In House M.D., the doctor nicknamed “Kutner” has the surname Kutner.
Lawrence Kutner is a physician recruited by Gregory House for the rebuilt diagnostic team in the fourth season. Unlike some colleagues, Kutner is willing to take unconventional risks during diagnosis and treatment. His energetic, competitive approach makes him a memorable member of the later team.
The character is played by Kal Penn. Kutner’s first name is Lawrence, but the series usually refers to him by his surname. He is one of the doctors selected after House reduces a large applicant group to a smaller diagnostic team. His professional background includes sports medicine and emergency medicine before joining House’s service.
Kutner’s storyline ends abruptly in the fifth season, when he dies by suicide. The event deeply affects House and the other doctors, particularly because Kutner had not openly revealed an obvious crisis. In real life, Kal Penn left the series to work in the White House Office of Public Engagement during the Obama administration, a production fact connected to the character’s departure.