Gregory House:
Doctor of Medicine
“Treating illnesses is why we became doctors, treating patients is what makes most doctors miserable.”
House is an exceptional doctor, despite his disagreeable personality and character flaws. His powerful abilities as a diagnostician make him an extremely valuable tool to the hospital. In addition, House is often recognized as a very well-known doctor, capable of solving extremely difficult cases. House’s attributes as a doctor are characterized by his extensive medical knowledge, attention to detail, and his determination to find the answer.
House holds a vast knowledge of medicine. He has almost every disease and symptom committed to memory. House is able to piece together several symptoms to identify the underlying disease. Among countless different symptoms, House is able differentiate between relevant and irrelevant facts. He can see whether or not more than one underlying condition is the root cause.
In addition, House’s observant eye and analytical mind allow him to gather numerous clues, which he is then able to piece together to produce his diagnosis. Through his inherent distrust of all people, he can see through his patient’s lies and deduce their true motives and intentions; allowing him to have a much clearer representation of all the facts. House is then able to make connections and draw logical conclusions based on the wide range of evidence. Very open minded when making diagnoses, House is willing to accept rare and uncommon diseases, never ruling out the seemingly impossible.
Doctor House is also extremely determined to discover the diagnosis, almost to the point of obsession. House is willing to go to any lengths to solve the case, whether it is breaking into a patient’s house for an environmental scan, or lying to the patient to obtain more information. House is unafraid of testing his theories, often confirming the diagnosis by administering treatment. He is even willing to break protocol, or even the law for the sake of solving the puzzle.
Nevertheless, House possesses many imperfections as a doctor. House very rarely concerns himself with the comfort of his patient or treating them with respect. He acts in an unfriendly manner towards all his patients and usually avoids meeting them. House frequently manipulates and insults his patients, showing no regard for the doctor – patient relationship. In addition, he repeatedly risks his patients’ life, performing dangerous procedures as well as prescribing drugs with severe side effects. However, it is these flaws that account for House’s amazing ability to diagnose. His pessimistic attitude toward human nature and unconventional interactions with his patients often provide him with crucial information regarding the case. Ironically, House’s risk taking is also critical in saving his patient’s life. By taking calculated risks, House is able to promptly gain access to more information concerning the case.
As a result of House’s abilities, he is a very skilled and effective physician. House is able to solve extremely difficult cases, taking on cases that no other doctor can solve. Patients who have been through several doctors are only able to find a cure after having been treated by House. Few cases, if any, have ever been left unsolved by House. Regardless of his shortcomings, House’s abilities as a doctor and diagnostician are unrivaled.