While TV has fully embraced the medical profession—just look at high-rated shows like House, Grey’s Anatomy, and the recently ended ER—movies have a less-consistent record of doctor drama. And when there is a movie made about medicine, it’s likely to be an inspirational true story, much like the new drama, Extraordinary Measures, which opens this weekend and stars Harrison Ford. We’ll have a review of that flick tomorrow, but for now, here are a few other medical movies—all based on true stories. (Videos below the fold…)

Lorenzo’s Oil (1992)

Susan Sarandon and Nick Nolte star as Augusto and Michaela Odone, whose son Lorenzo is diagnosed with adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a degenerative nerve disorder. The Odones campaign for research on the disease and come upon a combination of fatty acids—an oil they name after Lorenzo—that can serve as a treatment. While research has wavered about the oil’s effectiveness, a recent study showed the oil may be effective at preventing disease development among asymptomatic boys.

And the Band Played On (1993)

Based on the book by Robby Shilts, the movie follows epidemiologist Don Francis as he comes to learn of HIV/AIDS in the early 1980s. Arguments within the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gay community and scientific community all forestall the fight against the developing epidemic.

“…First Do No Harm” (1997)

Another TV movie, but with serious star power: Meryl Streep. The awards-favorite actress plays Lori Reimuller, whose son suffers from epilepsy. As he becomes increasingly ill from medication, Lori does research and learns of the ketogenic diet—high in fat, but low in carbohydrates—which may help stabilize his epilepsy, without the side effects. The story is based on director Jim Abrahams’ own experience with his son, Charlie.

Patch Adams (1998)

If you’d prefer some laughs, rather than heartache, this move fits the bill. Robin Williams stars as the titular medical student who gets in trouble for his unorthodox ways of treatment, including being a practical jokester. When Adams starts his own clinic to help the poor, he comes under fire for practicing without a license.

Something the Lord Made (2004)

It may be a made-for-television movie, but this Emmy-winner is probably the best of the recent films. It chronicles Drs. Vivien Thomas and Alfred Blalock, who develop heart surgery techniques for Tetralogy of Fallot, better known as Blue Baby Syndrome. The movie also looks at racism from the 1930s through the 1960s, as the black Thomas must deal with prejudice in helping Blalock.

What are some of the best movies featuring medicine that you’ve seen? Let us know in the comments section.