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Inside Strong Medicine Actor Josh Coxx gives NurseWeek readers a behind-the-scenes peek  More NurseWeek Features  Smoke-Free Zone Nurses and patients tackle nicotine addictionBloodless Survival Surgical techniques to use when transfusion drops out of the equation It’s early morning and a group of nurses are setting up a free mammogram clinic at Rittenhouse Women’s Health Center. Peter Riggs, RN, is one of the nurses leading the effort to promote breast cancer education and screening methods.While this may sound like a familiar scenario, this particular incident is a fictitious scene from “Strong Medicine,” a popular Lifetime television drama. Unlike other medical shows, “Strong Medicine” often pushes the envelope by portraying issues that other dramas might shy away from. It was the first to address the issue of nurse staffing levels and prominently feature a male nurse as part of the cast.The character of Peter Riggs, RN, played by actor Josh Coxx, is a midwife, acupuncturist, herbalist, massage therapist, and an expert in alternative medicine.Coxx, 39, is a familiar face to television viewers. A native of New York, he has starred on shows including “NYPD Blue,” “Providence,” “Babylon 5,” and “Friends.”NurseWeek recently spoke to Coxx about his role on the hit series and the future of “Strong Medicine.”NW: As an actor, how did you prepare to play a nurse on television?JC: We have nurses and other medical professionals on the set to train us on how to perform procedures and to ensure our stories are medically accurate. We also have many nurses who work as extras on the show. When I was first cast as Riggs, I visited midwifery clinics and sat in on exams. I felt it was important to give an accurate portrayal of Riggs.NW: There is a definite push to encourage more men to consider a career in nursing. Do you think your character is a good role model?JC: I certainly hope so. I’ve received a lot of good feedback. Riggs is a strong character and he’s very secure about his masculinity and his nursing skills. We’ve made a point of acknowledging the stereotypes that some people have about male nurses. I hope our show helps viewers to see that nursing is an honorable profession regardless of a person’s gender.NW: What have been some of your favorite storylines from the show?JC: (laughs) My character always seems to be at the bizarre left of center in storylines. There was the show where he chained himself to a piece of art in the hospital that the administration had deemed too risqué. My character has performed acupuncture on a dog and taken a terminal cancer patient for a ride on his motorcycle.NW: So how much do you have in common with Riggs?JC: I think we have some similar qualities. We share a sense of adventure. Riggs is a former Peace Corps volunteer who enjoys traveling and riding his motorcycle. I just returned from a heliboarding trip in Telluride, Colo. I like to surf, snowboard, and I’m certified as a rescue diver. In fact, before I landed my role as Riggs, I seriously contemplated a full-time career in over-ocean helicopter rescue and diver retrieval.NW: Do you consider yourself an adrenaline junkie?JC: I think I am to a certain extent, but in moderation. I broke my shoulder snowboarding six years ago and had to undergo two surgeries, so I know I’m not invincible.NW: Did being a hospital patient give you a different perspective on nursing?JC: Nursing is a calling. It takes a very compassionate person to deal with death, blood, gore, and bodily functions on a daily basis. I was in a lot of pain after my surgeries and wasn’t in the best of moods, but I always received terrific care from the nurses.NW: What is your workload like on “Strong Medicine”?JC: We work from April through November, five days a week. It takes seven working days to finish one episode, and we typically put in 12-hour days on the set. During the off-season, I’ve filmed several independent movies and traveled abroad.NW: So what does the future hold for Peter Riggs?JC: We just began filming our sixth season in April and Riggs has finally been given a love interest in Kayla Thorton, a young medical resident (played by Tamera Mowry). I’m excited to see my character in a relationship, and since Peter and Kayla both work in the hospital, I’m sure their relationship will add a different dynamic to the show. I’m also excited to work with Rick Schroeder, who just joined the cast as a chief surgeon.NW: And what about your own future plans?JC: I just bought a house and am remodeling. I worked as a contractor for nine years before I became an actor, so I’m doing some of the work myself. It’s also rumored that I’ll be directing an episode of “Strong Medicine” this season and I’m very excited about that possibility. I’d like to get more behind-the-scenes experience.NW: I’ve heard nurses say they would like to see your character more prominently featured in the show and also be more involved in patient education and advocacy. Is this a possibility?JC: Sounds great to me. Do you mind passing that message along to the show’s producers?Strong Medicine airs on Lifetime cable television on Sundays at 9 pm Eastern/Pacific and weekdays at 4pm Eastern/Pacific.Linda Childers is a freelance writer for NurseWeek.To comment on this story, send e-mail to [email protected] Features Home Home • Subscriptions • Contact Us • CE Accreditation |
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