As chief of surgery, Dr Richard Webber is top dog. After working in New York for several years pioneering cutting edge surgery he’s back at Grace Hospital, the place where he himself was an intern over three decades ago.

He’s passionate, caring and expects the highest standard of commitment from his interns – not least from Meredith Grey, whose mother he trained alongside. Richard Webber sets the bar high and expects people to jump. He’s also aware that to have a well functioning and dedicated team, you need to introduce a bit of healthy rivalry

Preston Burke has always wanted to be chief resident and until the arrival of Sheppard, always presumed he would be. But after a firm warning from chief surgeon Richard Webber that he needs to step up a gear in order to be any match for Sheppard, he is forced to reassess his work ethic and go that extra mile.

Preston Burke takes the challenge to heart and will do whatever it takes to impress his boss. Here marks the start of a rivalry with Sheppard that he’s determined to win.

As resident surgeon, Miranda Bailey’s job is to make life hell for the interns, a duty she carries out to perfection. “You are bottom of the surgical food chain and better get used to it,” she tells them on their first day.

Sharp tongued and quick witted, Miranda Bailey takes no messing and no excuses for poor performance. She’s dedicated to her work and although she’s a firm believer in respecting authority, she’s not afraid to speak her mind when she believes her seniors have made a mistake.