[Spoiler Alert for Season One of the Pitt ahead]
There are so many interesting characters on the Pitt.
One that stood out to me was Dr. Trinity Santos.
Did I like Trinity?
Um, not really, but that would be fine by Trinity haha!
Did I train with people like Trinity? Absolutely!
Trinity gives out nicknames to the medical juniors with a cutting wit that borders on meanness and not just a little insecurity.
“Crash” (for Victoria Javadi, a medical student who faints at the gore)
“Huckleberry” (for Dennis Whitaker, a student who grew up outside of a city and who is impressive at killing rats)
“So long fellow losers!” (well…I can’t say I’ve never wanted to say those exact words).
Trinity is the first to volunteer for procedures–the more lifesaving and invasive the better! I bet she asked for Raptor shears for her 16th birthday.
In a culture that respects intelligence and speed, Trinity seems to stand at the very forefront of the ideal confident emergency resident.
Until she doesn’t.
A possible medical error.
A missed pneumothorax.
A needlestick injury.
A colleague’s secret.
All of these challenges help to reveal the depth of Trinity’s character.
What I find interesting about Trinity’s character is her willingness to grow and surprise despite her initial bravado.
She is observant.
She listens in the background while she reads the room.
She can show signs of humility.
She can show vulnerability.
She doesn’t allow jerks to be jerks.
She can be unexpectedly kind.
What does this character say about medical culture and why is this depiction so relatable?
Trinity’s character realistically showcases the concept of “fitting in”–in this case, fitting into the ideal emerg resident profile. Have you ever deemed a classmate as “so ortho” or “destined for derm” or “too lazy for surgery”? There is a pressure to conform to the specialty’s ideal so that you can impress, advance, get top scores, and maybe be lead resident one day.
On first meeting, Trinity seems like a classic emergency resident. She ends the season with an increased maturity. It’s clear that she is not exactly as she appears at first glance.
Question: “Have you ever tried to fit into your role in medicine?”
