Script Doctor Brings Pittsburgh's Forgotten History to HBO

Sylvia Owusu-Ansah '00 shapes medical storytelling on HBO Max's hit drama "The Pitt"

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, a University of Rochester alumna, joined the medical drama series "The Pitt" as a medical advisor through the Hollywood, Health & Society program. She ensured the show highlighted the story of Freedom House Ambulance Service, a pioneering community initiative in 1960s Pittsburgh that trained the country's first Black paramedics. Owusu-Ansah also drew from her own experiences as a Black physician to shape other storylines on the show, which has found critical acclaim.

Why it matters

Owusu-Ansah's work on "The Pitt" has helped bring attention to an important but often overlooked chapter in the history of emergency medicine, while also addressing the underrepresentation of Black physicians in medical dramas and the real-world challenges they face. Her efforts have sparked renewed interest in honoring the legacy of Freedom House Ambulance Service.

The details

As the medical advisor for "The Pitt," Owusu-Ansah ensured the show featured the story of Freedom House Ambulance Service, a community-led initiative in 1960s Pittsburgh that trained 25 Black men as the country's first paramedics. She also incorporated her own experiences as a Black physician, including an incident where she advocated for a young Black patient experiencing a sickle cell crisis who was being mistreated. Owusu-Ansah has also helped shape other storylines on the show, such as the underrepresentation of Black physicians and the growing issue of children ingesting THC.

  • In 1967, Freedom House Ambulance Service was established in Pittsburgh's Hill District.
  • In 2026, Season 2 of "The Pitt" is currently streaming on HBO Max.

The players

Sylvia Owusu-Ansah

A University of Rochester alumna who serves as the medical director of prehospital and emergency medical services at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. She joined "The Pitt" as a medical advisor through the Hollywood, Health & Society program.

Freedom House Ambulance Service

A community-led initiative in 1960s Pittsburgh that trained 25 Black men as the country's first paramedics, revolutionizing emergency medicine.

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What they’re saying

“If you're going to talk about healthcare in Pittsburgh, you have to talk about Freedom House Ambulance.”

— Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, Medical Advisor, "The Pitt" (Mirage News)

What’s next

Bipartisan support is growing for a bill to award Freedom House Ambulance Service the Congressional Gold Medal, a cause Owusu-Ansah has long championed.

The takeaway

Owusu-Ansah's work on "The Pitt" has helped shine a light on an important but often overlooked chapter in the history of emergency medicine, while also addressing the underrepresentation of Black physicians in medical dramas and the real-world challenges they face. Her efforts have sparked renewed interest in honoring the legacy of Freedom House Ambulance Service.