ER aired from 1994 to 2009, and legions of viewers tuned in every Thursday night religiously for the countless dramas in and out of the emergency room during its epic run.
For many, the series was clear evidence of why they’d never want to end up in an emergency room, let alone work in one, But for others, it actually inspired them to enter the medical profession — either to help people or to emulate their favorite ER stars. And more often than not, it was a little bit of both.
1.
“Yep. First episode aired when I was 9. Started my love of emergency medicine.” —u/Dry_Machine163
2.
“It wasn’t the only factor, but ER was a big part of me wanting to go into medicine. Was considering emergency medicine at first but I decided the pace of an ER wasn’t for me so I’m a primary care pediatrician instead.” —u/doctorvictory
3.
“I was a teenager in the 90’s and LIVED for Must See TV on Thursdays so I could watch the OG seasons of E.R. Years later I realized that was a big part of what inspired me to work in emergency medicine. I went on to become a Paramedic, and I worked both in the field and in the ED. I work in hospital IT now and while I love my job. The Pitt makes me a little nostalgic for the old days (not that I would go back – no one spits on me here). I wonder if The Pitt is having a similar effect on any of the younger folks out there and/or how many fellow Olds were inspired by ER back in the day.” —u/lunaandsonny
4.
“I got into healthcare and specifically an ER because of ER. I wasnt going to settle for anything less. The show came on when I was 11. My sister and I used to sneak up past bedtime to watch it.” —u/NebulaSlight2503
5.
“Former CVICU RN, now CRNA. I never worked ED but my ICU days were crazy. I worked in a world renowned hospital, high acuity, complex cases. The show makes me miss those open chest codes and cardiac devices. I got into nursing after being obsessed with ER. I used to wear scrubs as pajamas when I was in high school.” —u/Chemical_Bet_2568
6.
“I’m an ER doctor, and the show ER definitely had a role to play in me wanting to go into medicine. I hope The Pitt inspires a new generation. I am loving the show, but many of the cases hit close to home, and the COVID flashbacks definitely take my breath away. Gotta be in the right mindset to watch it, and I know a lot of my colleagues who have decided to not watch it for their mental health, since the emotions are almost too realistic.” —u/impossiblegirl13
7.
“ER is the reason I became a nurse. Not going to lie, this really tempts me but I also know 99% of ED isn’t the fun stuff. I’m happiest when people around me are trying to die and I’m trying to not let them, it’s why I love ICU. Although now I’m pulling an Abby (minus the alcoholism) and doing the premed thing.” —u/skeinshortofashawl
9.
“Watching ER inspired me to become a nurse. It’s crazy how far I have come to now watch The Pitt after 15 years being a nurse… so sad and jaded now Iol.” —u/MemoryHot
10.
“1st year ER attending here. This show single handled lot made me want to be a doctor. I wanted to be Carter and Mark and Doug more than anything. Couldn’t be happier” —u/GarageNo6125
11.
“Pretty sure ER and Rescue 911 are the reason I went to nursing school. So, before you can staff traumas, nurses have to check off in the rooms, including being able to locate X number of items in Y amount of time, right? My preceptor threatened to fail me when my response to the location of the diagnostic peritoneal lavage was, ‘A 1992 episode of ER‘ 🤷♀️” —u/w104jgw
12.
“The show that made me want to be an ED doc! They’ll run through the worst possible presentation of a disease and see complications and treatment of same within 5 minutes, and be fairly accurate..just extremely dramatic” —u/OysterShocker
13.
“I too was allowed to stay up late for ER on Thursdays. Became an EMT at 16 and an ER nurse at 21. It was definitely an influence for me.” —u/rnmba
15.
“It’s the reason I got interested in EM. I was fooled by good prime time television, watched with my mom every Thursday night. If only my mom had been obsessed with Law and Order…” —u/thedoctor8706
Did ER inspire you to go into medicine (or not)? Let us know in the comments!