At one point, a representative from an association for sufferers of an inflammatory condition called vasculitis stood up and thanked the show for calling attention to the malady. While none of the patients of cranky, brilliant Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) ever wind up having vasculitis, House and his team of doctors (Omar Epps, Jennifer Morrison, Jesse Spencer) often mention it as a possible diagnosis while trying to solve medical puzzles each week.

"I made some smart(aleck) remark," recalls show creator David Shore, "and they continued to be grateful. They sent us a lovely little plaque and a lovely letter saying, "You are doing God's work,' which was the essence of my smart(aleck) remark.