Medical specialists are supposed to be serious. At St. Denis Medical Center in Oregon, however, there is anything but seriousness. “St. Denis Medical” is a new sitcom on NBC that rejuvenates the spunk of “Scrubs.”   

“St. Denis Medical” follows the stories of medical specialists that are overworked but remain devoted to their patients, and the TV show premiered last November. The sitcom is documentary style, giving nostalgic vibes to sitcoms like “The Office.” The sitcom’s characters imbue warm personalities, such as Joyce, Matt and Ron. Viewers shake with laughter as the sitcom spoofs real problems within the medical system.   

Joyce Henderson (Wendi McLendon-Covey) is the executive director of St. Denis Medical Center and is a force to be reckoned. McLendon-Covey’s physical comedy is ludicrous, especially as she tries to liven up the hospital with encouragement and publicity stunts. Audiences can’t help but shake their heads with all the shenanigans Joyce starts within the hospital.   

Secondly, there is Matt (Mekki Leeper). Matt is a newly registered nurse who still needs some more experience with his job. Frankly, Matt does not know what he is doing when he treats patients. For instance, accidentally injecting yourself — rather than the patient — with an EpiPen is probably not recommended. However, audiences cannot help but root for Matt as he tries to help his patients, for better or worse.    

The moral compass, for the most part, of the hospital rests with Ron (David Alan Grier). Ron is one of the hospital’s doctors, who somewhat seems like the most reasonable person in the hospital room, which can be both comforting and amusing for audiences. In one episode, some of the medical professions debate about religion and medical practices. Ron does not believe spiritual practices impact medical procedures. When a series of unfortunate and amusing events occur, Ron becomes the only person physically capable of performing surgery for a patient. Before starting the surgery, Ron says a silent prayer to himself, which prompts Ron to reflect upon his position later.   

In addition to some spoofs about medicine versus religion debates, the TV show does a decent job making light of the struggles medical professionals have to deal with every day on the job. Sometimes, a patient thinks they know everything medical after taking a glance at the internet.  Sometimes, a pharmaceutical sales representative can try to sell vacations and pills to a doctor. Sometimes, a medical professional makes an error in judgement, such as accidentally falling onto a hospital bed that has a patient in it. In more ways than one, “St. Denis Medical” tackles the complexities of life within the medical field with humor and heart.