Patrick Dempsey talks “Grey’s Anatomy” and the Dempsey Center for cancer care

Patrick Dempsey has expressed his gratitude for his positive influence Grey’s Anatomy. Ina recent interview while promoting his new film Ferrari, The 57-year-old actor reflected on the 11-season legacy of the ABC medical drama.

Dempsey, who played Dr Derek Shepherd from 2005 to 2015, said inspiring so many people to enter the medical field was the biggest gift from the show.

“(Grey’s) has really inspired so many people to go into the medical profession. I think that’s been the biggest gift that’s come out of this show, is being able to do something positive and give back.”

He was recently crowned the “Sexiest Man Alive” by People The magazine also discussed his own nonprofit, the Dempsey Center in Maine.

Founded in 2008 after his mother’s battle with ovarian cancer, the Center aims to provide comprehensive and personalized cancer care at no cost. Dempsey explained that their holistic approach treats the whole person with support services.

“We’re not treating the disease, we’re treating the person holistically with care,” Dempsey explained to GMA. “Our goal is to reach everyone who has been affected in the state of Maine and also then spread the word that this is what you need to do to complement traditional approaches to fighting cancer and it should be standard of care.”

“We spend a lot of time and energy on the research and development of the drugs that are important, but we forget about treating the human,” he added. “Not just the patient, but the family and everyone around them who is affected.”

In his new movie Ferrari, Dempsey stars alongside Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz as race car driver Piero Taruffi. The biopic focuses on Enzo and Laura Ferrari as they work to save their business after their son Dino dies from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Directed by Michael Mann, Ferrari opens Christmas Day in theaters.