Natalie Morales Reveals Shocking Reason for Joining ‘Grey’s Anatomy’!

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Refreshing the plot and adding new characters is crucial for long-running TV shows like “Grey’s Anatomy” on ABC, which has held prime-time viewers since 2005. It’s achieved a unique balance of comfort television through exceptional character development and intriguing storylines filled with flawed yet attractive doctors, such as Sandra Oh and Patrick Dempsey.

In the 20th season of the five-time Emmy-winning medical drama, Natalie Morales made a guest appearance as pediatric surgeon Dr. Monica Beltran. Unlike many of her colleagues at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, Dr. Beltran prioritized excelling in her medical work over forming friendships. Following her six-episode stint during Season 20 of Grey’s Anatomy, Morales was promoted to a recurring cast member for Season 21.

In an interview with MovieWeb prior to the release of her film “My Dead Friend Zoe”, Morales opened up about why she decided to return for more episodes on “Grey’s” as the character Dr. Monica Beltran, who is known for her no-nonsense approach. She said, “I have a great connection with the crew and many of my co-stars, which made it an easy decision for me.” Additionally, she had never played a doctor before, making the role intriguing to her. To get the details right, Morales spent a lot of time asking medical advisors about proper movements and procedures, aiming to make her portrayal as authentic as possible. However, it was not just the technical aspects that drew Morales to Dr. Monica Beltran; she also found something about the character herself particularly compelling. She elaborated on this connection:

I found myself drawn to an individual who might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but their genuine concern for their patients exceeded expectations. If only I had Dr. Monica Beltran as my doctor… It’s almost like watching Grey’s Anatomy is a form of wishful thinking, as it showcases so many compassionate doctors who genuinely care for their patients all in one setting.

Natalie Morales Applauds ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ for Its Impact on Women in the Medical Field

In my experience, when I want to momentarily escape reality, I might opt for “Grey’s Anatomy.” Yet, this series has also touched a nerve, offering me inspiration and a glimmer of hope amidst its captivating medical narratives.

In Morales’ view, what makes “Grey’s” extraordinary is that it transcends typical television status, having been on air for so long. However, its longevity isn’t just noteworthy; it has significantly impacted the medical field by inspiring more female surgeons than ever before. As evidence, Morales points to the fact that the proportion of women in the physician workforce increased from 28.3% in 2007 to 36.3% in 2019. The Association of American Medical Colleges’ data further shows a milestone: for the first time ever, more than half (50.5%) of U.S. medical school students were women in 2019. In essence, Morales argues that media, particularly TV shows like “Grey’s,” wield tremendous power in shaping society and influencing career choices.

Morales expressed, “Watching someone on TV who seems compassionate towards their patients makes me think, ‘Wow, I’d love to be a doctor like that.’ That’s the kind of doctor I aspire to become.

In the second season of Grey’s Anatomy, airing on ABC at 10 p.m. Eastern Time on March 6, 2025, you will find Natalie Morales.

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2025-03-05 03:03