Out of all of Ash's companions, Brock has remained by his side for the longest, having been involved in a whopping twelve seasons (so far). This Pewter City hot-shot has made some significant transformations during his adventures, from Gym Leader to aspiring Pokemon Breeder to a Doctor-in-Training; which is more character development than most other Pokemon Trainers experience. Brock accompanied Ash from The Johto Journeys until Diamond and Pearl: Sinnoh League Victors, before this wanna-be ladies' man retired from the main cast roughly 14 years after his debut. While he has popped up now and then, the time has finally arrived for Brock to steal the spotlight (and lose his shirt) for the Pokemon: The Arceus Chronicles mini-feature.
Brock is usually the one to offer the soundest medical advice when no other assistance is around, and he clearly has a thorough understanding of the nutritional requirements that each Pokemon needs. He is first introduced to the concept of Pokemon Doctors in "Gonna Rule The School" during Ruby & Sapphire, but it takes Brock some time to commit to the idea. Nurse Joy encourages him into the medical field during "The Brockster Is In!" after his efficient use of Pecha Berries to cure a boatload of poisoned Pokemon and in the very next episode of Diamond & Pearl, Brock officially makes the career path transition. He subsequently parts ways with Ash and remains in Pewter City to pursue his studies at the Pokemon Trainers' School.
Pokemon Doctors
Pokemon Doctors are generally considered to be more refined Breeders, who specialize in healing the injured Pokemon (although Nurse Joy is still the go-to-girl for most medical emergencies.) For some reason, these Doctors do not operate directly from the Pokemon Centres but have their own clinics instead, but they have been known to work together on numerous occasions. Generally speaking, Pokemon Doctors rely more heavily on holistic healing than chemical pharmaceuticals, often treating illnesses with berries or homemade natural remedies.
The George Clooney look-a-like, Dr. Proctor from "A Chansey Operation" typically only treats humans, but he helped the injured Pokemon because there was simply no other option. On the other hand, Dr. Anna from Season 4 of The Original Series works alongside Pokemon to help treat her human patients.
Nurse Joy
While the exact distinction between Pokemon Doctors and Nurse Joys is unclear, one would assume that a Doctor is slightly more qualified or specializes in a particular medical field. Apart from running and maintaining the local Pokemon Centre, each Nurse Joy is responsible for providing medical attention to the Pokemon she comes across, as well as offering trainers advice on how to correctly care for their creatures.
If a region is without its own Pokemon Professor, aspiring trainers can go to Nurse Joy to collect their starter Pokemon; and Gym Leaders have Nurse Joy to answer to if their establishments are not up to standard. Nurse Joy has also been known to step in to judge Pokemon Contests, both to assess the Pokemon's performance and offer medical assistance if needed. It's astounding that Nurse Joy has any patience for Brock after dealing with so many responsibilities.
A Healing Touch
Like Brock, Dr. Abby also made the transition into the medical field after first pursuing a different career path, as she was once the prestigious Legendary Coordinator. After she completely dominated the Hoenn Grand Festival, Abby began exploring the regions with an inflated ego in tow. Believing herself invincible, she misjudges a battle and her beloved Skitty, nicknamed Johnny, faces the consequences.
The blue-haired beauty rushes her gravely injured Pokemon to a nearby clinic and is inspired by the heroic Dr. Moss, subsequently becoming his apprentice. Not only does Abby transform into a distinguished Doctor, but she develops her own specialty that focuses on the Pokemon's pressure points to provide relief with a healing touch.
The Love Doctor Is In
Dr. White's treatment methods generally rely on the various Berries from the Pokemon realm and the good doctor goes so far as to cultivate his own orchard to ensure access to a consistent, top-quality supply. Additionally, he appears to be quite the charmer, as Jessie quickly becomes infatuated with Dr. White after he saves her Wobbaffet.
The Team Rocket vixen remains practically glued to his side throughout "A Fork in the Road! A Parting of the Ways!" and even considers quitting the life of evil to take up residence with her new paramour. However, Jessie finally acknowledges the love triangle that she had instigated and steps away to allow Dr. White and his beloved Beatrice to get along with things.
Brock's Big Blow Up
While the World Coronation Series has captured the attention of most fans, Pokemon Journeys has taken a brief intermission before the Masters Eight Tournament semi-finals. During this break, the Pokemon creators will "pull a Ross" by dabbling in another project altogether and introduce fans to a spin-off mini-feature to help promote the latest Arceus Chronicles Nintendo game.
The storyline is a blast from the Diamond & Pearl past, as Ash's old gang reassembles, with Goh tagging along for the ride. Brock appears with a new Blissey by his side, eager to assist his old friends, Ash, Dawn, and Cynthia (along with Goh) as they help the Legendary Lake Guardians once again. During his medical studies, he has clearly had time to buff up a bit, which he keenly shows off with his proud Steelix in tow. Brock appears to have also picked up some aviation skills too, as he is seen piloting an aircraft in the official Arceus Chronicles anime trailer.
Pokemon: The Arceus Chronicles is due to air on Netflix on 23 September 2022.