Medical films have always been popular because of their portrayals of extremely moving situations, characters with terrible illnesses and diseases, and the ethical dilemmas that healthcare professionals face. These films offer an insight into the worlds of medicine, whether it is through the challenges of patient care or groundbreaking medical research.
The Doctor
The 1991 film The Doctor stars William Hurt in the role of Jack MacKee, a self-centered, arrogant and successful surgeon. He becomes a patient of the system he controlled when he gets cancer. This allows him to experience first-hand the lack of sympathy and empathy in medical treatment. He is forced to change into a more caring and understanding physician by his personal journey, which makes him realise the importance of understanding when caring for patients. Film sets also require medics themselves, to keep the actors and crew safe and cared for. For Film Medics, visit outdoormedicalsolutions.co.uk/tv-film-medical-services/
Beautiful Mind
The next film is Ron Howard’s film from 2001, which stars Russell Crowe as the genius mathematician John Nash. The movie tells the story of John Nash’s fame and the development of his groundbreaking theories. It also explores his battle with Schizophrenia. We follow Nash’s journey to recovery as he battles his delusions, and his effects on his condition.
Patch Adams
The true story of Patch Adams stars Robin Williams, a student of medicine who questions the impersonal, traditional treatment methods. Patch, who has struggled with depression himself, finds healing in humour and compassion. He believes that real human connection and laughter are essential for patient care. He runs a clinic that is free of charge, and uses humour to make patients feel important. This movie handles the concepts of empathy, unconventional treatment methods, and how important it is to treat patients as people rather than just their illness.
Immortal life of Henrietta Lacks
Next is the 2017 film which tells Henrietta Lacks’ true story, a woman of African descent whose cells were taken in the 1950s without her knowledge whilst receiving treatment for cervical cancer. HeLa cells were crucial in the evolution of cancer treatments and the polio vaccination. The film explores the ethical and moral issues of medical research, the exploitation and racial discrimination of Black Americans, and also the effect on Henrietta and her family, especially her daughter, who is trying to understand the legacy of her mother and the significance and importance of her cells.