You probably remember the collective gasp from the One Chicago fandom when the news broke. After eight seasons of being the Emergency Department’s moral compass, Brian Tee—the man behind Dr Choi Chicago Med—was hanging up his scrubs. Honestly, it felt like the end of an era. Ethan Choi wasn't just another doctor in a white coat; he was the Navy veteran who brought a rigid, sometimes frustrating, but always deeply principled discipline to Gaffney Chicago Medical Center.
But why did he actually leave? Was it some behind-the-scenes drama, or just time for something new? People still speculate, but the truth is a bit more personal than the tabloid rumors suggest.
The Real Reason Brian Tee Left Chicago Med
Life on a network procedural is a grind. You're talking 14-hour days, nine months a year, for nearly a decade. For Brian Tee, the decision to step away from Dr Choi Chicago Med basically came down to two things: family and growth.
Tee has been very vocal about wanting to spend more time with his wife, Mirelly Taylor, and their daughter, Madelyn. When you're the lead of a major show, you miss a lot of bedtimes. He wanted to be a present dad. It’s a move a lot of actors make after hitting that seven or eight-year mark.
Beyond the home life, Tee was itching to flex different creative muscles. He didn't just want to be in front of the lens; he wanted to be behind it. Since leaving, he’s actually returned to the Chicago Med set multiple times—not to treat patients, but to direct. He directed "Know When to Hold and When to Fold" in Season 8 and came back for episodes in Seasons 9 and 10, including the 2025 episode "Acid Test." It’s kinda cool to see a former cast member transition into a leadership role where they’re now bossing around their old friends.
What Happened to Ethan Choi in the Story?
Most TV exits are either tragic or rushed. Usually, someone gets hit by a bus or takes a job in another city and is never heard from again. Luckily, the writers gave Ethan a rare "happy ending" that actually made sense for his character arc.
After years of "will they, won't they" drama that basically defined the early seasons, Ethan finally got back together with April Sexton (Yaya DaCosta). They didn't just get back together, though. They got married in a beautiful ceremony that felt like a love letter to long-term fans of the show.
Instead of staying at Gaffney, the couple decided to launch a mobile clinic. The goal was to serve under-resourced communities in Chicago. It was the perfect "full circle" moment. Ethan started as a guy who strictly followed hospital protocol to a fault, but he ended as a man who realized that sometimes the best way to help people is to take the medicine to them, outside the sterile walls of a corporate hospital.
A Quick Look at Ethan’s Career Path
- Navy Lieutenant Commander: His military background influenced every decision he made in the ED.
- Chief Resident: He climbed the ranks fast due to his discipline.
- Chief of the Emergency Department: A role that tested his patience and his relationships with people like Will Halstead.
- Community Outreach: His final chapter, running "DOCS on Wheels" with April.
Why Fans Still Miss Dr Choi
The ED feels different without him. Let’s be real—Ethan could be a total stick-in-the-mud. He and Will Halstead clashed constantly because Ethan believed in the rules, and Will believed in... well, whatever Will felt like doing that day. But that friction was the heartbeat of the show.
Ethan’s struggle with PTSD was also one of the most grounded portrayals of a veteran on television. It wasn't always a "very special episode" kind of thing; it was a slow burn. Seeing him navigate his relationship with his father and eventually finding peace with his sister, Emily, gave the character a depth that's hard to replace.
Where is Brian Tee Now?
If you're missing Brian Tee on your screen, you don't have to look far. He recently starred in the Prime Video limited series Expats alongside Nicole Kidman. It’s a massive departure from the high-octane energy of a Chicago hospital—much more atmospheric and heavy.
He’s also joined the cast of Reacher for Season 3, playing a character named Francis Xavier Quinn. It’s a gritty, physical role that definitely taps back into that "tough guy" energy he brought to Dr Choi Chicago Med, but with a much darker edge.
Is a Return to Chicago Med Possible?
The short answer? Yes.
Because Ethan Choi wasn't killed off, the door is wide open. Tee himself has said in interviews that he’d be open to an on-screen return if the story was right. Given that he’s already on set directing, it wouldn't be hard for him to jump into a scene for a guest appearance or a crossover event.
Fans have been holding out hope for a "catch-up" episode where we see how the mobile clinic is doing. Honestly, it’d be great to see Ethan and April walk through those double doors one more time, even if just for a consultation.
How to Follow Dr. Choi’s Legacy
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of Ethan Choi or want to keep up with what the actor is doing next, here are a few things you can do:
- Rewatch the "Chexton" Saga: Start from Season 2, Episode 23 ("Love Hurts") to see where the spark with April really began.
- Watch Brian Tee’s Directorial Work: Look for Season 8, Episode 17 and Season 10, Episode 14 to see his vision behind the camera.
- Check out Expats on Prime Video: It shows a completely different side of his acting range that you didn't get to see in the ED.
- Follow the One Chicago Crossovers: Ethan appears in several episodes of Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire, which helps flesh out his world beyond the hospital.
Ethan Choi left a void in Gaffney, but his exit was one of the few that felt earned. He didn't leave because of a tragedy; he left because he grew up. And in the world of TV drama, that’s the best ending you can hope for.