Season two of The Pitt introduces a shift in the show’s atmosphere. Robby (Noah Wyle) is preparing for a three-month leave and is training his temporary replacement, Dr. Baran Al-Hashimi (Sepideh Moafi). However, Dr. Al-Hashimi isn’t interested in being shown the ropes; she wants to understand the current processes so she can improve them. This creates a tense relationship between the two, as they have contrasting leadership styles and medical philosophies. Notably, the new doctor is integrating AI in a practical and thoughtful way—not to replace doctors, but to enhance communication and patient care. This demonstrates how The Pitt goes beyond typical medical dramas to tackle relevant and thought-provoking issues.
Dr. Baran Thinks AI Has a Place in Medicine
Image via HBO Max
Dr. Robby comes across as a traditional doctor, prioritizing his knowledge, experience, and instincts. He doesn’t seem to embrace technology, and appears concerned about its influence on healthcare. A particularly striking moment in the first season involves a mother who rejects recommended treatment for her son, relying instead on information she found online. This frustrates Robby, and he later expresses his annoyance that she trusts online searches over a doctor’s expertise.
Dr. Baran, a new character on the show, stands out because of her forward-thinking approach to healthcare and her embrace of technology. While she wouldn’t necessarily agree with someone self-diagnosing online, she actively uses AI to improve how things are done and make patients happier. For instance, she explains how an AI program helps her by offering advice based on a patient’s symptoms. This is a completely new concept for Robby and the other doctors she works with, who still rely on their instincts. Dr. Baran, in turn, is puzzled by their continued dependence on ‘gut feelings’ instead of data-driven medical guidance.
This raises an important point about healthcare – it’s about much more than just information. We see doctors in person because they can pick up on subtle cues – body language, tone of voice, even a patient’s overall mood – that a computer can’t. It appears Dr. Baran is relying heavily on AI-driven data and analysis, perhaps at the expense of those crucial observational skills, and it will be compelling to see how this impacts their practice going forward.
In the second episode, titled “8 A.M.,” Dr. Baran shares how she’s using AI in her practice. She begins asking patients if they’re comfortable recording their appointments using a secure app on their phones. After the consultation, she demonstrates to her colleagues how the app automatically uploads a transcript, making the often time-consuming task of charting much easier. Dr. Baran explains that doctors spend most of their time on paperwork, leaving less time with patients. By using this technology, she hopes to save time, improve efficiency, and reduce wait times – a solution that seems obvious and beneficial.
A doctor noted a serious error – the AI incorrectly transcribed a medication name or dosage. While acknowledging this, she believes AI is currently about 98% accurate, meaning careful review and correction of patient notes is still essential before finalizing and submitting them. She’s right that this could save time, as the AI handles much of the writing. However, it also brings up ethical concerns about recording patient conversations and who is responsible when errors occur. If a mistake isn’t caught, can a doctor blame the AI, or are they ultimately responsible for verifying the information? This isn’t a major issue in most fields, but in healthcare, where decisions can be a matter of life and death, accuracy is critical.
This Divisive Storyline Will Challenge Viewer Thinking
Image via HBO Max
With Dr. Baran’s ongoing work with artificial intelligence, the show The Pitt is diving into a very popular topic. Given that it’s a truly innovative series, this feels like a natural fit. Like The Wire before it, The Pitt wants viewers to think deeply about complex issues, going beyond just what’s happening on the surface. While Robby represents traditional medical practice, is Dr. Baran’s use of technology a step forward? Or is she depending on technology in a field where being precise, empathetic, and thinking on your feet are what truly make a doctor exceptional? Her reliance on AI could either harm the show’s storyline, or it could be a bold move that adds something valuable by questioning how things are usually done.
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It will be fascinating to see how the show explores the use of AI throughout the season’s thirteen episodes. Some viewers will likely applaud Dr. Baran’s efforts to update the ER, while others may worry that her unproven methods could harm patients. The show presents AI in a relatable way – as a tool to help doctors, not replace them – which makes it particularly interesting. Dr. Baran is thoughtfully integrating AI and highlighting its potential benefits. However, the show will probably also address the potential risks and drawbacks of using AI in healthcare.
Dr. Baran, equipped with her tablet and AI assistant Robby, is demonstrating that traditional medical knowledge and even AI recommendations aren’t always the best course of action. Robby isn’t afraid to try new things, and it often leads to positive outcomes – saving patients who might otherwise be lost, or finding more efficient and less painful ways to perform procedures. While Dr. Baran follows established protocols, Robby focuses on understanding each patient’s individual needs with kindness and compassion – qualities AI currently lacks. It’s exciting to see this thought-provoking conflict unfold in what’s quickly becoming one of television’s most unexpected hits.
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2026-01-18 04:21