🪞 The Narcissist in Scrubs

Patients are not people. They’re props.

Their role? To reflect his greatness.

He doesn’t listen — he waits to speak.

He doesn’t teach — he performs mentorship.

He doesn’t operate for the patient’s sake — he operates to reinforce his own legend.

This neurosurgeon requires constant affirmation: from residents, from nurses, from colleagues, from the patient’s family — and if none of those are available, from Instagram.

Every compliment is stored. Every critique is a threat. He claims he wants feedback, but only if it confirms his self-image.

His favorite part of the surgery isn’t the planning or the closure — it’s the corridor outside the OR, when someone says,

“That was impressive.”

He doesn’t ask how the patient is doing. He asks how the case looked.

If the result is good, it proves he’s a genius.

If the result is bad, someone else must have sabotaged it.

Where does it come from?

A deep emotional void papered over with credentials. The scalpel isn’t just a tool — it’s a mirror. He needs to be admired in order to function. Without that, he feels invisible, even unworthy.

What are the consequences?

He only chooses cases that make him look good. Avoids complications, not because they’re dangerous, but because they’re humbling. He interrupts patients, patronizes colleagues, and builds a reputation on charm — not substance.

Residents under him don’t learn. They applaud.

Patients under him don’t heal. They’re absorbed into his mythology.

Dishonesty type: ❌ Ethically dishonest

Uses the medical act to serve the ego. Confuses clinical care with self-celebration.