Alex Karev

Dr._Alex_Karev

Alex Karev is a fictional character from the American television medical drama series Grey's Anatomy, which airs on the ABC network in the United States. The character is portrayed by actor Justin Chambers. Karev was introduced in the series' pilot episode as a surgical intern at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, which later becomes Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

Character Background[edit | edit source]

Alex Karev was born on March 5, 1980, and grew up in a dysfunctional family. His father was a drug addict, and his mother suffered from mental illness. This tumultuous upbringing led Karev to develop a tough exterior and a no-nonsense attitude. Despite these challenges, he excelled academically and pursued a career in medicine.

Career[edit | edit source]

Karev began his medical career as a surgical intern at Seattle Grace Hospital. Over the years, he specialized in pediatric surgery and became one of the top pediatric surgeons at the hospital. His journey from intern to attending surgeon is marked by numerous personal and professional challenges, including conflicts with colleagues and romantic relationships.

Internship and Residency[edit | edit source]

During his internship, Karev was often seen as arrogant and abrasive, which led to conflicts with his fellow interns, including Meredith Grey, Cristina Yang, Izzie Stevens, and George O'Malley. However, over time, he proved himself to be a skilled and dedicated surgeon.

Pediatric Surgery[edit | edit source]

Karev found his calling in pediatric surgery, mentored by Dr. Arizona Robbins. His natural talent and dedication to his young patients earned him a fellowship in pediatric surgery and later a position as an attending surgeon.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Karev's personal life is as tumultuous as his professional one. He has had several significant relationships throughout the series, most notably with Izzie Stevens, whom he married and later divorced. He also had relationships with Jo Wilson and Lexie Grey.

Family[edit | edit source]

Karev's family background is a recurring theme in the series. His troubled relationship with his father and his role as a caretaker for his mentally ill mother and siblings are explored in various episodes.

Departure[edit | edit source]

In Season 16, Karev's character was written out of the series. It was revealed that he had reunited with Izzie Stevens and was living on a farm with their children. This departure was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.