Derek Shepherd

in New York City without a father. Derek’s father was murdered when he was a young child.

the fast paced, high-stress life of a neurosurgeon in Seattle. Derek moved to Seattle from New York in part to work under his former teacher, Dr. Richard Webber. This lifestyle is not for the faint of heart.

neurosurgeon at Seattle Grace Hospital. “I’m a surgeon,” he says. “I don’t have any friends.” Derek’s life is taken up almost completely with his work. Working 48-hour shifts at Seattle Grace Hospital doesn’t leave Derek much time for a personal life.

coffee ice cream, single malt scotch, occasionally a good cigar. Derek enjoys completing the crossword puzzle on his days off, but those days are few and far between.

charming, handsome and brilliant. Dr. Shepherd – aka “Dr. McDreamy” among the interns – is one of the best neurosurgeons in the world, and has the confidence (and sometimes the arrogance) to go with that accolade. But having your spouse cheat on you with your best friend will take even the cockiest guy down a few pegs. People-oriented and warm, Derek was fun to be around. He exuded self-confidence and charisma, knowing exactly how to work a room. Strong ideals combined with a 'can do' attitude meant that he had a unique ability to drive positive change. Loyal to the fault.