Dr. Joan Ridley’s Bold Moves Reshape Westside Hospital in ‘Doc’

LOS ANGELES, CA — Dr. Joan Ridley, portrayed by Felicity Huffman, has officially taken the helm as chief of internal medicine at Westside Hospital in the latest episode of ‘Doc,’ titled ‘New Blood,’ which aired on October 7. Ridley’s arrival marks a significant shift in hospital dynamics as she initiates a rigorous two-month evaluation period for all staff.

“This hospital keeps sort of stumbling and not being as excellent as it could be,” Huffman explained in an interview. “This is about turning to your team and saying, ‘We’re going to the Super Bowl… if you’re up for it, great. If you’re not, go play on a different team.’” Her firm approach aims to elevate the hospital’s standards and improve overall patient care.

The episode delves deeper into Ridley’s past, revealing a close relationship with Amy, who is still recovering from memory loss due to an accident. Flashbacks show that Joan supported Amy during a critical time, providing poignant context to their current dynamic. Huffman commented, “The way [the writers] wrote it, Joan is not struggling with her disease. She’s using it to move forward.”

Despite her diagnosis, which she keeps secret, Ridley is determined to bring excellence to the hospital. She critiques Amy’s focus on her past, asserting, “Joan is 100% in Amy’s corner,” acknowledging Amy’s medical talent as crucial to her recovery.

In this season, Ridley plans to evaluate her staff’s performance seriously. Referring to this evaluation process, she said, “We’re going to the Super Bowl and in order for everybody to go, everybody’s bringing their A+ game. If you can’t, then you can’t be on the team.” This statement reflects the high stakes and urgency within the hospital environment.

The introduction of Ridley allows for fresh storytelling, as she confronts her severe health issues while focusing on leading her team. Huffman characterized Joan’s situation as a pivotal point in her life, stating, “What are you going to do with the time you have left?”

Fans can tune in to ‘Doc’ every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Fox and catch up with Season 1 streaming now on Netflix.