feels that the condition of a group of catatonic patients in the hospital is akin to an extreme form of Parkinsonism. With that speculation as a basis, Malcolm seeks permission to administer the drug L-Dopa to them, which leads to shocking results.
Patch Adams (1998)
Robin Williams makes a second appearance on this list in a film based on the real-life story of Dr Hunter “Patch” Adams, who, after overcoming depression, dedicates his career to promoting humour and compassion in medicine.
Something the Lord Made (2004)
Based on true events, this made-for-television drama tells the story of pioneering cardiac surgeon Alfred Blalock and his unlikely assistant Vivien Thomas, an African-American without formal training but with a sharp intellect and the dexterity to match. Along the way, some of the unfortunate racial realities of mid-20th-century America are laid bare, making this tale of medical ingenuity somewhat bittersweet.
Grey’s Anatomy (2005)
Released in 2005, Grey’s Anatomy has ever since held the position of one of the most favourite TV series in the US. The series revolves around a group of doctors, nurses, and patients at a hospital in Seattle. Throughout the episodes, the audience gradually explores the hard work, relationships, and personal life of the people who work or are being treated there. Over 15 years of broadcasting, Grey’s Anatomy has become a part of the lives of audiences around the world.
Concussion (2015)
Will Smith stars as Dr Bennet Omalu, the Nigerian-born physician and forensic pathologist, who discovered the presence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in a deceased American football player, while working at the coroner’s office in Alleghany County, Pennsylvania. Based on actual events, the film portrays the National Football League’s initial attempts to dismiss the findings and the eventual acceptance of the research into the mainstream. Another great reminder of the importance that science, curiosity, and ethics play in medicine.
Extremis (2016)
Directed and produced by Dan Krauss, ‘Extremis’ is a documentary film that focuses on the end-of-life decisions taken by loved ones and the situation that precedes them. Dr. Jessica Zitter is a well-reputed ICU and palliative care specialist who works at the Highland Hospital ICU in Oakland, California. She leads a team of physicians there who offers terminally ill patients palliative care and helps the families come to terms with the harsh choices that they have to make. Although sensitive, the documentary does not shy away from bringing viewers the cruel realities of end-of-life decisions and the emotional trauma that families have to go through while making them.
On Body and Soul (2017)
‘On Body and Soul’ is a poetic depiction of an enigmatic love story in the backdrop of a depressing Budapest. When the older introvert, Endre, meets the mysteriously shy new recruit in the office, Maria, ‘On Body and Soul‘ takes a turn for a psychological journey. Soon, the pair discovers a spiritual thread connecting them through bizarre dreams. Together, they try to decode the meaning of their visions and start an unlikely love affair. With a lot of secrets and emotions to hide from other employees, Endre and Maria become two secret isles connected through dreams. They start to recreate the magical experience of dreaming in daylight, which ends up in a mess within the organisation. What follows is a catharsis for the two introverts through their body and soul.
The Resident (2018)
The series portrays the journey of a young male doctor during his internship at a reputable hospital. This journey gradually reveals the real situation of the American healthcare system, in terms of both good and bad things.
Five Feet Apart (2019)
Five Feet Apart follows the beautiful but tragic love story of Will and Stella – two patients with cystic fibrosis receiving treatments at the same hospital. For people with this disease, they cannot get close to each other and a 6-step distance is the compulsory rule to avoid cross-contamination of bacteria. However, Will and Stella fall in love with each other soon as they meet. Although they could not touch each other, they still choose to love the other person, in the most sincere way.
Pandemic (2020)
Netflix’s original series – Pandemic will follow the footsteps of white-blouse heroes all over the world to explore the relentless efforts in the fight against the deadly pandemic of COVID-19 on a global scale.
