ER star Sharif Atkins is experiencing a little bit of deja vu. Once again, the actor -- who portrayed Dr. Michael Gallant for five years -- is on a medical drama. Once again, that medical drama airs on NBC. But when Atkins guest stars on Chicago Med in the Oct. 2 episode, he won't be wearing a white coat. And he's liable to break viewers' hearts.

In Season 10, Episode 2, entitled "Bite Your Tongue," Atkins portrays Joe Thomas, who's devastated to learn that his son's cancer has returned. As if that wasn't emotional enough, Joe and his wife are startled when the recently arrived Dr. John Frost wants to tell their child the whole truth about what he's facing. Cbr spoke to Atkins about guesting on Chicago Med, and telling a medical story from the other side of the clipboard.

Cbr: You spent most of five seasons on ER playing a doctor.