'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUH/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgT/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAMtrhq//xAAdEAACAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEABEFEqEG/9oACAEBAAE/AEtRzzGIr0jV04+MhQSAXCg+7xvn6EbFBbtMFOuxhTZ9z//EABcRAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAjH/2gAIAQIBAT8AmU9P/8QAFhEAAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIx/9oACAEDAQE/AFh//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Dr. Arizona Robbins, played by Jessica Capshaw, first appeared on Grey's Anatomy in season 5, episode 11, Wish You Were Here. Described as being a very accomplished pediatric surgeon with a positive personality and wheeled sneakers, Arizona was an instant favorite at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.
Her compassionate practice of medicine and unshakeable commitment to young patients were matched only by her high-strung career and complicated interpersonal relationships.
Throughout the seasons, she endured a stormy relationship with Callie Torres, a battle for custody of their daughter Sofia, and a career-destroying plane crash amputation — challenges that strained both her resilience and optimism.
Arizona Robbin's introduction in Grey's Anatomy
Arizona Robbins came to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital (formerly Seattle Grace Hospital) as a pediatric surgeon at large, injecting the medical staff with a new, youthful energy.
Trending
She was known for her remarkable operating skills and caring attitude toward young patients. Her trademark way of dressing, like wearing sneakers with wheels and having a positive outlook, made her stand out in the intense hospital atmosphere.
Arizona's career was characterized by her steadfast dedication to pediatric medicine. She eventually rose to become chief of pediatric surgery and assumed great mentorship positions. She was highly regarded among peers and featured prominently in several high-stakes medical situations throughout the series.
Arizona's personal and professional journey
Arizona's personal life was a huge part of her character development. Her romance with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Callie Torres was one of the show's most high-profile LGBTQ+ storylines. They got married and co-parent their daughter, Sofia, but had a few issues in their relationship, including Arizona's bout of emotional trauma after a plane crash in Season 8.
The plane crash marked a turning point in Arizona's life. She had serious injuries that resulted in a leg amputation, and she had a tough time with physical and emotional healing. The incident significantly affected her marriage and mental well-being, and she went into a depression as well as a strained relationship. Arizona and Callie eventually divorced but remained co-parents to Sofia.
Arizona persisted, though, regardless of individual hardships. She received training from Dr. Nicole Herman to diversify her experience in fetal surgery, which cemented her status as an elite pediatric surgeon. Her willingness to push the boundaries and invest in others only further secured her place at Grey Sloan Memorial.
Arizona Robbins' leaving Grey's Anatomy
Jessica Capshaw left Grey's Anatomy in Season 14, closing the arc of Arizona Robbins. Unlike most actors in the show, Arizona was sent off on a happy note. She chose to leave for New York to be with Sofia, leaving room for hope and a rekindling with Callie.
Her exit was presented as a career and personal choice and not a sudden or tragic conclusion. The narrative permitted Arizona's reputation as a talented surgeon and devoted mother to be preserved, leaving open the possibility of her future return.
Arizona Robbins was one of the rare LGBTQ+ female physicians on mainstream television, further adding to diverse relationships' visibility on medical dramas. Her battle with trauma, disability and professional aspirations rendered her character multidimensional and realistic.
Apart from her storylines, Arizona's role in pediatric surgery and mentoring in Grey's Anatomy emphasized her value in the medical environment. Her character showed resilience in overcoming professional and personal difficulties while upholding a dedication to her patients.
Jessica Capshaw’s portrayal of Arizona Robbins brought depth and authenticity to Grey's Anatomy. As a skilled pediatric surgeon, a dedicated mother and a complex individual navigating personal struggles, Arizona left a lasting impact on the series.
Her departure allowed for a hopeful resolution, ensuring that her influence on the hospital and her colleagues remained significant. Even after her exit, Arizona Robbins remains one of the most notable characters in Grey's Anatomy history.
Catch the latest episode of Grey's Anatomy streaming on ABC.
