Why Is Ethan Choi leaving Chicago Med? (SPOILERS)

Dr. Ethan Choi is on his way out. It’s been known for several weeks now, as both the showrunners and the actor who plays him, Brian Tee, have confirmed their plans to part ways. Each episode of Chicago Med comes with the promise of a hint or detail that explains why Choi will leave, but fans have actually gotten very little.

Well, all that changed when Med showrunners Andrew Schneider and Diane Frolov sat down with People and shed some light on the character’s decision to leave Gaffney after nearly a decade. Here’s what the creative duo had to say.

Why is Brian Tee leaving Chicago Med?

For one, Frolov confirmed that Choi and April Sexton (Yaya DaCosta) would make it to the altar and embark on a successful marriage. She noted that both characters have grown immensely since their split, and are now in better places to be partners.

“Both have evolved, professionally and emotionally, in ways that allow them finally to join their lives together”, she explained. “When they reconnected earlier this season, April saw that Ethan was now more open, less rigid; and Ethan realized he could now be the man she needed. This allowed the feelings both still felt for one another to blossom.”

It’s been heartwarming to watch Choi and April reconnect throughout season 8, but romance doesn’t do much to explain why the former will vacate his long-held position. Especially, as some fans may point out, after he’s fought so hard and been through so much grueling physical therapy to reclaim it.

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Well, the reason is that he found a greater calling. Schneider told the outlet that Dr. Choi will be taking his medical expertise and bringing it to the people he feels truly need it.

"“[Choi and April will be] starting a mobile clinic so that together they can take first-rate medical care to underserved neighborhoods in Chicago”, the showrunner revealed."

It’s a reveal that we’ve long waited for, and we couldn’t be more relieved that it has noting to do with tragedy or death. We’ve seen both affect Med characters throughout the season, so it’s nice to see that Choi is simply moving on because he’s ready to move on and start another chapter of his life. It’s still bittersweet, but now that we know, it’s a little sweeter.

For the latest Chicago Med season 8 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago Med category at One Chicago Center.