Ways Doctors Can Get Involved in the Entertainment and Media Industries, including TV and Movies
- Nisha Mehta, MD
- Sep 3
- 8 min read
Every physician has likely watched a medical drama, movie, or other media piece and thought, “Wow, that show needs a medical consultant,” but some physicians actually pursue deeper roles in the entertainment industry. There are many different ways for physicians to be involved in this space, from consulting, writing, producing, reporting, to even acting. Below, we cover various roles for physicians in the media industry as well as how to get started (spoiler alert - usually involves a lot of networking!) based on feedback from members of our online physician communities that have worked in these industries.
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Why should a doctor get involved in the media or entertainment industry?
There are many reasons that physicians may explore work in the entertainment industry, ranging from interest or passion to wanting to produce more factually accurate content for the public. The impact of physicians in media can be huge, and even be a form of advocacy when done correctly. For example, we’re big believers that “The Pitt” has done more for public relations for physicians than many other attempts at showing the public the issues in the healthcare system combined (kudos to the doctors helping write and produce there!)!
Ways doctors can work on movies or TV shows
Medical consultant or advisor
This may be the most obvious role for a physician in entertainment. Medical issues come up a lot in TV and movies, whether it be for a soap opera, a medical drama, or a documentary on something non-medical. This role entails advising the show’s writers or producers to make the content an accurate representation of how things actually happen in the medical world. They may ask for help ensuring that the dialogue reflects how doctors speak, how procedures are done, how a disease presents and progresses, how a set should appear, realistic outcomes, or how the medical team interacts with each other, amongst other things.
Sometimes, these are roles that are sought out prospectively before getting started with production, whereas other times you may come on as a reviewer after production to review for accuracy.
You’ll need to have a strong ability to communicate medical situations and terms in a way that a non-medical team can understand (and likely a little bit of flexibility and ability to be practical about what they can and cannot do within the confines of the project).
Medical writer or contributor
If there is a major storyline or health focus, you may actually be able to get involved in actually writing the script for an episode, movie, or subthread within the show (or in a dedicated medical drama, perhaps a regular writing position). In these cases, you could have a position as the screenwriter or be a major co-creator of a medical drama, or you could have a one off side gig as a contributor. These are much more involved roles and may require dedicated expertise or even a training or degree in screenplay writing, film, or otherwise. Additionally, these are typically jobs you get recruited for, so you’ll need to develop a strong network and brand within the space.
On set physician
Some productions, especially bigger productions that require stunts or other risky / accident prone situations, will actually have an on set physician or EMT present to help handle minor issues as they arise. Similarly, if a show or movie is being shot in a remote location, everyone on the team from producers to actors to videographers may be more comfortable if basic medical care is readily accessible. These physicians are on set during production and are the go to person for any health issues or accidents that may arise during filming or even during off hours. Over the past few years, some productions have also needed on site medical management of protocols for things like COVID and compliance issues. Some celebrities even bring their own concierge physicians for long engagements. In some situations, you may have to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), and as would be expected in any patient care situation, maintain patient privacy.
Actor or extra
Sometimes, you may even get to be a doctor AND play one on TV! While it’s usually cheaper for a production to hire an actor to play a doctor, if you have a strong desire to be on the screen, you may be willing to accept a lower rate or even work for free to be an actor or extra. If you’ve got a brand as a well known doctor, you may be invited to make a guest appearance. If you’re just willing to work as an extra for the experience, the screen time, and the potential to meet some A-list celebrities, it could be a win-win for everyone involved, since they don’t have to teach an actor how to play a doctor. As a bonus, it could be a gateway to more media or acting opportunities or a way to build your own brand.
Investing in movies
This likely warrants its own article, but another way to be peripherally involved is to invest in movies. Occasionally, this can be lucrative if a movie makes it big, but it does carry risk beyond a boring but tried and true investment like the three fund portfolio. Many physicians that invest in movies invest in movies they want to see produced regardless to support the arts, and consider the investment return a bonus if and when it materializes. Another reason why physicians may invest in this space is that there can be tax benefits associated with investing in movies that can be helpful from a tax strategy standpoint. This is beyond the scope of this article, but stay tuned for another!
Ways physicians can work in media
On-air medical expert or reporter for the news
Many news outlets on the local, national, and international levels, have medical consultants and experts that they routinely draw upon to provide factual expertise regarding hot news items, such as a new diagnosis in a well known personality, a pandemic, a tragedy, or otherwise. These physicians are asked to concisely provide a medical perspective, explain things in layman’s terms, give guidance on public health issues, or otherwise elaborate on medical topics or speculate on outcomes.
For some physicians, this turns into a main gig (think Sanjay Gupta on CNN), whereas for others it’s a side gig (sometimes paid, sometimes not). If you want to get to a point where you are doing this regularly, and especially if you’re getting paid for it, you may need more formal media training, and may need to build a significant personal brand and/or have stellar credentials such as an association with a respected medical center or academic institution. You may also need to develop a portfolio or a media reel to help pitch yourself as you try for more prominent gigs.
Social media medical personality or content creator
These days, more and more physicians are delving into the development of significant social media brands with large followings. This offers a way to educate the public about health topics in a very accessible (and effective!) way. As more and more people get their ‘news’ through social media outlets as opposed to watching or reading the news, it’s becoming increasingly important that physicians are also contributing their voices on social media.
There are various ways to do this, from building an Instagram or TikTok following, hosting a YouTube channel, podcasting, blogging, publishing a newsletter, or otherwise. These followings can also be highly lucrative, leading to brand partnerships, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, speaking gigs, or consulting revenue streams. Learn more about being a physician influencer and ways to monetize your following here.
Content creator for medical media companies
There are also several medically focused media companies (think Medscape, WebMD, Healthline, etc.). These companies are constantly creating medically related content and need physicians as contributors, consultants, or editors. You could seek permanent or part time positions to be a medical editor, writer, or video creator for these outlets as well.
How to get started looking for physician positions in the media, TV, or film industry
Networking, networking, networking
This really is a space where who you know matters. Many of these positions are filled word of mouth through an “I know someone who is looking for a _____ - are you interested?” sort of situation. Things that can help here:
Living in an area where lots of TV and film production occur, like LA or NY
Going to TV or film festivals or other events in the entertainment industry
Having attended a college or university where there’s a strong media program with relevant alumni networks
Using LinkedIn to connect with producers, reporters, and others involved in the space you’re trying to get into
Having friends in the space
Branding
If you want people to come to you instead of seeking them out, you’ll need to develop a strong personal brand, and learn how to showcase it. This may involve:
Building a social media following
Having a LinkedIn profile that highlights this interest
Having a website where people may stumble on it through a relevant search looking for individuals with your skillset or expertise
Using each experience to build on itself
If you’re lucky enough to get a foot in the door, be intentional about using that experience as a stepping stone for the next experience. This means:
Creating a media kit or reel from the appearances you’ve had
Asking a reporter or producer you’ve worked with to let others know about you if they’re looking for a medical expert, and letting them know you’re always available to work with them again
Asking contacts you make in the space to make specific connections to others that you know they know (look at their LinkedIn profiles to see if they’re connected, for example)
Acquire additional skillsets
While being a doctor is already a great foot in the door to these spaces, if you’re serious about pursuing this niche, spend some time and energy acquiring additional skillsets. Depending on what you want to do, this may involve:
Media training
Public speaking courses or exposure such as Toastmasters
Screenwriting classes
Acting classes
Medical journalism classes
Conclusion
Media and entertainment can be such a fun niche for physicians looking to use their medical experience outside of the exam room! If you’re passionate or curious about getting into this space, there are many different roles depending on your personality and interests. Hone down on some specific goals and then take the steps necessary to develop the expertise, credibility, and networks to make it happen!
Related resources for physicians
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