I became a surgeon because of Grey's Anatomy - now I'm consultant on the show

A man inspired to become a neurosurgeon because of hit TV drama Grey's Anatomy, is now a medical consultant on the show.

Stephen Bergin, 35, a sixth year resident, watched the medical drama in high school and instantly became a regular viewer.

Stephen always had an interest in the human brain but he says the TV drama inspired him to become a neurosurgeon.

So when he was given the opportunity to be part of show, he didn't hesitate.

Stephen was selected to be a consultant during season 19 - providing advice on script writing and guiding actors - and he is currently involved with brainstorming ideas for season 21.

Stephen, from Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, said: "It was such a fun experience to be able to see all that goes into creating the show.

"I was interested in it immediately because watching Grey's Anatomy in high school inspired me to get into neurosurgery."

Stephen was in his fourth year of residency when the show producers were recruiting for medical consultants to work on Season 19.

An announcement was made through his residency programme at Duke University Hospital and Stephen decided to apply.

Stephen said: "The production always has medical specialists on staff for consults and they like to have a resident in that bunch so all the resident storylines feel realistic.

"I was in my fourth year of residency which is also known as a research year, so I had more time available to take the role on.

"I applied, interviewed and was lucky enough to be chosen."

Stephen's role as a consultant involved every stage of creating the show.

He influenced script-writing, filming and even appeared as an extra.

Stephen said: "We would receive scripts from the showrunners or writers with lines in them that would literally say 'medical, medical, medical'.

"It was my job to fill in these lines with applicable medical jargon.

"I would also be consulted on what type of injury could bring two characters working in different medical departments together.

"For example, if they needed a reason for a neurosurgeon and a cardiothoracic specialist to be in a room together, I would come up with the injury that meant they were both needed."

Stephen also got involved in shooting the scenes and was on set during the filming of season 19's mid-season finale "Thunderstruck" in October 2022.

He said: "When I was on set, I got to interact with the actors about the words I had written.

"Ellen Pompeo was going over her lines at one point and asked if there was an alternative way of saying something.

"I suggested a change which got approved and then Ellen chanted 'The doctor saved the script!' over and over again."

It wasn't just language that Stephen would help with - he also guided actors in how to use particular instruments.

Stephen said: "I helped Caterina Scorsone, who plays Amelia Shepherd, understand the proper way to use a tool for the spine.

"She was so committed to doing a good job. They all were!

"I was so impressed by their commitment