Is House Real? Accuracy of Conditions & Symptoms on Show

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the accuracy of medical conditions and symptoms portrayed in the television show "House." Participants express curiosity about how realistic the medical information is, considering the show's dramatic nature and entertainment value.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the realism of the medical conditions and symptoms depicted in "House," suggesting there may be a significant amount of "fluff" in the portrayal.
  • Others assert that while the conditions are real, the explanations may be exaggerated or simplified for dramatic effect.
  • A participant mentions that the writers consult medical professionals, which could lend some accuracy to the individual illnesses, but acknowledges that the plots are often implausible.
  • There are comments on the show's entertainment value, with some participants enjoying the writing and characters more than the medical accuracy.
  • One participant notes that the pacing and procedures in the show do not reflect real-life medical practices, which adds to the dramatic flair.
  • Another participant humorously compares the show to other dramas, suggesting that all medical dramas take liberties for storytelling purposes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions, with some agreeing that there is a blend of real medical conditions and dramatic embellishment, while others emphasize the implausibility of certain plot elements. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall accuracy of the show's medical content.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the difference between drama and documentary, indicating that while "House" may not be a factual representation of medical practice, it serves as entertainment. There are also references to specific episodes and character traits that contribute to the discussion.

ptabor
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If so, do you have any idea if the conditions and symptoms they treat on the show are at all real? IE, how accurate is the information on the show?

From past precedent, I'd expect there to be a fair amount of fluff, but not being a doctor I have no idea.

Just curious.
 
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I watch it; funny I see your thread when I was thinking about it...
The show makes me want to become a doctor; that is, until I remember the amount of memorizing a medical student has to do.
Pretty funny and dramatic show.
 
I love that show, definitely one of my favorites. And yes as with any show I would imagine there is a fair amount of 'fluff' haha.
 
All the conditions and symptoms are real (Yes, even the being immune to testosterone one, if that one hasn't played for you guys yet then ignore that comment >.>;). I imagine there is a fair amount of fluff in how they explain it (but neither am I a doctor), but I know the conditions are real.<3 House =p
 
It's a great show, some of the best writing on tv imho. And of course Laurie & the cast don't do a bad job either.
 
I've watched it several times and really enjoy Hugh Laurie.

I have been assuming all the medical conditions they treat are real, but I haven't checked. If that's an issue for you, you could write each thing down as you watch and google it or go to the library and check medical encyclopedias.
 
Yeah I enjoy watching House because of the writing and characters, but not so much the story. Medicine's not really one of my interests; I just like the drama.
 
I love the show. I can't wait for the next season.
 
I personally love the Character House, aparently he is a play on Sherlock Holmes. The Apathetic Skeptic/Scientist who is always right xD.

Watching House makes me want to get a cane.

Edit: Found Somewhere!

http://www.politedissent.com/house_pd.html
 
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  • #10
ptabor said:
If so, do you have any idea if the conditions and symptoms they treat on the show are at all real? IE, how accurate is the information on the show?

From past precedent, I'd expect there to be a fair amount of fluff, but not being a doctor I have no idea.
The writers apparently consult doctors and staff at Centers for Disease Control, so individual illnesses and symptoms may be accurate, but the plots are contrived and implausible.

The matter was discussed on Fresh Air
Two Davids and One Hit Show: 'House'
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5709462
Fresh Air from WHYY, August 25, 2006 · The Fox TV show House is nominated for four Emmys. David Shore is the executive producer. David Foster is the medical consultant and writes for the series -- and for Hugh Laurie, playing an irreverent and controversial doctor who trusts no one. (Original airdate: May 5, 2005.)
 
  • #11
I love the show; W hates it. Of course some of the stuff is implausible, the same as with the CSI's. Things take a lot longer in reality, and doctors don't perform most of the procedures and tests. That doesn't work for a drama show where the heroes are supposed to be... er... heroic.
By the bye, anyone see the episode of Inside Entertainment where Hugh Laurie (a very soft-spoken English chap in real life) discussed playing second-fiddle to a CGI mouse? Too funny.
 
  • #12
I think it's funny how in CSIs mass spectrometery and chomatography tests are always instant no matter how they're done.
 
  • #13
One of my favorite shows.

The only episode hated is the one where house gets shot...
 
  • #14
Astronuc said:
The writers apparently consult doctors and staff at Centers for Disease Control, so individual illnesses and symptoms may be accurate, but the plots are contrived and implausible.

The matter was discussed on Fresh Air
Two Davids and One Hit Show: 'House'
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5709462

I quite agree but it's still compulsive viewing, and to be honest from what I know - working in a hospital - all doctors are like House to one degree or another. It's not a documentary it's a drama. Might as well say Allly Macbeal is a seering inditement of the world of lawyers.:smile:
 
  • #15
Danger said:
... Hugh Laurie (a very soft-spoken English chap in real life) ...

Yes, especially when admiring "a smashing good pair of pants!"
Prince George - BlackAdder
 
  • #16
I prefer his Bertie Wooster, from Jeeves and Wosster. That's classsic :smile:
 

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