Grey's Anatomy's New Ped Surgeon Might Be The Perfect Cristina Yang Replacement, Here's Why

Summary

• Dr. Monica Beltran is the newest pediatric surgeon shaking up Grey Sloan and channeling Cristina Yang's strong personality.
• Beltran's no-nonsense, ambitious, and honest approach is reminiscent of Cristina Yang, impacting relationships on the show.
• Beltran's push for colleagues to find their passion, like she did with Levi Schmitt, adds intrigue to Grey's Anatomy and might change dynamics.

Grey's Anatomy's newest pediatric surgeon is bound to shake up things at Grey Sloan Memorial and maybe replace the hole that was left after Cristina Yang’s exit. Grey’s has set a record for one of TV's longest-running shows and with that comes a revolving door of characters. Sandra Oh’s Cristina Yang brought something great to the show apart from being Meredith Grey’s person. When she left Grey's Anatomy at the end of season ten, Cristina's drive, passion and no-nonsense attitude was missed by viewers.

Natalie Morale’s Dr. Monica Beltran's addition to the show is slowly bringing back the same feeling as when Cristina Yang was on the show. Dr. Beltran's strong personality is already shaking the dynamics of the doctors' relationships at the hospital. Which makes it seem the show has found the perfect replacement for Cristina Yang.

Grey's Anatomy Replaces Its Cristina Yang Character After 10 Years

Grey’s Anatomy has been running for more than 20 years, but one of the most memorable characters on the show has always been Cristina Yang. The exceptionally talented Yang was one of the best doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial, and she knew it. Just like Dr. Monica Beltran, who exudes a cool confidence on her first day working at the hospital. Yang had a no-nonsense attitude when it came to her work, which made her one of the best doctors at Grey Sloan Hospital. She always put her work as a doctor first above everything.

Even though viewers have only got to see a little of Beltran’s character during season 20 of Grey’s Anatomy, it's clear she is a no-nonsense kind of person when it comes to her work. The ped surgeon takes the health of her patients and their families very seriously. During season 20, episode 3, Beltran comes down hard on an intern for dismissing the mother of the patient when they brought their daughter in for not acting like themselves.

Like Cristina Yang, Beltran is also not afraid of being straight-forward and blunt to her colleagues. Yang’s honesty often came off as her being rude, but she was really telling it like it is. In the latest season, Levi Schmitt asked Beltran to put in a good recommendation for him to become a ped-surgeon fellow. When she asks him why he wants to do it, Levi brings up his recommendation from Dr. Webber, his love for children and the need for more pediatric surgeons at the hospital.

Despite his reasons being good, Beltran rejects the offer to recommend him and says his reasons are not good enough.

Beltran is not afraid to be honest even if her words come off as harsh and brutal, much like Cristina Yang.

Yang’s hardworking and ambitious nature is also seen in Beltran. Yang was driven and ambitious when it came to her work and she would sacrifice her time to achieve her goal. Beltran mentions she takes her job so seriously that she has not been on a vacation in three years.

How Dr. Monica Beltran's Mentor Approach Shakes Things Up In Grey's Anatomy Season 20

Natalie Morales’ Dr. Beltran has already proven to be a force to reckon with in the medical field. So, she's bound to butt heads with some of the other doctors at Grey Sloan Memorial. After only a few episodes in season 20, it's clear Beltran's mentorship approach is going to change the dynamics of the relationships in Grey’s Anatomy. She's not afraid either of letting those under her wing know when they're not going in the right direction.

Beltran's move to reject recommending Levi for a pediatric fellowship was a surprising one. But what was more surprising was when she said he had no passion to specialize in Pediatric surgery. When Schmitt confronted Beltran over her decision, she didn't hold back. He asked what her problem was with him and why she couldn't compliment his good work. In season 20, episode 6, Schmitt says, “I want to be a Ped-Surgeon.”

Beltran responds, “Well if you need my validation or anyone else's validation to make you feel like you did a good job, then peds is not the right specialization for you.” Dr. Beltran then asks Schmitt if he really has the heart and passion to pursue pediatrics. “That is what's going to get you through the tough days. You show me more of that then we’ll talk.”

The way Dr. Beltran's push for Schmitt to find his passion for pediatrics is bound to make the upcoming episodes of Grey's Anatomy interesting. Schmitt is bound to work harder just to prove Beltran wrong and get his chance at becoming a pediatric surgeon.

Will This Grey's Anatomy Ped Surgeon Last?

A pediatric surgeon is a specialist surgeon who deals with children from infants to young teens. Shonda Rhyme’s Grey’s Anatomy has featured a number of pediatric surgeons on the show, and they have all been memorable. Dr. Monica Beltran is one of the latest pediatric surgeons to join Grey Sloan Memorial during season 20 as attending Pediatric Surgeon. Before her, there were other ped surgeons viewers came to love.

Dr. Alex Karev was another Pediatric Surgeon who was a fan favorite of Grey's Anatomy. During his early career he wanted to become a plastic surgeon, but after working closely with Dr. Montgomery realized he had a passion for working with children and moved to Pediatric surgery. After a while, he was promoted to Head of Pediatric Surgery before becoming Chief of Surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Monica Beltran joined Grey's Anatomy in season 20, but she might not be the last Pediatric Surgeon on the show. Karev left a lasting impression on Grey’s that has been hard to replace since his departure. However, Morales' guest character might not be around in season 21 as she is also starring in ABC’s Morning Show.