Which cardiothoracic surgeon served in the Army before joining Seattle Grace?

Teddy Altman was the cardiothoracic surgeon who served in the Army before joining Seattle Grace.

Played by Kim Raver, Teddy is introduced in Season 6 as an accomplished cardiothoracic surgeon and former Army medical officer. She had worked at Columbia University before joining the military after the death of her close friend Allison in the September 11 attacks. During her service in Baghdad, she met Owen Hunt, who later recruited her to Seattle Grace Mercy West.

Teddy’s arrival is tied directly to Cristina Yang’s development. Owen brings her to Seattle to mentor Cristina, creating a professional rivalry and a complicated love triangle because Teddy and Owen have a romantic history. Teddy’s demanding teaching style helps Cristina progress toward becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon herself.

A common mix-up is Owen Hunt, who also served in the Army and worked with Teddy. However, Owen is primarily a trauma surgeon, while Teddy is the character identified with cardiothoracic surgery. Preston Burke is another cardiothoracic surgeon in the series, but he did not serve in the Army before joining Seattle Grace.