Giuseppe Gamba on Netflix’s ‘Doc’ and the Importance of Preparation

Mexican actor Giuseppe Gamba immersed himself in the world of medicine to prepare for his role in the Netflix series Doc, a remake of the successful Italian drama. Gamba, known for his work in the film Cindy la Regia, visited the Nutrition Hospital in Mexico City to gain firsthand experience and understanding of the medical environment.

Preparation is Key

Before filming began, Gamba spent time at the Hospital de Nutrición, touring the radiology area and speaking with interventional radiologists. This allowed him to observe their work and gain insight into the daily routines and challenges faced by medical professionals. The series’ fast-paced production schedule demanded that actors arrive on set fully prepared, as retakes and rescheduling were necessary if scenes weren’t adequately rehearsed.

Bringing Authenticity to the Screen

Gamba translated his observations from the hospital directly to the set, focusing on the mechanics of medical equipment, non-verbal communication and the precision required in medical practice. He emphasized that this level of accuracy isn’t simply explained, but rather developed through practice. “It is very difficult to do 14 scenes in one day with that degree of complexity, saying that someone has chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy,” Gamba explained, highlighting the demanding nature of the role and the need for a collaborative team effort.

About Doc

Doc follows Dr. Andrés Ferrara (played by Juan Pablo Medina), the head of Internal Medicine at the International Hospital, who loses twelve years of his memory after being shot. Upon regaining consciousness, Ferrara returns to the hospital without his former authority, forced to start his career anew as a resident. Gamba’s character provides emotional support to Julia, navigating the complexities of relationships within the hospital setting.

The Human Side of Medicine

The series explores the importance of viewing patients as individuals rather than simply focusing on their medical conditions. Montserrat Marañón, a co-star in the series, noted the story’s grounding in a real-life doctor who recovered his memory and reclaimed a humanistic approach to his work. Gamba echoed this sentiment, stating that the series aims to portray the experiences and feelings of both doctors and patients, and to improve the often-impersonal nature of healthcare systems.

A Story About People

“The series is about human beings. It’s not about someone trying to write about what doctors do, but about their conflicts, both professional and personal,” Gamba stated. “It’s also a story about the evolution a doctor should have towards humanity, to stop treating the patient for their pathologies and treat them for who they are.”