One of those medi-pop TV shows was playing on someone’s television recently, and since I am hopelessly naive when it comes to these things, my educated guess is that it was Grey’s Anatomy. One of the characters looked familiar–in fact, now that I think about it, he was on the cover of Seattle Magazine for their “Best Doctors in Seattle.” I’m sure that the real docs in Seattle were thrilled about that, but that’s another story.

Anyway, I have no idea what the episode was about, but a group of medical students or residents were all sitting around a table. It was a nice politically correct assortment that included both genders and a variety of colors and ethnicities. I doubt that most hospitals have such a nice ratio, and that residents tend to coordinate the gender/ethnic ratio when they all hang out together. You know, if there’s too many white guys one of them has to leave the table and they grab a Chinese woman to replace him.

But aside from the political correctness, all were young and good looking. While most residents probably are in their late 20s, some are noticeably older. A growing number of people are opting for medicine as a second career, or heading into medical school after completing a master’s degree in another subject. So by the time they reach their residency, they may well be heading towards age 40.

The good looking part, is really ridiculous. I know that TV people tend to be more attractive than the random population, but after working in a hospital, I can assure you that most residents are not good looking. Most are well, average. They look like everyone else—not better or worse. And none of these fine residents looked like they ever did a night of call in their life, and looked remarkably well rested and refreshed. Bright eyed and rosy cheeked, hair clean and styled, make-up perfect…. Yeah, and this is the same hospital where physicians change bedpans and personally discharge patients, even wheeling them down to the front door.

Aren’t they cute?