Season two of “Chicago Med” tackled some big topics, but episode two offered a heartfelt glimpse into the country’s homelessness. Paul Ben-Victor took on the role of a homeless patient Mr. McGregor who had fallen. The patient quickly endears himself to the staff, mainly because he’s incredibly adept at describing everyday surroundings in a soulful, poetic fashion.
Unfortunately, as the episode unfolds, it’s clear that Mr. McGregor’s fall is tied to more significant medical issues at play — a brain tumor causing a degree of blindness. The doctors marvel at the patient’s resilience as the tumor grew for over a decade. Dr. Halstead is moved by the patent’s positivity. “Fifteen years, homeless, essentially blind … that’s a crap hand. He should be pissed, and he’s happy as can be. Crazy that I got this patient today.”
To this, Dr. Charles replies, “In my experience, we get the patients we need,” a poignant reminder to observe and listen. There just may be a life lesson at work. In this scenario, it was deftly delivered by Ben-Victor’s 360-degree portrayal of homelessness through the nearly-blind eyes of Mr. McGregor.
