Changing the face of medicine, alternating the meaning of human

Abstract

Seasons 11 and 12 of the popular medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy (2005–) present potentially revolutionizing medical innovations and fields of research that are discussed in this article in terms of academic debates about posthumanism. Doctors in Grey’s Anatomy believe their work can change the face of medicine and change what it means to be human. By means of content analysis of three storylines, this essay explores representations of medical innovations in the show. Since medical dramas have a proven capacity to raise awareness about medical issues, this article argues that Grey’s Anatomy is able to educate its audience about potentially life-changing medical developments.