A real-life surgeon has explained just how realistic one major character from The Pitt really is.

Dr. David Shapiro has confirmed which major character from The Pitt is “quintessentially the best representation” of any medical drama. The Pitt season 2 has shown how overwhelming the Fourth of July has been for the trauma center, with its core characters dealing with a plethora of different cases, all in unique yet realistic ways.

Speaking with ScreenRant‘s Grant Hermanns, Shapiro explained how, while many aspects of The Pitt are true to life, Dana is the most realistic representation a “seasoned ER nurse” any medical media has showcased. He praises actor Katherine LaNasa for her performance, saying he knows over a dozen nurses who are just like her character in the real world:

at Dana, by the way — and of all the characters in the show, I’m sure Dana is a favorite for everyone — is quintessentially the best representation of an experienced and seasoned ER nurse I have ever seen in any type of media. She is it, and I know about 15 Dana’s out there in my experience who do the same thing that she does, and have been hit by patients and have experienced that. So, she’s amazing and she should be winning every possible award, and if anyone else says that she’s not being realistic, you tell them I said, “Do go pound sand,” because that is the world.

Dana is one of The Pitt‘s most central characters, acting as the charge nurse for the trauma center. In season 1, she was injured after an angry patient punched her in the face, leading to her becoming even more no-nonsense in season 2. However, she also has a soft spot for trainees, such as nursing school graduate Emma Nolan, who she takes under her wing.

Shapiro’s statement emphasizes how much The Pitt‘s realism matters to the presentation of the show. For Dana in particular, her role as the charge nurse means she oversees many aspects of the ER. Her personality meshes well with her responsibilities, something that reflects reality to a very accurate degree, above that of other medical dramas.

As for awards, LaNasa has been decorated in them ever since The Pitt season 1 ended. This includes winning the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, as well as an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Her performance as Dana was a notable aspect of season 1’s story arc.

As season 2 has unfolded, Dana has grown into an even more compelling character. She’s clearly been changed by what happened to her in season 1, but she still shows plenty of compassion for both her fellow doctors and her patients. It’s a balancing act that makes her dynamic, and lends to the realism Shapiro points out in her character.

With The Pitt already renewed for season 3, Dana seems poised to continue growing and changing as the series goes on. However, since her writing and LaNasa’s performance have been so strong, she’ll likely remain a compelling part of the story for quite some time. As the show continues, so too will her evolution, and the realism she brings to the table.