Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for The Pitt season 1, episode 15.
Max’s The Pitt excels at tackling complex and provocative real-world issues, which is exemplified through its exploration of important medical topics. By the end of its first season, the gripping medical drama fearlessly addressed a variety of serious subjects. From the devastating PittFest mass shooting to unexpected violence against characters like Dana Evans (Katherine LaNasa), the series packed several dramatic twists. Notably, many of its medical narratives reflect genuine healthcare controversies, adding a layer of realism to the show.
Beyond serving as a captivating medical procedural, The Pitt also acts as a poignant social commentary on the United States healthcare landscape. A primary goal of the series is to shed light on the everyday challenges faced by medical professionals. In order to genuinely portray the struggles within emergency room settings, the show confronts a range of serious topics. Fortunately, it approaches these discussions with sensitivity, nuance, and a rational perspective. Below, we explore seven significant ways in which The Pitt adeptly navigates controversial real-world issues.
7 Correct Treatment of Autistic Patients
Dr. King Demonstrated the Misunderstanding of Autistic Patients’ Needs
In episode 7, Dr. King (Taylor Dearden) utilized her personal experience with her autistic sister to assist a patient on the autism spectrum. This episode illustrates a critical point: healthcare professionals lacking familiarity with neurodivergent patients may not know the best approaches for effective treatment. When Dr. Langdon (Patrick Ball) stuck to conventional methods without success, Mel switched off the lights, engaged with the patient’s love for table tennis, and addressed his inquiries with care.
Unfortunately, autistic patients often face significant challenges during hospital visits. Research from the National Library of Medicine indicates that many autistic individuals receive substandard care, experience dissatisfaction with providers, and endure compromised health outcomes. Adopting Mel’s empathetic approach could greatly improve hospital experiences for autistic patients.
6 Judgment Of Patients’ Health Based On Weight
Dr. McKay Inadvertently Revealed Implicit Bias & Fatphobia in Medicine
In another instance, Dr. McKay (Fiona Dourif) struggled with her implicit biases when a patient returned after fainting while driving. Upon learning from Dr. Collins (Tracy Ifeachor) that the patient had endometriosis post-pregnancy, Dr. Collins suggested that McKay may not have conducted a pelvic exam due to the patient’s weight. The pervasive stigma surrounding body weight can detrimentally affect patient diagnoses and care (via UIC), mirroring the dynamics depicted in The Pitt.
5 Racial Bias Against Patients With Sickle Cell Disease
Dr. Mohan Recognized Joyce’s Pain Without Misinterpretation
The narrative also addressed racial bias in the treatment of sickle cell disease. When Joyce, a Black woman expressing acute pain, arrived at the hospital, Dr. Whitaker (Gerran Howell) prematurely labeled her as an addict seeking drugs. However, Dr. Mohan (Supriya Ganesh) countered this perspective with an understanding of the legitimate suffering faced by sickle cell patients, highlighting that systemic biases often lead to improper treatment for individuals primarily affected by this disease, as detailed by the National Library of Medicine.
4 Meds Not Being Regularly Administered To Unhoused People
Kiara Highlighted PTMC’s Street Team for the Unhoused
Through the introduction of “The Kraken,” Dr. Abbot’s term for an issue affecting the unhoused, The Pitt explored the serious medical challenges these individuals confront. Dr. Whitaker discovered that many unhoused persons cannot consistently access their medications due to financial constraints. The series also emphasized a promising initiative where hospitals deploy teams to deliver medications directly to individuals within encampments, proposing a small yet impactful solution to this pervasive issue.
3 Spotting & Correctly Handling Abuse & Sex Trafficking
The Pitt Exposed the Vulnerabilities of Sex Trafficking Victims
Not all storylines in The Pitt conclude on a positive note; one plot arc featured Dr. McKay and Dana Evans (Katherine LaNasa) suspecting a patient might be a victim of sex trafficking due to questionable behavior from her “boss.”This plotline not only highlighted the hospital’s resources for identifying and assisting trafficking victims but also illustrated how these vulnerable individuals can easily fall through the cracks of a weak support system, underlining the difficulties caregivers face in addressing these sensitive situations.
2 The Importance of Wearing Masks & Anti-Vaccination Misconceptions
The Pitt Addressed Anti-Mask and Anti-Vaccine Sentiments
The series reinforced that masks can effectively curtail the spread of infectious diseases (via CDC) and underscored the safety and effectiveness of vaccines (via WHO). In a noteworthy display, The Pitt treated those resistant to these practices with respect and empathy, while also compellingly presenting the scientific rationale behind public health initiatives.
1 The Understaffing, Overworking, & Undertraining of Hospital Employees
The Show Illustrates the National Nursing Shortage
Throughout the first season, The Pitt consistently highlighted a persistent challenge within healthcare — the nursing shortage. Early episodes underscored the strain on hospital resources, and Dr. Robby’s advocacy for nurses illuminated the intense pressures faced by both nursing and medical staff. The repercussions of this staffing crisis were evident, with overcrowded waiting rooms and ERs struggling to cope. Notably, the series illustrated the burnout felt by both nurses and doctors, particularly following the traumatic events of the PittFest shooting. One of the overarching themes in The Pitt is the crucial need for healthcare workers to prioritize their own mental and physical health to continue providing exceptional care to their patients.