One of the most intense conflicts in The Good Doctor came when Dr. Jackson Han, portrayed by Daniel Dae Kim, was introduced as the new Chief of Surgery.
Dr. Han’s primary issue with Shaun stemmed from his belief that Shaun’s autism and difficulties with social interaction posed a liability in high-stress surgical situations. While acknowledging Shaun’s exceptional diagnostic skills, Dr. Han felt that Shaun’s challenges in communication and emotional regulation could compromise patient care in the operating room. This perspective led him to remove Shaun from his surgical residency and reassign him to the pathology department, where interpersonal interactions were minimal.
From Dr. Han’s standpoint, his decision was not personal but rather professional. He argued that his responsibility as Chief of Surgery was to ensure the best outcomes for patients and maintain smooth team dynamics. Dr. Han emphasized that being a great doctor required more than medical knowledge—it also required strong interpersonal skills, which he believed Shaun struggled to demonstrate consistently.
Shaun, devastated by the reassignment, felt that Dr. Han’s decision was unfair and discriminatory. For Shaun, being a surgeon was not just a career but a core part of his identity. This conflict pushed Shaun to stand up for himself, culminating in an emotional confrontation where he passionately argued for his place in surgery. His persistence and eventual breakdown highlighted the challenges of balancing individuality with professional expectations.
The storyline drew mixed reactions from fans. Some felt that Dr. Han’s decision was pragmatic and aligned with his role as a leader, while others saw it as a form of ableism that underestimated Shaun’s capabilities. Ultimately, the conflict was resolved when Dr. Han was removed as Chief of Surgery, paving the way for Shaun to reclaim his position and continue his journey as a surgeon.
Dr. Han’s clash with Shaun in The Good Doctor served as a thought-provoking exploration of workplace dynamics, biases, and the importance of inclusion. It challenged viewers to consider what makes someone truly fit for their role and underscored Shaun’s resilience in proving his worth against all odds.
