Grey's Anatomy's Dr. Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) is leaving Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, so there will need to be a new Chief of Surgery. Dr. Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.) was the show's first Chief. Dr. Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) followed. Dr. Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) became Chief in season 8. Finally, in season 12, Dr. Miranda Bailey (Chandra Wilson) became Grey Sloan's first female Chief. She took a sabbatical in season 15, and Dr. Alex Karev (Justin Chambers) stepped in being a surprisingly good Chief. But Richard and Miranda are never going to tell him.
Now it's time for a new Chief of Surgery. Owen asked for it, but given his suspended medical license, he's not the greatest candidate. In season 19, episode 6, he tells Dr. Teddy Altman (Kim Raver) that she should apply for the job. There's no confirmation on who will take over, so there are a few contenders that would be great for the job.
Richard Is A Pro At Being Chief
Dr. Richard Webber was Chief for a long time. He's also been interim Chief when the hospital needed one. He knows the hospital better than anyone. When the writers don't see any ideal choice or if the candidates are dealing with other things, Richard is always the go-to choice to fill the position until another character is ready for the job.
He's an easy option when there aren't that many characters that are fit for the job or want the job. Dr. Jo Wilson (Camilla Luddington) is all about the joy in OB. Dr. Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary) is better at molding the minds of tomorrow's surgeons. Dr. Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone) is better suited in the OR, and Dr. Atticus Lincoln (Chris Carmack) never seemed like the type to want the Chief job.
Bring Back Jackson Avery (If Only For The Interim)
Jesse Williams may have left the show, but his character Dr. Jackson Avery has made a few guest appearances. In season 19, episode 5, fans got to see Jackson in action running the foundation. He's become a great leader and could step in as Chief in Meredith's absence. He wouldn't need to be in every episode. Not every storyline revolves around the Chief. Fans would love to see more of him. Plus, this would also give more opportunities to have Dr. April Kepner (Sarah Drew) make an appearance.
Addison Montgomery Would Be Great
Dr. Addison Montgomery would make an outstanding Chief, and it would be nice to keep it in a woman's hands, and Kate Walsh is already a recurring cast member this season. With the lack of Meredith for most of the rest of the season, Addison would go a long way in helping to fill that void. However, as great as this option would be since she's on a mission to give more women access to care, she probably wouldn't want to take on this big job right now.
Teddy Altman Is The Obvious Choice
Out of everyone currently on the show, it makes sense that the writers would tap Dr. Teddy Altman as the next Chief of Surgery at Grey Sloan Memorial. This would also ensure the Chief stays in the hands of a woman. If Miranda doesn't want the job, and it's not an ideal time for Addison, Teddy would be the perfect role model for the new interns. Dr. Mika Yasuda (Midori Francis) told Teddy in season 19, episode 6, that she wanted to be like Teddy after seeing her handle herself that day in the ER.
Teddy also needs something in her life other than the anger that she's holding towards Owen. She's spent most of this season yelling at Owen, being ive-aggressive in front of colleagues, or venting about how bad it was when they were gone and how much money they spent to get Owen's career back. Of course, they could also use the money, given their financial situation. But it would still mean Teddy would be Owen's boss. She would have to at least get over his mistake when they are in the hospital. But the big career move could be just the thing she needs to help her let go of her anger.
First, Grey Sloan Memorial will say its farewell to Meredith Grey. That's a big Grey's Anatomy episode since it's the end of an era. Each Chief has left their own legacy, so the next one will be no different. A new Chief could emerge at the end of the mid-season premiere or by the following episode.
