Why Public Health Messaging Needs More Artists in Scrubs

Dr. Sachs believes that to truly move the needle on public health understanding, the medical community must embrace more creative avenues. “The Pitt” doesn’t replace peer-reviewed journals or CME courses. Instead, it fills a different need—connecting with the public and professionals on emotional and empathetic levels.

That’s why Dr. Sachs and his team obsess over accuracy, but the primary goal is entertainment. The makeup department creates prosthetics so convincing that some viewers worried about HIPAA violations. Camera movements are choreographed to mimic the kinetic energy of a busy ED. This dedication stems from Sachs’ belief that the ED is the last true safety net in U.S. health care—a place worthy of respect, advocacy, and accurate portrayal.

“In a time when cuts to Medicaid and Medicare threaten that safety net, we need the public to understand what’s at stake,” Dr. Sachs said.

In short, Dr. Sachs is proof that the intersection of medicine and media doesn’t have to be shallow or sensational. When done right, it can save lives, shape perceptions, and rekindle purpose. With “The Pitt,” Dr. Joe Sachs has created more than a medical drama. He’s helped build a public health classroom—one compelling, pulse-pounding episode at a time.

Leona Scott is a freelance journalist based in Dallas.