Chicago Med has introduced fans to a spell-binding selection of characters, helping the show pack an abundance of drama into short 40-minute episodes. Whether they’re saving lives after a tragic accident or dealing with the ups and downs of their own personal lives, the team at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center offers viewers a wealth of action. As such, Chicago Med, as well as the rest of the One Chicago universe, highlight just how popular primetime procedurals can be.
One of the show’s most memorable characters is arguably Dr. Sarah Reese, a young student who, despite her difficulties, shows a lot of promise in the medical field. Yet, Reese’s arc was teeming with complex twists and turns, making her the one to watch for many fans. But, the actress who plays her, Rachel DiPillo, left the role in 2018, leaving many audiences feeling shocked and confused. So why did Rachel DiPillo decide to resign from her role on Chicago Med, and is there any chance of returning in the future?
Who Is Rachel DiPillo?
Dr. Sarah Reese’s Appearances in the One Chicago Universe
- Chicago Fire: Season 4, Episode 8, “When Tortoises Fly”
- Chicago Fire: Season 5, Episode 18, “Take a Knee”
- Chicago P.D.: Season 3, Episode 15, “A Night Owl”
- Chicago P.D.: Season 4, Episode 17, “Remember the Devil”
Rachel DiPillo is an acclaimed actress, best recognized for her roles in Hello, My Name Is Frank and Jane the Virgin. She also had recurring roles in other hit procedurals like Law & Order: LA and NCIS. However, her career entered a different direction when she joined the Chicago Med family back in 2015. Her portrayal of Dr. Sarah Reese allowed her to enter the bustling world of medical dramas, a highly lucrative field for just about any aspiring actor.
Dr. Reese is a particularly timid young girl, but there’s no ignoring her drive for success. She joins the hospital as a fourth-year medical student and shows that she still has a lot to learn. Yet, the rest of the team offered her a keen sense of mentorship, especially Dr. Daniel Charles. Sarah then earns a position as a first-year psychiatry resident, helping her to build a strong bond with Dr. Charles. Yet, just like every other character in Chicago Med, life is not all sunshine and rainbows for Dr. Reese. Her lack of better judgment and harmful relationship with her father make her weak to criticism, ultimately leading to her downfall.
Dr. Reese Learned the Hard Way About Working in a Hospital
5 of the Best Dr. Sarah Reese Episodes
- Season 1, Episode 11, “Intervention”
- Season 2, Episode 13, “Theseus’ Ship”
- Season 2, Episode 19, “Ctrl Alt”
- Season 3, Episode 10, “Down By Law”
- Season 3, Episode 14, “Lock It Down”
Though many fans find Dr. Reese’s naivety and inexperience quite adorable and relatable, some believe that it only highlights her inability to effectively follow instructions. This is seen right from the beginning of Season 1, Episode 1, “Derailed.” After struggling to perform CPR correctly, Sarah expresses her frustration and explains that she finds it much easier to perform these actions on medical dolls than on real patients. Admittedly, it’s almost certain that many healthcare workers feel this way when they first start working in a real hospital. But, Dr. Reese’s reaction gives her character a subtle overlay of inadequacy and reminds the viewer that she still needs to learn the ropes.
Although Dr. Reese grows leaps and bounds throughout her time at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, an example from Season 3, Episode 15, “Devil in Disguise,” indicates that her narrow-mindedness causes her to make grave mistakes in her diagnosis protocol. During this episode, Sarah learns to deal with the recent news that her father is a certified psychopath. Not only does this realization torment her own psyche, but she then starts diagnosing every patient with the same condition. Thus, the fact that Dr. Reese is passing her own trauma on to another mentally ill patient shows that she might not be cut out for this line of work. Not to mention, it also showcases how many healthcare workers must struggle with letting go of their personal baggage so that they can protect the livelihood of others.
Her Relationship With Dr. Charles Is Remarkably Complex
One of Sarah Reese’s most redeeming qualities was her bond with her mentor and colleague, Dr. Daniel Charles. It’s clear that despite all of Reese’s misdemeanors and issues, Daniel still sees her potential and isn’t willing to let her give it up so easily. In Season 3, Episode 6, “Ties That Bind,” Reese is suspended after pepper spraying a patient. Yet, Dr. Charles offers her the chance to work under him as a psychiatry student. Though many fans say that this move led to her downfall, the fact that Dr. Charles was keen to welcome her back indicates that the pair share a unique bond. Plus, it could also be said that Sarah sees Dr. Charles as a glorified father figure, so she is keen to please him in any way that she can.
In Season 3, Episode 9, “On Shaky Ground,” Dr. Reese finally shows a sense of courage in the face of adversity, something that emphasizes her loyalty to Daniel. In this episode, the pair visit Cook County Jail in order to treat an incarcerated man. Although Dr. Reese is incredibly scared of violent men, she stands her ground and treats the patient without Dr. Charles’ guidance. This is a big step in Dr. Reese’s development and could also be a way for her to show her devotion to Daniel, especially if she didn’t want him to feel triggered after his recent shooting at the end of Season 2. Thus, this interaction indicates that their relationship is not always one-sided, and Dr. Reese cares about her mentor in the same way that he feels about her.
Why Did Rachel DiPillo’s Sarah Reese Leave Chicago Med?
- Sarah Reese was raised by a single mother because her father abandoned her at the age of 6.
Dr. Sarah Reese was a staple part of Chicago Med until she left the hospital in Season 4, Episode 1, “Be My Better Half.” Her departure occurred after she felt that she could no longer trust Dr. Charles after he hesitated to resuscitate her murderous father. Though Reese understood her mentor’s action, she also recognized that their bond would never be the same after that event. Thus, Dr. Reese said her goodbyes and left Gaffney Chicago Medical Center for good. Her character then went on to start a new life in Texas, creating a great deal of distance between her future and her past life.
Though it’s still unknown as to why Rachel DiPillo decided to leave the show at its peak, many speculate that it’s because she’s given up acting. Despite working on a few shows here and there, DiPillo hasn’t appeared on-screen consistently since 2017. Thus, it seems that this beloved character will not be returning any time soon. But just because DiPillo has retired from her craft doesn’t mean that viewers should invalidate Dr. Sarah Reese’s time in the Chicago One universe. This character showed exponential levels of growth and highlighted that although every member of staff has their own personal difficulties, the patient is always a priority.
