13 Times Star Trek: Voyager's EMH Said Bones McCoy's "I'm A Doctor, Not A ..."

April 15, 2024, 9 p.m.

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13 Times Star Trek: Voyager's EMH Said Bones McCoy's "I'm A Doctor, Not A ..."

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Summary The Doctor, portrayed by Robert Picardo in Star Trek: Voyager, humorously uses Dr. McCoy's catchphrase, "I'm a doctor, not a...", and establishes franchise continuity.

The Doctor showcases ethical integrity and progression, facing various challenges while maintaining a professional and exploratory purpose.

Each instance of The Doctor saying McCoy's line highlights character development, relationships, and technology in intricate storylines.

Star Trek: Voyager's Emergency Medical Hologram (EMH), AKA The Doctor (Robert Picardo), frequently repeated the iconic catchphrase of Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy (DeForest Kelley) from Star Trek: The Original Series. Somewhat temperamental and impatient, The Doctor was the Chief Medical Officer of the USS Voyager in the (initial) absence of other medical staff. Evolving considerably over Voyager's seven seasons, Picardo's Doctor is an essential character who showcases not only creative talents and ability but also ethical and moralistic integrity with a professional and exploratory sense of purpose.

Joining Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) and thecast of Star Trek: Voyageron their travels through the Delta Quadrant, Picardo's Doctor is progressive yet demonstrates several qualities that reflect traits or viewpoints from the franchise's past. One such facet is the use of the catchphrase, "I'm a doctor, not a..." initially made famous by Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in Star Trek: The Original Series. It's a nice nod to continuity, allowing Picardo's technologically unusual character a grounded sense of familiarity and purpose. Here's a look at every time Voyager's Doctor said Bones McCoy's most famous line.

Related How To Watch All Star Trek TV Shows In Timeline Order The Star Trek TV franchise has existed for 57 years and consists of 12 shows (and counting). Here's how to watch them all in timeline order.

13 "I'm a doctor, Mr. Neelix, not a decorator."

Star Trek: Voyager Season 1, Episode 5 - "Phage"

Star Trek: Voyagerseason 1, episode 5, "Phage," marks thefirst instance of The Doctor using Dr. McCoy's famousTOScatchphrase.In an amusing scene between an increasingly frustrated Doctor and an ailing Neelix (Ethan Phillips), Picardo's determined Doctor administers vital medical treatment following the unexpected removal of Neelix's lungs. Despite his condition, Neelix maintains a healthy spirit and even makes a lengthy list of requests for improved comfort and aesthetic enjoyment, suggesting the addition of "a nice tapestry or a painting" and commenting on the ugly sickbay ceiling. The Doctor remarks that he is "a doctor, Mr. Neelix, not a decorator," and delegates the requested tasks.

This Star Trek: Voyager season 1 scene showcases the resilience of both characters - each discomforted by their unexpected circumstances and ongoing events yet masking concerns with surface-level frustration and ambivalence. Despite the Doctor's electronic and emotional nature, Picardo's character demonstrates real patience and an appropriately gentle countenance designed to comfort and care for patients.

12 "I'm a doctor, not a performer."

Star Trek: Voyager Season 2, Episode 20 - "Investigations"

Appointed as the USS Voyager's official morale officer, Neelix designs an "uplifting and optimistic" daily news program to be broadcast to the ship and attempts to enlist other officers for different segments. The Doctor initially dismisses Neelix's request, saying, "I'm a doctor, not a performer. I don't have time for such nonsense." Neelix perseveres, suggesting a segment on "healthful living" and suggesting that such a feature might considerably propel the Doctor's celebrity and influence within the crew.

The Doctor later reconsiders and demands two segments from a distracted Neelix the following day: how to keep your nostrils happy and the hidden mysteries of the adrenal gland.Star Trek: Voyager, season 2, episode 20 offers a sentimental insight into the Doctor's slightly nerdy personality and multi-character perspectives on life on board a starship, countering the soft glimpses with an overall plot around espionage and deception.

11 "I'm a doctor, not a bartender."

Star Trek: Voyager Season 2, Episode 6 - "Twisted"

An unexpected spatial anomaly interruptsKes' (Jennifer Lien)surprise birthday party in the ship's holodeck and envelops the USS Voyager with an energy field. The Doctor, attending as the simulated scenario's bartender, clarifies that his presence is primarily in an official capacity and lists several unpleasant potential medical conditions that could arise. As Voyager's communications and technological systems malfunction, the Doctor's attempts to return to sickbay and leave the holodeck are unsuccessful. Having drawn the attention of the overly-affectionate simulated bar's owner, Sandrine (Judy Geeson), Picardo's exasperated Doctor exclaims, "How many times do I have to tell you, Madam, I am a doctor, not a bartender."

It deftly weaves intimate character narratives with grand and perplexing confrontations with the unknown.

The multilayeredStar Trek: Voyagerseason 2, episode 6 is a testament tothe show's intricate storytelling. Itdeftly interweaves intimate character narratives with grand and perplexing confrontations with the unknown. The Voyager crew's collective response to the spatial anomaly, juxtaposed withthe holographic Doctor's struggle to return to sickbayand his inadvertent antagonizing of several other holographic characters, adds layers of complexity, amusement, and endearment.

10 "I'm a doctor, not a voyeur."

Star Trek: Voyager Season 2, Episode 7 - "Parturition"

The USS Voyager sets course to a planet rich in protein and amino acid readings, dubbed "Planet Hell," to alleviate the ship's growing food issues. Star Trek: Voyagerseason 2, episode 7 sees essentialprogression in the characterization of several crucial Voyager crewmembers and their respective relationships, balancing the more weighty developments with less profound interactions among the ship-board crew.

As Voyager approaches the planet, the Doctor contacts the bridge. Having eavesdropped on a conversation between Captain Kathryn Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) and Commander Chakotay (Robert Beltran), the Doctor informs them of a skin irritation issue from the planet's trigemic vapors and suggests that automatic EMH inclusion in such discussions would prevent the need for routine eavesdropping to "monitor issues involving the health of the crew."As Janeway questions the frequency of this habit, the Doctor says,"I'm a doctor, not a voyeur. I am programmed to be discreet."

Related Star Trek: Voyager Series Ending Explained - How The Crew Gets Home The last episode of Star Trek: Voyager incorporated many of the show's core themes, including time travel, love, and the importance of family.

9 "I'm a doctor, not a counter-insurgent."

Star Trek: Voyager Season 3, Episode 1 - "Basics, Part II"

Star Trek: Voyager's gripping season 3 premiere episode continues theVoyagerseason 2 finale as the back half of a major Star Trek: Voyager two-parter. With the bulk of the USS Voyager crew stranded and struggling for survival on a desolate and hostile planet, onlya few officers remain on board the starshipwith 89 villainous Kazon.

The Doctor is not just a hologram - he is a Starfleet hologram.

Following examining a young child - the first Cardassian-Kazon hybrid - the Doctor ponders aloud about the futility of the ship's current situation and the limitations of his holographic presence. Asking, "What am I supposed to do? Lead a revolt with a gang from Sandrine's? Conjure up holograms of Nathan Hale and Che Guevara?I'm a doctor, not a counter-insurgent." The characteristically dramatic statement and subsequent theorizing about a self-taught program on guerrilla warfare adds mounting tension to the unfolding events, culminating in a realization that the Doctor is not just a hologram - he is a Starfleet hologram.

8 "I'm a doctor, not a database."

Star Trek: Voyager Season 3, Episode 9 - "Future's End, Part II"

In this second part of anotherStar Trek: Voyager two-parter, Captain Kathryn Janeway and the USS Voyager attempt to preserve the security of the past after the ship is heavily damaged by Henry Starling's (Ed Begley Jr.) attack in the previous episode. Starling, having downloaded a proportion of Voyager's databanks - including the Emergency Medical Hologram program -equips The Doctor with a mobile holo-emitterand later schemes to travel into the future to steal more advanced technology

Star Trek: Voyagerseason 3, episode 9 introduces a significant character development for the Doctor, with the implementation of a major hardware upgrade.

When Starling demands Captain Kathryn Janeway's psychological profile from The Doctor, the defiant EMH responds,"I'm a doctor, not a database,"Starling comments,"I'd say you're a little bit of both,"referring to the hologram's technological makeup.Star Trek: Voyagerseason 3, episode 9 introduces significant character development for the Doctor, with the implementation of a major hardware upgrade.

7 "I'm a doctor, not a peeping Tom."

Star Trek: Voyager Season 5, Episode 2 - "Drone"

The Doctor's mobile holo emitter is damaged during a survey mission when the shuttlecraft encounters spatial turbulence. Back on the USS Voyager, Lt. B'Elanna Torres (Roxann Dawson) informs the Doctor that some circuits in the mobile emitter were fused during transport back to the ship. The following morning, oblivious to social cues and normalcy,The Doctor calls for an update at an inopportune moment, leading to an amusingly awkward situation.

As Lt. Torres prepares to enter a sonic shower, The Doctor tells her,"I'm a doctor, not a peeping Tom.There's nothing I haven't seen before." Frustrated, Torres throws her towel over the communications display screen. Despite the Doctor's general demonstration of respect, consideration, and patient confidentiality, moments such as this underscore the character's lack of social sensitivity and an accompanying sense of empathy and humility, resulting in an odd blend of personality traits for a character whose entire existence is designed for healthy interactions with others.

6 "I'm a doctor, not a battery."

Star Trek: Voyager Season 5, Episode 13 - "Gravity"

The Doctor, Tuvok (Tim Russ), and Lt. Tom Paris (Robert Duncan McNeill) are stranded on a desert planet when their shuttle crash lands in a temporally distorted area of space. Following the repair of the Doctor's damaged mobile emitter, Tuvok suggests that the EMH program should stay offline as much as possible, given the limited resources to preserve the option of the emitter as a power source. Affronted, the Doctor exclaims,"I'm a doctor, not a battery,"drily adding that Paris' sub-par hunting skills should perhaps necessitate a similar status.

The Doctor's limited scope in "Gravity" highlights an adaptability and innate frustration at technological limitations.

Star Trek: Voyagerseason 5, episode 13 is bittersweet, told in a series of flashbacks, with Tuvok exploring the lessons of his past to make sense of his present. The curiousexploration of race, technology, and natural phenomenais rich and considered, with the characters' sentiments and outlooks working to complement and disrupt. Despite the enhanced potential of Picardo's character, the Doctor's limited scope in "Gravity" highlights an adaptability and innate frustration at technological limitations.

Related 1 Star Trek Actor Starred Alongside 5 Classic Captains Joseph Ruskin holds an impressive Star Trek record by appearing on screen alongside five of the franchise's most recognized, classic captains.

5 "I'm a doctor, not a dragon slayer."

Star Trek: Voyager Season 5, Episode 14 - "Bliss"

Star Trek: Voyager,season 5, episode 14, "Bliss," offers an interesting premise involving The Doctor. The Voyager crew is affected by a giant "beast" capable of neurogenic telepathy and manipulation. Amid several other unaffected crew members, Picardo's Doctor identifies peculiarities in the crew's dopamine levels and becomes suspicious. Although The Doctor is promptly deactivated to prevent interference in the creature's scheme, the EMH is later reactivated and ultimately instrumental in saving the ship.

Following the creature's defeat, The Doctor is offered a place to work alongside Qatai (W. Morgan Shepard). The Doctor responds, "I'm a doctor, not a dragon slayer.My program requires that I do no harm." Interestingly, the Doctor uses a similar phrase upon reactivation in Voyager's sickbay when Qatai requests access to the ship's weapons manifest, stating, "This is a sickbay, not an arsenal." "Bliss" showcases the Doctor's proclivities towards peace and well-being against a backdrop of disruption and telepathic and biological manipulation.

4 "I'm a doctor, not a zoo keeper."

Star Trek: Voyager Season 6, Episode 24 - "Life Line"

Voyager's Doctor temporarily transfers to the Alpha Quadrant's Jupiter Station to treat thecreator of the Emergency Medical Hologram, Lewis Zimmerman(Robert Picardo), who is dying of a fatal condition. Believing he can adapt a Borg regeneration technique, The Doctor's files are condensed for efficient transport. However, it soon becomes clear that Zimmerman is not particularly interested in the Doctor's aid.

InStar Trek: Voyager, season 6, episode 24, "Life Line," Robert Picardo plays two visually similar characters - one human, one electronic. With the aid ofCounsellor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis), the Doctor ultimately achieves a successful medical outcome despite Zimmerman's attitude. When the Doctor deactivates Dr. Zimmerman's talking holographic iguana Leonard with an explanatory"I'm a doctor, not a zoo keeper,"Zimmerman electronically transfers the EMH to another room. It's a whimsical and frustrating study of family, stubbornness, and fear, with the characters' similarities and differences working well to heighten the drama, tension, and chaos.

3 "I'm a doctor, not an engineer."

Star Trek: Voyager Season 7, Episode 9 - "Flesh and Blood"

Star Trek: Voyagerseason 2, episode 9, "Flesh and Blood," isthe first installment of a two-part story in which the USS Voyager crew encounters the Hirogen, a race of hunters, and a ship of holograms. When The Doctor's program is stolen by a fleeing vessel, the EMH appears on a ship of holograms needing his medical expertise. The Doctor protests that he is"a doctor, not an engineer."As Picardo's The Doctor argues that the technological nature of the damaged holograms requires repair from an engineer, not healing from a doctor, the officer in charge, Iden (Jeff Yagher), convinces the reluctant EMH to offer assistance.The Doctor's connection to both crews provides an exciting, deep insight into Picardo's evolving and complex EMH character. Part of and loyal to the Voyager crew, the Doctor shares significant overlap in physical presence with the holograms.

2 "I'm a doctor, not a commando."

Star Trek: Voyager Season 4 Episode 14 - "Message in a Bottle"

Robert Picardo's Doctor risks uncertain transportation to the USS Prometheus in the far-away Alpha Quadrant inStar Trek: Voyager, season 4, episode 14, "Message in a Bottle." Teaming up with the initially-hesitant medical hologram EMH-2 (Andy Dick), the Doctor must figure out how to reclaim the ship from Romulans to complete his mission and contact Starfleet. Intelligently exploring the technological capacity and ingenuity of the Doctor's holographical nature and abilities through character interaction and upgrade, "Message in a Bottle" uses the Doctor as a beacon of hope and accessibility.

The evolving interaction between Picardo's Doctor and the EMH-2 is an amusing and fascinating display of sophisticated Starfleet programming.

The evolving interaction between Picardo'sDoctor and the EMH-2is an amusing and fascinating display of sophisticated Starfleet programming. Quickly identifying the Doctor as an "inferior" design, the EMH-2 comments on the "beady eyes"and "inferior bedside manner" and deactivates its program to await rescue. When Voyager's Doctor reactivates the program and insists they work together to retake the ship, the EMH-2 claims, "I'm a doctor, not a commando."

1 "I'm a doctor, not a door stop."

Robert Picardo plays the EMH Mark I Doctor on the USS Enterprise-E inStar Trek: First Contact. Faced with invasion by the Borg and imminent assimilation on the Enterprise,Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden)activates the Emergency Medical Hologram and orders a diversion to allow the crew to flee to safety. The Doctor responds, "This isn't part of my program.I'm a doctor, not a doorstop."Ultimately, the Doctor offers the attacking drones an analgesic cream for theoretical skin irritation caused by Borg implants.

While the EMH in Star Trek: First Contact isn't the same Doctor as on Star Trek: Voyager, it's a crowd-pleasing movie cameo for Robert Picardo.

The Doctor is a fascinating character inStar Trek: Voyagerand the overall franchise, offering a slow yet complex look at evolving technology and its relationship with individualism. Ironically, then,The Doctor's regular use of Dr. Leonard McCoy's catchphraseis not indicative of this quality but instead offers an upbeat and nostalgic nod to franchise continuity, simultaneously developing a sense of affection and warmth to Picardo's iconic and creatively ambitious character.

Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: The Original Series are available to stream on Paramount+.