"Grey's Anatomy," "ER" draw objections in Italy

By Eric J. Lyman

ROME (Hollywood Reporter) - Television programs with medical and hospital themes get so many details wrong, according to a leading Italian medical group, that Italy's main broadcasters should refrain from airing them.

Annalisa Silvestro, president of the National Federation of Medical Colleges, said that offending programs include imported fare such as "ER," "House," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Scrubs," along with a host of Italian-made productions, several of which are scheduled to premiere with state broadcaster RAI or Silvio Berlusconi's Mediaset when new schedules start in September.

The Order of Medical Professionals of Rome echoed that view.

"These programs are teaching viewers inaccurate views on medicine," Silvestro said. "They are spreading misinformation."

There has been no word on whether RAI and Mediaset plan to adjust their programming in response to the protests.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter