Mark Greene - Early Life

Early Life

Mark Greene, an only child, was raised by his mother, Ruth, and father, David. David Greene served in the United States Navy, and thus the family moved frequently. Mark had a very strained relationship with his father, and was decidedly closer to his mother. He would often act out in an attempt to upset his father, and aimed his goals in the opposite of what his father wanted. Mark thought his father's Navy career mattered more to him than his family, only to later learn that David was on track to be an Admiral and turned down the chance in order to come home and help Mark with a bully. The most memorable time of his childhood was when his family was in Hawaii, a time he would later recreate with daughter Rachel during the last few weeks of his life.

While still in High School Mark met and soon after developed a romantic relationship with Jennifer (Jen). Presumably their relationship lasted the duration of their time in college, and at some point around the time Greene was at medical school, he married Jen. His daughter, Rachel was born shortly afterwards. While in medical school he met future colleague Peter Benton. He then completed his internship and residency in the Emergency Department of County General Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, from there he was awarded the position of Chief Resident of the Emergency Department. While there, Mark developed close friendships with Dr. Doug Ross, a pediatrician, Dr. Susan Lewis, an ER resident, and nurse manager, Carol Hathaway. Although Mark enjoys working the ER, the many nights on call and the long hours added to Jen's decision to complete law school have strained their marriage.