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Abstract #158383

Monica B. Scales, MA, ABD¹, Christopher Groscurth, MA, ABD², Susan Chang, PhD³, and Elisabeth Bigsby, MA¹. (1) Center for Health and Risk Communication, University of Georgia, Coverdell Building, Athens, GA 30602, 404-735-0099, monica.scales@gmail.com, (2) Speech Communication, University of Georgia, Terrell Hall, Athens, GA 30602, (3) University of Miami, Room 3016 Frances L. Wolfson Communication Building, Coral Gables, FL 33146

Primetime television medical dramatizations have enjoyed great success with viewers. Shows such as Grey's Anatomy, ER, and Nip/Tuck have capitalized on the dramatic allure of surgical procedures, and the human drama that ensues from the life or death predicaments featured on medial dramas. They provide a unique cultural site for analyzing the ways in which human relationships influence the practice of medicine. More importantly, analyzing how medical dramas represent these relationships is critical given that consumers increasingly rely on a variety of media for health information beyond that of their doctor. Furthermore, another body of literature has sought to critically examine communication issues related to the mediated representation of race. Studies of this type critically examine how race is represented and positioned in relation to a myriad of political and economic issues. The purpose of the present study is to examine how issues of race and healthcare professional identity intersect on the NBC series Grey's Anatomy. Through the use focus groups, we will examine audience responses to questions regarding: patient-provider interaction, race and class-based health disparities, and representation of racial identity on Grey's Anatomy. Such a descriptive analysis of race and related health issues fills a critical void between each of the previously mentioned areas of communication inquiry. This study will contribute to the understanding of how audiences use media to inform their cultural repertoires regarding health issues, as well as provide insight regarding the changing dynamics of the representation of racial identity in primetime television, and audience perceptions thereof.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how audience members view patient provider interactions on the show.
• Learn how audience members view health storylines and topics, and what they do with this information post-viewing.
• Learn how Grey's Anatomy has impacted impressions of race and gender on the health field.

Keywords: Media, Health Communications

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.