That’s when I make my move. I suddenly become stiff, with terrified, widened eyes. I slowly shuffle to the wrong spot, then stare straight into the camera. On your first day on set, the director will tell you there is one thing an actor must never, ever do: look into the camera.
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ACEP Now: Vol 39 – No 07 – July 2020I start reciting my lines. “Please call respiratory,” I say haltingly. “We have a Code—line please—oh, yeah, Blue!”
“Cut, cut, cut!” the director screams. He charges from behind his stack of monitors, red-faced. “Please tell me this is not happening,” he says eye to eye, neck veins distended. “I simply cannot work with you. They told me you had done this before. Oh my god.”
“Hugh, just kidding,” I say, and the crew starts cheering.
We got Hugh that day and several other directors over the years. The director and I always became friends after that, and we then would shoot the episode with a newfound equilibrium.
Dr. Slay is a practicing emergency physician in San Pedro, California; emergency department residency director; and board examiner for ABEM. Contact him at drbobslay@gmail.com.
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5 Responses to “Q&A with a Real-life Doc from the TV Series Untold Stories of the ER”
July 27, 2020
Ros McIntoshFascinating story, Bob!!!
Congratulations!
I’m very impressed and shall try to find it; is it on radio or Tv? Do want to hear you.
All best to you and Gayne. I just returned from Sun Valley, spending four months with Mimi and taking daily walks with Alison,
Ros
rosimcintosh1@gmail.com
April 18, 2021
John PapadakisBob Slay is tops in the ER
He is glue for the Soul
and, he is a clearing house on the Tennis Courts
John Papadakis
RANCHO PALOS VERDES CA
November 18, 2024
Kay AgnewI love the show and you are my favorite doctor on the show! Who’s Gayne?
December 26, 2024
Kurstyn BeagleI wish a Dr. Could solve my intestinal issues it’s been 8 years of sickness. Love the show.
September 22, 2025
LeslieI think you’re wonderful and I am really sorry the show isn’t active anymore. I would welcome any return by you to television. Miss you!