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ADVANCE Blog for PAs

Analyzing the “Royal Pains” PA

Published June 18, 2009 2:58 PM by Terri Schaefer

Two episodes of “Royal Pains” have now aired on the cable network USA on Thursdays at 10 p.m., and I really like it. It’s a fun summer TV show, and I appreciate the fact that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The hour-long dramedy follows Dr. Hank Lawson, who loses his job in New York City (by saving the life of a young man instead of a hospital trustee) and eventually becomes a “concierge doctor” in the Hamptons.

Of course, I initially watched the show because all the promotions included information about the character Divya Katdare, a physician assistant—allegedly. However, she’s been on the show so little I can’t decide what I think about her character.

In the pilot, Divya introduced herself as a PA, and had an SUV full of medical equipment. In the second episode, she showed up for a minute when Hank removed some sutures from a patient. The doctor also later referred to her as his “associate,” and mentioned to a potential patient that he’d like Divya to do a full work-up.

I’m still holding judgment on what I think of this PA character until I see at least a few more episodes. What are your thoughts?

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4 comments

As a PA with 20 years experience, I'm not thrilled with this charachter so far. I hope the script writers do something quick to show that this provider knows her stuff ie, takes care of a patient without "Hank" telling her every move to make. I have worked too long and hard to have my profession portrayed as a glofified gopher. On a lighter note, they certainly hava a beautiful setting to practice medicine in.

Jackie, Urgent Care - PA June 23, 2009 1:31 PM
NM

I think the show is actually well written as far as the medicine goes.  They acurately portray the symptoms of para/sympathetic nervous system problems and which drugs Dr. Hank uses to combat symptoms and "save lives"..  

as for the PA  and the equipment, lets face it.. I know there are a lot of resourceful PA's out there, but who has that kind of cash to pick up equipment, let alone without a supervising phyician.. its a little far fetched, but we'll see what she turns into.   Go Hollywood!

Jared , PA June 22, 2009 7:17 PM
Vail CO

I agree. I like the show so far. It's a fun show with just enough drama in to to make it interesting. But, I too, am watching how they portray the PA character. I thought it was a little eccentric for her to driving around with a van full of medical equipment. Plus in the last episode we find out that she became a PA and is working without her family knowing anything about it? Seems a little far fetched.

I did like how Dr. Lawson wants to introduce her as his associate since, as he said, "When I say Physician Assistant, all they hear is Assistant".  Who hasn't been there?

I guess we'll just have see how it plays out on the show.

Joe, FP - PA June 19, 2009 8:02 PM
CA

I agree.......let's see how they develop the character and how they represent the PA profession to the public.%0d%0a%0d%0aI was drawn to watching the show as I spent my undergraduate yrs in the Hamptons at Southampton College of LIU and I have many fond memories of the Hamptons/East End.......especially summer sessions which not only included some pretty intense academics but also life guarding and playing lots of beach volleyball.

Teri June 18, 2009 11:32 PM

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