Ethan Rhodes
The popular medical drama New Amsterdam is based on Bellevue Hospital in New York City, one of the oldest and largest hospitals in the United States. The series is inspired by the work and experiences of Dr. Eric Manheimer, the former medical director and Chief Medical Officer of Bellevue Hospital, who also serves as a writer and producer on the show.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Bellevue Hospital |
| Location | New York City |
| Year founded | 1736 |
| Number of beds | 720,000+ patients visit its clinics annually |
| Department | FDNY EMS Station 08, formerly NYC EMS Station 13 |
| History | One of the oldest hospitals in the US; first medical college in New York with hospital connections; first nursing school based on Florence Nightingale's principles; first children's clinic; first emergency pavilion; first pathology and bacteriology laboratory; first men's nursing school |
| Notable patients | Norman Mailer, Mark David Chapman, Allen Ginsberg |
| Notable works inspired by the hospital | "Howl" by Allen Ginsberg; The Lost Weekend; Bellevue: Three Centuries of Medicine and Mayhem at America's Most Storied Hospital by David Oshinsky; Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital by Eric Manheimer; Singular Intimacies: Becoming a Doctor at Bellevue by Danielle Ofri |
Explore related products
![New Amsterdam - The Complete Series [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51zi00iPRhL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
New Amsterdam is based on Bellevue Hospital, NYC
The 2018 NBC television series New Amsterdam is based on a fictionalised version of Bellevue Hospital in New York City, the oldest public hospital in the United States. The show's protagonist, Dr Max Goodwin, is inspired by Bellevue's former medical director and chief medical officer, Eric Manheimer, who also serves as a writer and producer on the show.
Bellevue Hospital has a rich history dating back to 1736 when it opened with just six beds on the second floor of the New York City Almshouse. Over the years, Bellevue has been at the forefront of medical innovation and education in the US. It established the nation's first nursing school based on Florence Nightingale's principles in 1873, the second hospital-based emergency ambulance service in the US in 1869, and the first residency training program in Emergency Medicine in 1990. Bellevue was also instrumental in developing New York City's sanitary code, the first in the world, in 1867.
The hospital has been the subject of several books, including Eric Manheimer's memoir, "Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital," which served as the primary inspiration for New Amsterdam. Manheimer's time at Bellevue is documented in 150 notebooks filled with illustrations, stories, and medical details. His experiences as a physician dedicated to improving patients' lives, as well as his personal battle with cancer, are reflected in the show's portrayal of Dr Max Goodwin.
The show's pilot was written by David Schulner and executive produced by Peter Horton and Eric Manheimer. Universal Television paid NYC Health + Hospitals, the corporation overseeing New York City's public hospitals, $665,000 to film inside the hospitals, contributing a welcome source of revenue to the health system.
Elevators in Broughton Hospital: 1970s Accessibility
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The show's protagonist is inspired by Eric Manheimer
The NBC medical drama New Amsterdam is based on the real-life experiences of Dr. Eric Manheimer, the former medical director of New York City's Bellevue Hospital. The show's protagonist, Dr. Max Goodwin, is directly inspired by Manheimer, an idealistic medical director at the nation's oldest public hospital who faces a cancer diagnosis of his own. Goodwin, like Manheimer, makes it his mission to put patients before bureaucracy.
Manheimer's memoir, "Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital", served as the basis for the television series. The book, published in 2012, chronicles the stories of twelve patients whose cases spoke to different social issues. Manheimer's dedication to giving people the healthcare they need and deserve shines through in both his memoir and the TV show.
During his time at Bellevue, Manheimer carried notebooks, documenting his experiences, observations, and the stories of his patients. These notebooks formed the basis of his memoir, providing an intimate and detailed account of life at one of the nation's oldest and busiest hospitals. Manheimer's writing process was also influenced by his personal experiences, as he included a chapter about his own battle with throat cancer, mirroring the journey of Dr. Max Goodwin in the TV series.
The show's creator, David Schulner, was inspired by Manheimer's story, ensuring that the fictional Dr. Goodwin embodied the same dedication to patients and unorthodox approach to medicine. Manheimer served as a producer and writer on the show, offering medical expertise and insight into the complex ethical and moral dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals. His involvement adds a layer of authenticity to the series, bringing to life the challenges and triumphs of working in a busy hospital while navigating personal struggles.
Through the combination of Manheimer's real-life experiences and the creative storytelling of the show's writers, New Amsterdam presents a compelling narrative that explores the intersection of medicine, ethics, and social issues. The show's protagonist, inspired by Manheimer, serves as a testament to the power of empathy, dedication, and resilience in the face of adversity, both personal and professional.
Hobart Private Hospital: Free Wifi Access for All?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Manheimer was Chief Medical Officer at Bellevue
The television series New Amsterdam is based on Bellevue Hospital in New York City, the oldest hospital in the United States, opening in 1736. The show was originally titled 'Bellevue' when it was announced in 2017, and was written by David Schulner, with Eric Manheimer, the former medical director at New York City's Bellevue Hospital, serving as a producer.
Bellevue Hospital has a Chief Medical Officer (CMO) as part of its leadership team. Dr. Eric Manheimer was the medical director at Bellevue Hospital, not the Chief Medical Officer. However, Dr. Manheimer's role as a producer on the show has allowed him to provide inside knowledge and accuracy that other medical professionals would not be able to provide.
The current Chief Medical Officer at Bellevue Hospital is Dr. Amit Uppal, MD, who was appointed to the role in October 2024, and took up the position in January 2025. Dr. Uppal succeeded Dr. Nate Link, who stepped down after serving twelve years as CMO. Dr. Uppal has served Bellevue in a number of leadership roles over the past fifteen years, overseeing the Medical Intensive Care Unit, Critical Care Services, and most recently the hospital’s Quality Department. He has consistently focused on improving patient outcomes, patient safety, and health care equity. During his time at the hospital, Dr. Uppal has also played a key role in emergencies such as Superstorm Sandy in 2012, the Ebola outbreak in 2014, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emory University Hospital: Downtown Atlanta's Medical Hub?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Manheimer's book 'Twelve Patients' inspired the show
The NBC drama series New Amsterdam is inspired by Eric Manheimer's book, 'Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital'. Manheimer, a former medical director at Bellevue, the oldest public hospital in the US, wrote the book based on his own experiences as a patient and a physician. The book explores the American healthcare system through the lens of twelve patients' stories, including Manheimer's own battle with cancer.
The book provides a window into the unique world of medicine and healthcare, offering insights into the lives of patients and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals. Manheimer's ability to connect with his patients and his personal touch make the book a fascinating and rich read. The TV series New Amsterdam draws direct inspiration from the book, with the main character, Max, battling throat cancer, mirroring Manheimer's own experience.
'Twelve Patients' delves into the complex inter-relationship between the mind and body and how emotions can significantly impact medical outcomes. Manheimer's writing style brings to life the stories of his patients, ranging from dignitaries to prisoners and illegal immigrants, each facing their own unique health struggles. The book also highlights the broader societal issues that intersect with healthcare, such as economic and political forces that influence the ability to care for patients.
The show's pilot was written by David Schulner and was initially titled 'Bellevue'. Manheimer served as a producer and writer for the show, bringing his own experiences and insights to the medical drama. The show is set in a fictional hospital called 'New Amsterdam', a reference to the historical name of New York City, where Bellevue Hospital is located.
'Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital' offers a compelling and intimate perspective on the world of medicine and healthcare. The book's exploration of the American healthcare system, through the eyes of both patient and physician, provides a unique and insightful foundation for the TV series New Amsterdam.
Hospital Placement: Legal Constraints and Community Benefits
You may want to see also
Explore related products
New Amsterdam Hospital is a fictional facility
The series New Amsterdam is a fictionalized version of Bellevue, with the hospital renamed "New Amsterdam." The show is somewhat based on true events and inspired by the work and personal experiences of Dr. Eric Manheimer, who served as the Chief Medical Officer of Bellevue Hospital from 1997 until his retirement in 2012. Manheimer also battled throat cancer, an experience shared by the show's protagonist, Dr. Max Goodwin.
The show's pilot was written by David Schulner, who also served as an executive producer. Manheimer joined the production as a producer and writer, bringing his firsthand experience and expertise to the medical drama. The show premiered on NBC in September 2018, with filming taking place in various New York City hospitals, including Bellevue.
Bellevue Hospital has a long and notable history in medicine and patient care. It played a significant role in developing New York City's sanitary code in 1867 and established the city's second hospital-based emergency ambulance service in 1869. The hospital has been associated with several famous patients, including author Norman Mailer and Mark David Chapman, who shot and killed musician John Lennon.
In conclusion, while New Amsterdam Hospital is a fictional creation for the show, it draws its inspiration from the renowned and historic Bellevue Hospital in New York City, with the show's storylines and characters influenced by the real-life experiences of Dr. Eric Manheimer.
Staph Aureus: A Common Hospital Superbug?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
New Amsterdam is based on Bellevue Hospital in New York City, one of the oldest hospitals in America, dating back to 1736.
No, New Amsterdam Hospital is not a real hospital. It is a fictional facility inspired by Bellevue Hospital.
While New Amsterdam is a fictional show, it is inspired by true events and the work of Dr. Eric Manheimer, the former medical director of Bellevue Hospital.
