What is the name of James Wilson’s department in House M.D.?

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James Wilson heads the Department of Oncology in House M.D.

Wilson is an oncologist, meaning he specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. He serves as one of the show’s most important supporting characters and is Gregory House’s closest friend. His medical role contrasts with House’s abrasive diagnostic style: Wilson is generally portrayed as empathetic, collaborative, and attentive to patients’ emotional needs.

The friendship between House and Wilson is a major long-running storyline. Wilson often challenges House’s decisions, but he also understands House more deeply than many of their colleagues. Their relationship gives the series a continuing personal narrative alongside its weekly medical cases.

Wilson’s department is sometimes confused with Diagnostic Medicine because he frequently participates in House’s cases. However, his formal specialty is oncology. Robert Sean Leonard played Wilson throughout the series, making the character one of the show’s most consistent presences from its beginning through its final season.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026

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