Caterina Scorsone’s character, Dr. Amelia Shepherd, is taking a temporary leave of absence from Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
The neurosurgeon’s decision to take a sabbatical was revealed during the landmark 450th episode of Grey’s Anatomy. Her departure from the surgical team follows the traumatic aftermath of a hospital explosion in the Season 21 finale, which led to the death of Dr. Monica Beltran (Natalie Morales) in the Season 22 premiere.
While the actress will be on a brief hiatus, her character is confirmed to return to the long-running medical drama in 2026.
This storyline development comes as series creator Shonda Rhimes reflects on the show’s unexpected longevity, admitting she no longer knows how it will conclude.
“I’d say back around episode 150 I knew how it was gonna end,” Rhimes, who stepped down as showrunner in 2015, told Today’s Craig Melvin. “Now we’re at 450—I have no idea. I mean, I wasn’t sure we’d get past season four or five. So the fact that we’re here in season 22 is insane.”
