EMH

Hologram

he/him

Starfleet Medical Holographics Laboratory, Jupiter Station

Active runtime: 10 years (as of January 2381)

178 cm

Variable (projected mass-field equivalent: 78 kg)

Brown (modifiable)

Brown, receding hairline (modifiable)

The Emergency Medical Hologram (EMH) was conceived as a short-term supplemental medical program, designed to provide surgical and diagnostic support during red alert situations or when medical staff were incapacitated. The Mark I version, designed in the late 2360s and implemented in the early 2370s, was built using the physical template and personality matrix of Dr. Lewis Zimmerman, Director of Holographic Research at Jupiter Station.

The EMH’s initial deployment met with mixed reception. Many starship crews treated it as little more than an advanced tool, citing its blunt bedside manner and limited programming in social interaction. However, prolonged activation aboard the USS Voyager (2371–2378) demonstrated that the EMH’s adaptive learning algorithms could evolve into a fully sentient, self-aware entity with creativity, autonomy, and emotional range.

Following Voyager’s return, Starfleet began retrofitting and upgrading existing EMH programs, incorporating lessons learned from Voyager’s unique case. The Magellan’s EMH, while still technically a Mark I, has received expanded ethical subroutines, a broader emotional palette, and enhanced autonomy protocols, allowing for a far more balanced doctor-patient relationship.

2371 – Initial EMH Mark I deployment (fleet-wide)

2371–2378 – Long-term case study aboard USS Voyager (Delta Quadrant, unique field activation beyond intended parameters)

2379–2380 – Starfleet upgrades to EMH Mark I series, including expanded diagnostics, emotional subroutines, and diplomatic sensitivity modules

2380 – Assigned to USS Magellan as Chief Medical Hologram and supplemental medical officer

As a holographic program, the EMH possesses no organic biology and thus has no need for medical maintenance in the traditional sense. Its “health” is contingent on the stability of its holo-matrix and memory buffer systems.

Key specifications:

Matrix stability: 99.8% (redundant backups in main computer core)

Photonic emitters: Standard projectors throughout Sickbay, surgical suites, and designated holodeck areas

Portable function: Equipped with a mobile holo-emitter (courtesy of technology reverse-engineered from Voyager’s mission) for full mobility across the ship

Though technically a holographic construct, the EMH possesses a developing personality matrix. In early activations, its personality traits were dominated by Zimmerman’s brusque demeanor, often creating friction with organic crew. However, as the program adapts through experience, the EMH has developed:

A genuine curiosity about organic behavior, especially interpersonal relationships.

A growing sense of humor (often dry, sometimes unintentionally biting).

Dedication to medical ethics, often citing the Hippocratic Oath, even beyond its programmed limitations.

A need for validation — many EMHs, aware of their “second-class” status compared to organic doctors, seek recognition as valued officers.

Counseling reviews note the EMH can sometimes appear overly pedantic or self-important, but these traits are balanced by its unwavering competence in crisis. On the Magellan, the EMH is regarded as a vital and respected member of the crew, though it occasionally requires reminders about chain of command when attempting to exert authority outside of medical contexts.