For the past few days, I have been binge-watching a show called “The Good Doctor”. It is a television series that follows the life and career of Dr. Shaun Murphy, a young surgical resident with autism and savant syndrome, as he navigates the challenges of working in a prestigious hospital. Despite facing skepticism and prejudice from some of his colleagues, Shaun’s exceptional medical skills and unique perspective enable him to make significant contributions to his patients’ care.
The show explores themes of acceptance, empathy, and the importance of diversity in the workplace as Shaun learns to navigate interpersonal relationships and advocate for himself in a demanding and competitive environment. Alongside Shaun, viewers are introduced to a diverse cast of characters, including fellow doctors, nurses, and hospital staff, each with their own personal and professional challenges.
Throughout the series, Shaun grapples with ethical dilemmas, complex medical cases, and his own insecurities and limitations, all while striving to prove himself as a capable and compassionate physician. “The Good Doctor” combines medical drama with character-driven storytelling, addressing issues of inclusion, disability rights, and the power of empathy and human connection in healthcare.
An Emotional Binge-Watch
This show has taken me on an emotional rollercoaster and has led to my own personal identification with the main character. Although I have watched the show “Atypical” and found ways that I could relate, this show, “The Good Doctor” has opened me up emotionally, and I have found myself responding in ways that have been quite overwhelming for me.
Although there are vast differences between the main character of this show and me as it relates to autism spectrum disorder, seeing a character portrayed in such a positive and multidimensional way has been quite validating and empowering to me. My experiences as they relate to ASD has been reflected on screen in a way that has made me feel a sense of connection and validation.
The fact that I can actually relate to the challenges of the main character in so many ways has not only been validating but has also evoked strong emotions within me. There is great relatability in seeing someone triumph over various challenges and go through similar experiences as it relates to ASD. I have been so engaged in this show since I began watching it only a few days ago, and I have cried many tears because of revelations, connections, and an overall feeling of empathy for the main character’s struggle to “fit in” within a space where acceptance isn’t readily given by others because of being different.
On a day off from work, I retreated to my room and watched several episodes in tears as I recalled instances of my own personal struggles from the past and in the present. I was forced to consider how various disorders shape who people become, often through no fault of their own. This also includes my thoughts on narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) as well. Perhaps that’s why I held out with all my empathy awaiting my mother, a narcissist, (or anyone else I’ve known with NPD) to change.
My Voice Unchained 