Christine Chapel: Medicine, Mischief, and the Modern Trek Hero

We’re heading into Sickbay for the first medical mission of our Women of Strange New Worlds series—spotlighting Nurse Christine Chapel. Once a background presence in The Original Series, Chapel has become one of Strange New Worlds’most dynamic, witty, and emotionally rich characters thanks to Jess Bush’s layered portrayal.Joining host Jodi Pickens is guest Amy Imhoff—writer, speaker, and Star Trek commentator—who brings her sharp insight and deep fandom knowledge to this conversation. Together, they explore Chapel’s defining episodes (Ghosts of Illyria, Charades, and more), her relationships, and the real-world resonance of her story.From medicine to mischief, we examine how Christine Chapel went from Sickbay sidekick to scene-stealing star—and why her journey matters in modern Trek.