Alexei Volkov
Alex Karev, played by Justin Chambers, is a character on the popular TV show Grey's Anatomy. Karev was not originally included in the pilot episode of the show but was added after the fact. Karev's character is known for his complexity, evolving from an arrogant, obnoxious intern to a nice guy and a talented doctor with an amazing bedside manner. Initially, Karev's dream specialty was plastic surgery, but he eventually discovered that it wasn't for him. So, does Alex Karev go into plastics?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Alex Karev |
| Occupation | Surgeon |
| Specialty | Pediatric Surgery |
| Previous Specialty | Plastic Surgery |
| Reason for Choosing Plastic Surgery | Patients "sign up for the pain they get" |
| True Calling | Pediatrics |
| Portrayed By | Justin Chambers |
| First Appearance | 2004 |
| Final Appearance | 2019 |
| Relationship Status | Married to Izzie Stevens |
| Children | Twins, Alexis and Eli |
| Childhood | Father was a drunk and a drug addict; mother was schizophrenic |
| Personality Traits | Honest, blunt, street-smart, insolent, arrogant, obnoxious, "evil spawn" |
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What You'll Learn
Alex Karev's character development
Alex Karev, portrayed by Justin Chambers, was a character on Grey's Anatomy who experienced significant character development throughout the series. Initially, Karev is shown to be a "superficial sleazeball" with a bad boy persona, known for his brusque and dismissive behaviour towards patients and co-workers. He is also described as "arrogant" and "obnoxious", often pushing away those who care about him and treating others poorly. However, as the series progresses, Karev undergoes a notable transformation, evolving into a "nice guy" and a "talented doctor with an amazing bedside manner".
Karev's character arc is marked by his complex nature, as noted by creator Shonda Rhimes, who highlights his ability to be "wonderful" while also exhibiting cranky and selfish tendencies. Despite his flaws, Karev possesses a moral code, albeit a "twisted and dark" one, and is described as "essentially good deep down inside". This internal conflict adds depth to his character, surprising viewers as they gradually uncover his different layers.
One of the most significant aspects of Karev's character development is his evolving career trajectory. Initially, Karev expresses a desire to pursue plastic surgery, believing it to be his dream specialty. However, after working with plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Sloan, Karev realises that plastic surgery is not for him. He finds himself drawn to neonatal surgery and obstetrics and gynaecology, particularly after working with Addison Forbes Montgomery, the former neonatal surgeon. This shift in his career path showcases Karev's growing empathy and his desire to work with infants and children, despite his initial claims of disliking them.
In addition to his professional growth, Karev also experiences personal development. Having grown up in a broken home with a drug-addicted father and a mentally ill mother, Karev had a difficult childhood. He often uses his self-assurance to charm female interns and other women, aware of his good looks. However, he also recognises his own problems and insecurities, referring to himself as "damaged goods". Over time, Karev matures and becomes more empathetic, especially towards patients. He forms lasting relationships, including a marriage with Izzie Stevens, and develops a close friendship with Jo Wilson, which later turns romantic.
Throughout the series, Karev's character undergoes a notable transformation, evolving from a troubled intern with a bad boy persona to a talented doctor with a complex and multifaceted personality. His journey is marked by personal growth, career changes, and evolving relationships, making him a beloved and underrated character on the show.
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Karev's interest in paediatrics
Alex Karev, portrayed by Justin Chambers, was not originally included in the pilot episode of Grey's Anatomy. However, his character was added to fulfil the “bad boy" trope, and he quickly became a fan favourite. Karev's journey sees him evolve from an “arrogant, obnoxious intern” to a talented doctor with a good bedside manner and a love interest for Izzie Stevens.
Initially, Karev's dream specialty was plastic surgery. This was due to his perception that plastic surgery patients “sign up for the pain they get”, and he believed that working in this field would allow him to avoid dealing with patients who were suffering involuntarily. However, after working closely with plastic surgeon Dr Mark Sloan, Karev realised that plastic surgery was not his true calling. He had several bad experiences in plastics and began to feel drawn towards obstetrics and gynaecology, as well as neonatal surgery.
Despite his tough and callous image, Karev is particularly affected when he treats addicts and abused children due to his own difficult childhood experiences. He had a drug-addict father and a mother with schizophrenia, which led him to assume adult responsibilities from a young age. Working with innocent children became a calming factor for Karev, and he felt good when helping them. This, combined with the encouragement from his colleagues, solidified his decision to pursue paediatrics.
With the support of Dr Arizona Robbins, who offered to mentor him in pediatric surgery, Karev was able to make the transition into his new specialty. He became the Head of Pediatric Surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, showcasing his dedication and talent in this field.
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Obstetrics and gynaecology
Alex Karev, portrayed by Justin Chambers, is a surgical fellow specialising in paediatric surgery at Seattle Grace Hospital. Initially, Karev's dream specialty was plastic surgery, but after working more closely with plastic surgeons, he realised it wasn't for him. He decided he preferred to work with infants and began to develop an interest in neonatal surgery.
Despite his initial lack of interest in obstetrics and gynaecology, Karev has shown a talent for the specialty. He has served as an intern to Addison Forbes Montgomery, a neonatal surgeon, and has had several bad experiences in plastics under Mark Sloan. Karev has a knack for working with younger patients, and his bosses have commented on his ability to work with children. In fact, Karev is particularly affected when he treats abused children because of his own difficult childhood experiences.
Karev's character development over the series has been noted by critics, who highlight his significant personal growth. He begins the show as an ""arrogant, obnoxious intern"" but evolves into a "nice guy and a talented doctor with an amazing bedside manner". This evolution is described as "slow and realistic", with his better qualities eventually shining through.
In terms of his personal life, Karev has been married twice. He has twins, Alexis and Eli, with his ex-wife and current partner, Izzie Stevens. He was also married to Jo Wilson before he learned about his children with Stevens.
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Neonatal surgery
In the fictional world of Grey's Anatomy, Alex Karev, portrayed by Justin Chambers, initially expressed interest in plastic surgery. However, after working with neonatal surgeon Dr. Addison Montgomery, Karev's interest shifted towards neonatal surgery.
The decision to perform neonatal surgery is carefully evaluated, and these surgeries can significantly improve a child's quality of life and even save lives. The Journal of Neonatal Surgery, a peer-reviewed publication, plays a crucial role in disseminating research and improving outcomes in this developing specialty.
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Karev's relationship with Addison Montgomery
Alex Karev's relationship with Addison Forbes Montgomery is a complex one, with romantic and professional entanglements. Initially, Karev is an intern of Montgomery's, and the two have a somewhat fraught relationship, with Karev's character described as "arrogant" and "obnoxious". However, over time, Montgomery becomes an important mentor to Karev, helping to channel his caretaker side and encouraging him to pursue paediatrics and neonatal surgery rather than plastics.
Montgomery and Karev also share a romantic relationship, with the two kissing and later sleeping together. However, Karev is not ready for a relationship, and so things eventually fizzle out. Despite this, Montgomery leaves an impression on Karev, and the two share a close bond.
Montgomery is described as refusing to give up on Karev, even when he was difficult and rude to her. She is credited with helping him become a better doctor and person, and her mentorship is seen as instrumental in his decision to pursue paediatrics. She is also described as having a genuine care for him and trying to help him see beyond his initial interest in plastics.
Karev's relationship with Montgomery is also notable for its impact on his character development. Over time, he evolves from an "arrogant, obnoxious intern" to a "nice guy and a talented doctor with an amazing bedside manner". His relationship with Montgomery is seen as a key part of this transformation, as she helps to draw out his softer side and encourage his interest in working with children.
In addition to their professional and romantic entanglements, Karev and Montgomery also share a friendship. They are described as having a close bond, and Karev is noted as the only intern that Montgomery really bonded with. Despite their initial difficulties, it seems that over time, the two develop a mutual respect and admiration for each other.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Alex Karev did not go into plastics.
Initially, Alex Karev told everyone that his dream specialty was plastic surgery. However, after getting to know the specialty better, he decided it wasn't for him.
Alex Karev had several bad experiences in plastics and discovered that he enjoyed working with infants and neonatal surgery.
Alex Karev specialized in pediatric surgery and worked well with children.
Addison Montgomery influenced Alex Karev's decision to switch specialities.
