“If you look at American medical fiction written by doctors, like 'The House of God' by Samuel Shem and 'The Blood of Strangers' by Frank Huyler, both have themes of cynicism and dysfunction running through them that you won't find in 'ER.' You find it in 'Scrubs,' but because that's a comedy, it gets away with it.”

British television writer, producer, director and novelist

Jed Mercurio is a British television writer, producer, director and novelist. Before turning to television, he worked as a hospital doctor and served as a Royal Air Force officer. He was born Gerald Gary Mercurio and has been ranked among the leading writers in UK television. Mercurio is known for his work across drama, as well as for moving from medicine into writing and production. In 2017, he received a Fellowship of the Royal Television Society and the Baird Medal from RTS Midlands, recognition that reflects his standing in British television.