April Kepner

April Kepner, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a fictional character from the ABC's medical drama series Grey's Anatomy. The character was created by series producer Shonda Rhimes and is portrayed by actress Sarah Drew. She was introduced in the episode "Invasion" as a surgical resident from Mercy West Medical Center who joins the staff at Seattle Grace Mercy West after the two hospitals merge to compensate for the absence of some of the central cast members, and was created to be disliked by her colleagues. The character was originally set to appear in two episodes but Drew's contract was extended to the remainder of the sixth season, with her becoming a series regular in the seventh season. The character's main storylines involved her professional struggles, her religious beliefs. She married Jackson Avery and had two children: a son, Samuel, who died of osteogenesis imperfecta type II, and a daughter named Harriet. The character's story concluded with the 14th season. It was revealed in season 17 that April Kepner left Seattle with Jackson Avery to run the Catherine Fox foundation.

Although initially focusing on neurosurgery during her residency due to her crush on Derek Shepherd, April Kepner finally settles on trauma surgery as a specialty. After failing her boards, April Kepner departs but returns as a surgical attending when Chief Owen Hunt offers her job back. ABC noted her determination, thoroughness, and intelligence as her main traits, while her insecurity, over-eagerness and vulnerability were highlighted as her main weakness. The character initially received mixed reviews from critics, but later praise was affirmed from her character growth, eventually becoming a fan-favorite.