7 shows bound to make you a more sophisticated doctor

Chances are, the average American physician could use a restorative Netflix binge right now. But time in front of the TV doesn’t have to be completely mindless. Netflix excels at offering documentaries and series that offer glimpses into worlds you might not know and perspectives that you might not have considered. Watch a few of these shows and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more sophisticated physician — one with a more complete understanding of the current political climate and other cultures. Insights in both categories will help you empathize with patients. Now get comfortable, open your mind, and settle in for these 7 shows.

13th

The 13th amendment of the U.S. Constitution reads, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” The amendment provides legal justification for incarceration. 13th the documentary explores how prisons and the justice system have exploited the amendment punitively against people of color. In post George Floyd America, this is an essential, thought-provoking exploration of American justice.

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat

The ingredients for all delicious food the world over — and for a remarkable Netflix series — are Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. The show by the same name features chef Samin Nosrat and her exquisite multicultural exploration of all things tasty. It’s true that you can learn a great deal about a culture by studying its cuisine, and Nosrat accomplishes just that with mouthwatering effect.

World War II In Color

Seeing the personalities — good and evil — who shaped the modern world in color certainly makes them seem larger than life, but what makes World War II in Color a standout series is its more nuanced take on the history of the war. Much of what Americans learn about the fight is not surprisingly America-centric. This British series highlights contributions from all nations, showing elements of history, glamorous and unglamorous, that American textbooks sometimes omit.

Wild, Wild Country

The storyline of this documentary seems almost too weird to be real. What happens when a fringe religious group starts to take over a small town in the Oregon desert? Political gamesmanship, racism, mind control, and attempted murder, to name a few. Wild, Wild Country forces viewers to ask themselves uncomfortable questions about the dangers of groupthink, how we respond to perceived outsiders, and the fallibility of the law.

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