The term Doctor usually symbolizes an individual with a high standard of education, while possibly also pointing towards a healer. That being said, just because a person has the title of 'doctor' does not necessarily mean that they can be trusted, can heal you, or even that they are highly educated.
TV and film have taken the concept of the 'bad doctor' even further, giving us evil geniuses with the title, hilariously inept doctors that would barely manage a cold, and doctors who are strange, creepy, or even murderous. This article will list some of the best doctors on TV and film and some of the worst.
Worst: Dr. Julius No
The villain in the first James Bond film and, some believe, a villain that will make a secret return in the latest film, No Time To Die. The character is undoubtedly a highly educated doctor, as he is a nuclear scientist who is more than capable of harnassing and improving upon nuclear technology.
That being said, while he clearly has a deep theoretical knowledge of atomic energy, he isn't very good at actually using it, which is highlighted by the fact that he lost both his arms during his research.
Best: Dr. Cristina Yang
Despite the fact that Grey's Anatomy follows Dr. Meredith Grey closely, it is Dr. Cristina Yang (played by Sandra Oh), that has managed to become the favorite doctor on the show, receiving 5 consecutive Emmy Award nominations for her performance in the process.
The character is a fantastic surgeon who pursues her career with an enviable drive and determination, while also holding on to a witty and sarcastic personality.
Worst. Dr. Nick Riviera
Is there a more classic example of a terrible, untrustworthy, and useless doctor than Dr. Nick Riviera in the Simpsons? Despite the cheery, warm nature of Dr. Riviera, there is almost a guarantee that you will leave his office worse than when you originally walked in.
While we wouldn't necessarily wish to visit Dr. Riviera, he is certainly a funny character and it was truly a great move by the creators of the show to include him.
Best: Dr. Strange
Dr. Strange is a great doctor on two levels. On the first level, before his accident, he was one of the best surgeons in the USA, if not the world. Due to his skill as a surgeon, he was able to live a life of luxury and heal countless people. On the second level, after his accident, he became a powerful sorcerer capable of saving countless lives in a more heroic manner.
So not only is Marvel's Dr. Strange an immensely talented surgeon who rose to become one of the most recognized in his field, but he then went on to become a literal superhero.
Worst: Dr. Frankenstein
There is no doubt that Dr. Frankenstein is a talented doctor and scientist. He was able to successfully research the human body and this research would be highly beneficial to medical science, potentially helping scientists and doctors heal humans in the future.
However, Dr. Frankenstein took his research too far and ended up stitching a bunch of bodies together, shooting it with electricity, and creating a terrifying monster. Despite his clear talent, he can't qualify as a 'good' doctor.
Best: Dr. Indiana Jones
Due to Indiana Jones' constant adventuring, Nazi fighting, and tomb plundering, one can easily forget that Indiana Jones is indeed a doctor. Further, due to the number of miraculous archeological discoveries he has made, he simply has to make this list.
Indy has found both the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail, two feats that would make him a legend in archaeological circles. In addition, he is also so effortlessly cool and charming that he has to take a place on this list.
Worst: Dr. Jonathan Crane
Another example of a 'technically a very talented doctor, but is completely insane' entry. There is denying that Dr. Jonathan Crane is a talented psychiatrist, who specialized in fear and its influence upon the human mind. Fear and phobia play huge roles in how we live our day to day lives, so his research would undoubtedly be very important to the psychiatric field.
However, rather than using his knowledge and research in fear and its effect on the human mind to help people, Crane develops a fear toxin, wears a scary Scarecrow mask, and tries to help the League of Shadows destroy Gotham.
Best: Dr. John Watson
While it may be easy to overlook Dr. John Watson due to the fact he is constantly playing second fiddle to the legendary Sherlock Holmes, we should not forget just how talented a doctor he is. Specifically referencing the Sherlock version of the character, Watson is a war doctor who was able to treat those on the battlefield and under immense pressure, something that easily grants him a place on this list.
In addition, Watson also helps to solve crime with Sherlock Holmes. While this doesn't necessarily make him a better doctor, it does mean that he helps people both as a doctor and as a detective.
Worst: Dr. Hannibal Lecter
The classic example of a talented doctor who, despite their clear and obvious talent, you would never consider booking an appointment with. Dr. Lecter is clearly an intelligent and talented doctor who was highly regarded in his field, making him technically a good doctor.
However, Hannibal Lecter also eats people and this places him firmly in the category of a bad doctor. In addition to his cannibalism, he also has a terrifying talent at manipulating people which should put any sensible person off his services as a medical professional.
Best: The Doctor
One cannot have a list of the best doctors without including the Doctor. Since bursting onto TV screens in 1963, the character has gone on to save countless innocents, travel to numerous planets and times, and defeat countless evil villains.
While the Doctor has made conflicting statements about her qualifications throughout her 13 incarnations, it is clear that she is a genius who is more than knowledgeable in several fields of expertise.