FORT SMITH, Ark. (AP) — At the start of their medical careers, Meredith Grey and Jackson Avery weren't exactly forthcoming about their families, coming from world-renowned surgeons and all.

Grey didn't want her class to know her mother was one of the most successful female surgeons, winning multiple Harper Avery awards for surgical innovation. Avery, likewise, didn't want his colleagues to know his grandfather was the founder of the award.

It wasn't that they lacked pride for those who came before them; they simply didn't want colleagues to think their success was due to their bloodline.

While...