Q On ER, Don Cheadle does a surgical rotation despite Parkinson's disease-induced shaking. Does the series need a few cc's of reality stat?
A No rules keep those with Parkinson's from surgical training -- or even from being surgical residents, says the American Medical Association. A spokeswoman for New York City's Mount Sinai Hospital says it would consider a surgical resident with Parkinson's -- if shaking wasn't an obvious problem: ''We simply pick the best.'' Meanwhile, ER producer Joe Sachs, a physician, says that Cheadle's character would likely choose a less hands-on specialty that makes use of his diagnostic skills and compassion. ''He can be a great doctor.'' -- Kimberly Reyes (Send queries to BurningQuestions@ew.com)
Add your comment
The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk * indicates a required field.