04/03/2026
Absolutely love this show and especially love how they acknowledge weight bias and discrimination in health care! We have a lot of work to do to make health care respectful and accommodating to all bodies
⚠️Spoiler Alert⚠️ (In case you haven't seen it yet)
We were floored last season at the mere mention of medical weight bias in such a popular show like the "The Pitt." Dr. Cassie McKay (played by actress and producer Fiona Dourif) was called to task for failing to thoroughly examine "Paula," a fat patient who recently gave birth, for what appeared to be a simple bladder infection.
After Paula returned to the hospital with a severe endometrial infection, another physician, Dr. Heather Collins (played by Tracy Ifeachor) questioned whether McKay's care was influenced by weight bias. Dr. Collins believed Dr. McKay rushed the initial treatment, failed to conduct a thorough pelvic exam, and attributed symptoms to weight rather than looking for a deeper issue.
Sound familiar?
THIS season, it's Dr. McKay who checks James Ogilvie, an insolent, know-it-all medical student with zero filters. Ogilve insulted a superfat+ patient Howard Knox (played by Craig Ricci Shaynak ), who came in because he was in pain. The doctors were talking through a treatment plan because they couldn't properly accommodate him. CT imaging would help with diagnosis, but it was impossible, AND he was unable to lie flat. Ogilvie suggests he be taken to the zoo (it wasn't the time), insisted on questioning how he "got so fat", & blamed him for his size. The doctors explained, “We can help by treating him with respect.”
The most heartbreaking aspect of this storyline was the way Mr. Knox kept apologizing for the "trouble" he was supposedly causing by just existing. It's unacceptable but completely understandable given systems as they currently stand. We're still committed to changing this.
The writers of this show have interesting insights. Honestly, it's just good to see the conversation taking place in the mainstream. This show addressed some of the lesser known physiological effects of eating disorders, the mental and emotional anguish of sexual assault, and so much more. It's just the second season!
Please do share your thoughts if you've seen this or any episodes. We're excited to know your thoughts.