Cristina Yang, the fiercely ambitious and incredibly gifted cardiothoracic surgeon on Grey’s Anatomy, returns to the operating room in Season 7, Episode 1: “With You I’m Born Again.” This episode marks her official return to surgery after a period of psychological trauma and recovery following the devastating events of the Season 6 finale.
The Trauma and the Aftermath: A Journey Back to the Operating Room
The shooting at Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital in the Season 6 finale profoundly affected all the doctors, but arguably, none more so than Cristina Yang. Witnessing trauma firsthand and even being forced to perform surgery under duress, with a gun pointed at her head, left her emotionally scarred and unable to cope with the high-pressure environment of the OR.
The initial episodes of Season 7 explore the psychological impact of the shooting. Cristina initially struggles to function, displaying signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She exhibits difficulty concentrating, experiences flashbacks, and struggles with basic surgical tasks, raising serious concerns about her ability to continue her career. Her fiancé, Owen Hunt, becomes a pillar of support, but his methods, particularly his push for her to return to surgery prematurely, create tension. He believes facing her fear head-on is the best approach, while Cristina feels she needs time to heal and process the trauma.
The Road to Recovery: Finding Her Way Back
Cristina’s journey back to the operating room is not immediate. The initial weeks after the shooting are characterized by anxiety attacks and a lack of confidence. She temporarily freezes during a routine surgery, jeopardizing the patient’s life and further shaking her faith in her abilities. She questions whether she can ever be the same surgeon she once was.
Key moments in her recovery include:
- Therapy: Though not explicitly shown in detail, the suggestion of therapy is woven into the narrative, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help after trauma.
- Support from Meredith: The close bond between Cristina and Meredith acts as a crucial source of strength. Meredith provides a non-judgmental ear and encourages Cristina to find her own pace.
- Small Victories: Cristina starts with smaller, less demanding tasks, gradually building her confidence.
- Owen’s Support (Eventually Helpful): While his initial approach was flawed, Owen’s persistent belief in her ultimately helps her to confront her fears. He eventually recognizes her need for space and allows her to determine her own timeline.
Season 7, Episode 1: A Symbolic Return
“With You I’m Born Again” represents Cristina’s symbolic rebirth as a surgeon. While she still struggles with the lingering effects of the shooting, she demonstrates a renewed commitment to her craft. Her return to the OR is presented as a victory, not just for Cristina, but for all the survivors of the shooting. It signifies the possibility of healing and moving forward, even after experiencing profound trauma. She’s not “fixed,” but she’s facing her demons head-on and reclaiming her identity as a brilliant surgeon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What specific surgical procedure does Cristina perform in Season 7, Episode 1?
In “With You I’m Born Again,” Cristina participates in a complex heart surgery alongside Dr. Teddy Altman. It’s a particularly challenging case, designed to test her abilities and demonstrate her willingness to return to demanding procedures. The specific details of the procedure are less important than the symbolic weight of her involvement.
Q2: How does Owen Hunt contribute to Cristina’s return to surgery?
Owen initially pushes Cristina too hard, believing that confronting her fear head-on is the best approach. However, he eventually recognizes her need for space and allows her to determine her own timeline. His unwavering belief in her abilities, coupled with his eventual understanding, ultimately contributes to her return. His insistence on her confronting her fear, even if initially misguided, is crucial in forcing her to acknowledge and address the issue.
Q3: Does Cristina experience any flashbacks or anxiety attacks during her first surgery back?
While the episode emphasizes her commitment and progress, Cristina still experiences moments of hesitation and anxiety. These moments are portrayed subtly, indicating that the trauma is not entirely erased, but rather, she is learning to manage it. She does not have a full-blown anxiety attack in the OR during this particular surgery, but her internal struggle is palpable.
Q4: How does Meredith Grey support Cristina during this challenging time?
Meredith provides unwavering emotional support and understanding. She listens without judgment, offers encouragement, and respects Cristina’s need for space and autonomy. Their “person” relationship is pivotal in allowing Cristina to process her trauma at her own pace. Meredith understands Cristina’s ambition and knows that pushing her too hard could be detrimental.
Q5: What are the long-term effects of the shooting on Cristina’s career trajectory?
The shooting significantly impacts Cristina’s perspective and approach to surgery. While she retains her ambition and talent, she becomes more aware of the human cost of her work and the importance of emotional well-being. The event doesn’t derail her career, but it adds depth and complexity to her character. It arguably makes her a more compassionate, though still fiercely driven, surgeon.
Q6: Does Cristina seek professional help for her PTSD?
While not explicitly depicted, the narrative implies that Cristina engages in some form of therapy or counseling. The focus is on her internal struggle and her reliance on her support system, but the subtext strongly suggests that professional help is part of her recovery process. This is implicitly conveyed through her improved coping mechanisms and her ability to address her fears.
Q7: How does Dr. Teddy Altman, the new head of cardiothoracic surgery, influence Cristina’s recovery?
Teddy becomes a mentor to Cristina, providing guidance and support as she navigates her return to surgery. Teddy recognizes Cristina’s talent and pushes her to excel, while also being sensitive to her emotional needs. Their relationship is crucial in helping Cristina regain her confidence and reclaim her place as one of the best cardiothoracic surgeons in the country.
Q8: What are some common symptoms of PTSD that Cristina exhibits after the shooting?
Cristina displays several classic symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks, anxiety attacks, difficulty concentrating, emotional numbness, and avoidance of triggers (in this case, the operating room). She also experiences sleep disturbances and heightened startle responses.
Q9: Is there a noticeable change in Cristina’s personality after her experience with trauma?
While her core personality remains largely unchanged – she is still driven, ambitious, and intensely focused on her career – she becomes more introspective and aware of her own vulnerabilities. She demonstrates a greater appreciation for her relationships and a deeper understanding of the human cost of surgery. She is less purely clinical and becomes more human.
Q10: How does Cristina’s return to surgery affect her relationship with Owen?
Cristina’s recovery journey puts a strain on her relationship with Owen. Their differing approaches to dealing with trauma create tension and conflict. However, through communication and compromise, they eventually learn to support each other, strengthening their bond in the long run, although their relationship ultimately remains complex and turbulent.
Q11: Does any other character on Grey’s Anatomy experience similar difficulties returning to surgery after the shooting?
Yes, other characters, including Derek Shepherd and Meredith Grey, also struggle with the aftermath of the shooting. However, Cristina’s experience is particularly poignant due to her initial inability to function in the OR, the very space where she feels most alive and competent.
Q12: What lesson can viewers take away from Cristina’s journey back to the operating room?
Cristina’s journey demonstrates the importance of resilience, self-compassion, and the power of support networks in overcoming trauma. It highlights the fact that healing is a process, not an event, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It also emphasizes the enduring power of ambition and the ability to reclaim one’s passions even after experiencing devastating events.