What does 007 mean in Grey's Anatomy?

James Bond's code number, 007, is a nickname for surgeons who kill their patients, referring to the film "License to Kill” in Grey’s Anatomy.

T.R Knight’s character, Dr. George O’Malley, was given the nickname ‘007’ when he nearly killed a patient during an appendectomy in the pilot episode of the American medical drama series Grey’s Anatomy.

The American medical drama series Grey's Anatomy was created by Shonda Rhimes for the ABC Network. The private and professional lives of surgical residents, interns, and attendings at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital (now Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital) are the primary focus of the show.

History of ‘007’ in Grey’s Anatomy

There were different instances when the term ‘007’ has been referred to certain situations in the series such as:

• George O’Malley was given the nickname when he froze during a regular procedure of appendectomy nearly killing a patient.

• Cristina Yang was spared the embarrassment of becoming the "new 007" when Izzie Stevens convinced her to do an unauthorized autopsy on the patient who died under their care.

• George was rendered unrecognizable after being hit by a bus in Now or Never. He constantly scribbled "007" on Meredith Grey's palm to identify himself.

Why was George called ‘007’ in Grey’s Anatomy?

Preston Burke (Isaiah Washington), the chief of cardiothoracic surgery, selects O'Malley to do the first surgery among the interns on his first day of work. After nearly killing a patient during a routine procedure, he freezes in the operating room and is given the nickname "007"—a reference to James Bond's "license to kill."

How did Meredith recognize George thanks to 007?

Meredith recognized that the severely injured patient was Jon Doe after he scribbled ‘007’ on her palm.

In episode 24 of season 5 titled, "Now or Never," George got hit by a bus after pushing a lady named Amanda out of its path. The physicians didn't recognize him because of his injuries when he was brought to the hospital. Meredith realized who he was when he scribbled his former nickname "007" on Meredith's palm. George was returned to surgery when she hurried to tell the others.

In episode 1 of season 6 titled, “Good Mourning,” George eventually flatlines and is pronounced brain dead, despite everyone's quick measures to operate. Callie uses a freckle on his hand to verify who he is. A week later, George is buried after his organs are donated.

Why was George killed off in Grey’s Anatomy?

T.R Knight, who portrayed George O’Malley in the American medical series Grey’s Anatomy, cited that his departure was due to his decision to come out as gay, his character’s lack of screentime, and a “breakdown in communication” with the executive producer Shona Rhimes. Knight thought the show would run for one season when he signed in. It was confirmed in 2009, following the end of the fifth season, that Knight would not be returning for the sixth season of the show.