Netflix has no shortage of offerings and the unique original programming the streaming service turns out always has something new to offer. This time, it's "Diagnosis", which follows Dr. Lisa Sanders as she investigates medical cases that have stumped medical professionals, through a one-of-a-kind approach to diagnostics: crowdsourcing. A doctor of internal medicine at Yale University, Dr. Sanders is also a columnist for The New York Times. Her original column Diagnosis challenges her readers to solve already-resolved medical cases and reveals the answers in the next column.
This time, however, "Diagnosis" tasks Dr. Sanders' readers to solve extremely rare medical cases by submitting videotaped responses of their medical theories or their personal experiences with similar illnesses. Each episode takes the audience on the patient's journey to finally receiving a diagnosis after living with debilitating, incurable illnesses for most of their lives. Although Dr. Sanders and the show's producers were wary of the show's success, in the beginning, the results have been astounding. Dr. Sanders still marvels about how incredible it is to be able to "present a story and have it heard quite literally around the world."
Here are 12 reasons why you should watch the show. Like, right now.
1. Dr. Lisa Sanders' column inspired "House"...
Which makes sense when you compare both shows, but you can only do that once you watch "Diagnosis".
2. Dr. Sanders was also a consultant on "House"
As a doctor at Yale, Dr. Sanders is an expert in her field.
3. Each episode is deeply moving
Yes, I balled my eyes out during the first episode, so consider yourself warned.
4. You get to see, almost in real time, the power of the Internet to solve the unsolvable
Finally, a positive use for the Internet and the vast interconnectedness of the world.
5. Everyone who provides their input becomes a part of each patient's journey
Everyone becomes a family in a sense, and even the audience is made to feel as if they are on the journey too.
6. It's more real than "House" or any other medical drama
7. The show has provided hope and a sense of community for those who previously felt alone
Feeling like we belong is fundamental to human nature, so when that doesn't happen, we feel helpless and alone in a huge world to which we can't relate. "Diagnosis" has provided hope to those who previously felt lost, which is probably the show's best result.
8. It's easy to binge-watch
9. "Diagnosis" touches upon certain issues within the healthcare system
10. Dr. Sanders is a calming presence in the face of frustration
11. Dr. Sanders is Dr. House in the digital age
12. "Diagnosis" will restore your faith in humanity
Happy binge-watching!
