I’ve never met anyone who really likes going to the doctor. It’s often uncomfortable; it’s always somewhat intrusive; and it’s never as much fun as, say, going just about anywhere else. Yet so many of us are glued to TV shows that feature doctor characters as the leads. And so many of them seem to have most of these things in common — good-looking, smart, good-looking, sensitive, good-looking, sympathetic, good-looking, you get my drift.

All of this could be a ploy by the American Medical Association to make doctors so appealing that we want to visit as often as possible. More likely, it’s a prescriptive plot by the producer powers-that-be to make the field of medicine — and the men (and women) who practice it — a magnet for incredibly healthy ratings.

I’ll admit it — I’m guilty of watching many a male TV doctor operate over the years. There’s something about that combination of masculine charm, healing power, and soul-searching eyes (okay, I’m getting a little carried away here — someone call a cute doctor, stat!) that makes my heart go pit-a-pat. (“What is it, doctor? Do I need intensive care?”)

Here, then, are my favorite men in white. Appointments are recommended:

Chad Everett as Dr. Joe Gannon — Medical Center  Was there anything Dr. Gannon couldn’t cure with those amazing blue eyes?

James Brolin as Dr. Steven Kiley — Marcus Welby, MD  A motorcycle-riding MD. Enough said.

Mandy Patinkin as Dr. Jeffrey Geiger — Chicago Hope  Brilliant, arrogant, vulnerable, fascinating. And in need of much tender loving care.

Alan Alda as Dr. Hawkeye Pierce — M*A*S*H  Smart, sexy, soulful, sensitive. And funny. Very funny.

Pernell Roberts as Dr. “Trapper” John McIntyre — Trapper John, MD  Compassionate, competent, completely irresistible. (Special shout-out to Dr. Gonzo Gates, played by Gregory Harrison.)

George Clooney as Dr. Doug Ross — ER  Really? You need this choice explained?

Patrick Dempsey as Dr. Derek Shepherd — Grey’s Anatomy  Let’s just say I still haven’t gotten over McDreamy’s demise, even though it’s been a couple of seasons. Just. No. Words.

Even though they’re not real doctors, these guys walk the walk and talk the talk. Instead of the Hippocratic oath, they took a cinematic oath always to be entertaining and never to do any harm (to viewers’ expectations, advertising obligations, or network affiliations). Appointments with them are always on time and you get a full hour of their attention.

Finally, a cure for the common cold stethoscope.

ⓒ 2017 Claudia Grossman