Grey’s Anatomy discharges a doctor (spoiler alert)

EW’s Michael Ausiello reveals a Grey’s Anatomy doc who is blond, beautiful, outspoken female and not Katherine Heigl is leaving the show. If you don’t want to know who please don’t read on.

Well it’s actress Brooke Smith who plays Dr. Erica Hahn, one half of Callica (Sara Ramirez‘s Callie and Erica), Grey’s first-ever significant gay couple (photo right). Apparently studio suits made the decision, going over creator and executive producer Shonda Rhimes’ head. According to one Grey’s source, the suits “had issues” with both the explicit direction Callica was taking and, more importantly, with the Hahn character in general. Basically, they didn’t like her and wanted her gone ASAP. This seems harsh for Brooke but this appears to be a case of the network getting cold feet about going to far with a gay relationship. Her last episode as Dr. Erica Hahn, is this Thursday. This departure also sheds new light on Mary McDonnell’s arrival next week as a top cardiac doc.