Even though you see the real thing every day, once in a while it’s entertaining to see how Hollywood does it — if only to catch the made-up absurdities! Whether you’re in the mood for an old drama or a wacky comedy, these top ScrubsMag reader picks will be sure to entertain you:
1. Patch Adams (1998) – Touching comedy with Robin Williams
“It’s the best medical movie — even if it’s sad.” – Nurse Owens
“It’s usually the nurses who bring the smiles, so I’d love to see a Patch Adams-type movie made about a nurse. In the meantime, this is the movie that inspires me to connect with patients more than any other.” – M. Fisher
2. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) – Drama with Jack Nicholson
“Why do I love this movie even though the nurse is evil? I guess because I see the darkest part of me in Nurse Ratched. And I know I’d never do what she does.” – Anonymous
“Every nurse should see this movie, just so they know what patients are referencing when they talk about the horrible nurse from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” – Nurse Patricia R.
3. Bad Medicine (1985)
“I voted for this movie because it’s totally hilarious, even though it’s dated. You must have worked with at least one doctor who graduated from a university like this…” – Nurse Collins
4. Young Doctors in Love (1982) – Spoof/Comedy that has ALL the Stereotypes
“Funniest. Movie. Ever.” – K. Alspaugh
“I couldn’t believe the number of recognizable people (bet they wish they could remove this from their resumé!) were in this forgettable movie.” – Anonymous
5. The Dream Team (1989) – Comedy with Michael Keaton
“It’s awful, but in a ‘good’ awful 80s sort of way. This one’s definitely for the psych nurses.” – A. Zucker
“Very funny psych movie.” – D. Morrison
6. Awakenings (1990) – Tearjerker with Robert DeNiro
“I love this because a nurse is key to helping the doctor arrive at the best conclusions. Go nurses!”– Anonymous
7. Something the Lord Made (2004) – Drama with Alan Rickman
“Movies that show breakthroughs inspire me. This one is about breaking the color barrier in medicine. I get chills when I see it!” – N. Eaves
8. The Doctor (1991) – Drama with William Hurt
“This is so good…I recommend it to the physicians I work with. It’s about a doctor who gets sick and has to deal with doctors from a patient’s POV. Very powerful.” – Anonymous
9. Sybil (1976) – Drama with Sally Field
“I both read the book and watched the movie. It’s a horrific story but a wonderful demonstration of how a medical professional (in this case a psychiatrist) can connect with and ultimately help a patient.” – Nurse Carter
“What made this story stand out for me was the inaction of her childhood doctor, even though there was clear evidence of abuse. Ever since I saw this movie I have been extra cautious to make sure that my patients aren’t being victimized.” – Anonymous
10. The Hospital (1971) – Black comedy with George C. Scott
“I love watching old medical movies to see the archaic equipment, the extreme stereotypes, and the nurse-doctor relationships (wow, they really got away with everything!). This one has some good zingers about nurses, too.” – Bea
Patient: So at 9:15 this morning I rang for my nurse…
Dr. Bock: Rang for your nurse?
Patient: To ensure one full hour of uninterrupted privacy.
Dr. Bock: Good.
This article was republished with permission from SCRUBS Magazine.
Yes- the same one. Very funny early Michael Keaton. It’s one of those learn something about yourself movies. Also Lorraine Bracco is in it as his girlfriend which ups the ante.
I loved the Dream Team, isn’t that the one where he takes some psyche patients on an outing?