Accuracy of “The Pitt” Examined by UPMC Doctor

The HBO Max series “The Pitt” recently earned the prestigious Gotham TV Award for Breakthrough Drama Series, and it’s raising questions about just how accurate the show is in portraying a Pittsburgh emergency room. From the moment the show begins, viewers are immersed in the world of Allegheny General on Pittsburgh’s North Side, complete with a real Allegheny Health Network helicopter landing right outside the hospital doors.

Dr. Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at UPMC Children’s, is impressed with the level of detail and accuracy portrayed in “The Pitt.” She commends the show for having emergency medicine physicians on set at all times, ensuring that the medical scenes are as realistic as possible. In fact, she was consulted on various storylines to provide insight into medical scenarios that needed to be told.

One particular storyline that Dr. Owusu-Ansah was involved in focused on a teenager experiencing a sickle cell crisis but being perceived as “aggressive and agitated.” The show’s dedication to accuracy and attention to detail have earned it praise from medical professionals for its handling of complex medical language and procedures.

Dr. Owusu-Ansah also praised the show for tackling important topics, such as marijuana intoxication in children and the history of the Hill District’s Freedom House Ambulance Service, which was featured in a recent episode. She emphasizes that the success of the show lies in its commitment to listening to medical experts like herself and incorporating their expertise into the storytelling.

As “The Pitt” gears up for its second season, Dr. Owusu-Ansah is excited to see what other medical experiences of hers may find their way into future episodes. With filming set to continue in Pittsburgh, there’s a lot to look forward to in the world of this groundbreaking medical drama.