Dr. Karev.....Just Who I Hoped to Be! Written by Jim Cartee

James “Karev” Cartee

There is a character in the show, “Grey’s Anatomy”, whose name is Dr. Alex Karev. Most of the other characters on the show simply call him Karev.

Karev is a doctor in training or a surgical resident, who is still attempting to find his calling regarding a sub-specialty. However, based on the shows to date, it appears that pediatric surgery may be his calling.

Like all of us, Karev’s personality has been shaped by his past. His difficult childhood with little love carries over into his relationships with other people. In short Karev finds it difficult to love and accept love leaving him emotionally disabled. While Karev struggles with close personal relationships, he is, however, able to connect with children. It would seem that his difficult childhood with all that was lacking provides him with a unique ability to connect with children. Karev doesn’t deceive or lie to his patients. Karev is brutally honest and children respond to his directness and honesty. Because of his “tell it like it is” mentality with children he often gets patients to do what needs to be done, when everyone else has failed.

So, how does the character of “Karev” relate to James?

James’s personality has been shaped by past events, namely his illness. He is often brutally honest, especially, with those that are closest to him. Unlike Karev, I believe that James knows he is loved. However, like Karev, he does have difficulty in close personal relationships with the opposite sex. Like Karev, James wants to go from 0 to 100 and bypass the milestone relational steps in between. This presents problems for both Karev and James.

Like Karev, James, has a soft spot for children….particularly children with disabilities. While Karev is emotionally disabled in relationships, he is able to give children what he never had, honesty and adult guidance regarding their medical care. This gives Karev an uncanny ability to connect with those kids for which he provides care.

James has a mental disability, which gives him a unique perspective in connecting with those that struggle with various disabilities, particularly the hearing impaired. Many of the hearing impaired children have difficult family relationships at home. Since James has been loved by many despite his disability, James attempts to do the same with these kids. Because of his no nonsense approach and his ability to love, the kids usually are responsive. Like Karev, James has a “soft spot” in his heart for kids living out difficult situations.

Karev has immense talent, as does James. Karev seems to be on his way to becoming a very good surgeon and he may be on the brink of discovering his talent & passion, pediatric surgery.

There are many things for which James is passionate. However, he is still trying to find that(those) thing(s) that he is both passionate about and keeps him clothed, housed, and fed.

AS a parent of a very talented son, I look forward to seeing all James Cartee III will accomplish.

Jim Cartee Jr.