Admit it, at one time while flipping channels, you’ve listened to Dr. Phil guide troubled marriages. Dr. Drew Pinsky has moved you as he helped drug addicts on “Celebrity Rehab.” Maybe Dr. Oz has persuaded you to eat that extra piece of fruit to increase your lifespan. These doctors and others have proven to be successful on TV, but also have their share of critics. Here’s a look at your favorite, or not so favorite, doctor stars and their continuing careers.

Dr. Phil McGraw

Introduced by the one and only Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Phil McGraw grew such a huge following on her show that he was awarded his very own daytime talk show. Since the fall 2002 launch, McGraw has helped families “get real” and get excited about their lives. His talk show has covered topics ranging from domestic violence, depression, substance abuse, and failing marriages. With an M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from North Texas State University, McGraw has the credentials. However, in recent years, some could argue his shows have been exploitative. The show’s handling of the man with the golden voice, Ted Williams, looks like ratings are more of a priority than the actual fragile guests. In addition, McGraw received controversy when he attempted to help Britney Spears so publicly during her meltdown. For better or worse, we can all agree, his shows today aren’t what they used to be. 

Dr. Oz

Another one of Oprah’s favorites, Dr. Mehmet Oz has focused his work on the heart and overall health of his viewers. Vice Chairman and professor of surgery at Columbia University, Oz has a passion for making viewers feel their absolute best. Watching a show on health could seem repetitive. How many segments do we need to watch about fruits and veggies being healthy snacks before we get it? However, Oz has managed to keep his show fresh, evident from his ratings. From his $1 drug store finds or show topics such as things your face is trying to tell you, viewers continue to trust in Oprah’s favorite doctor for all their health concerns.

Dr. Drew Pinsky

Before his presence on television, Dr. Drew Pinsky was best known for his successful radio show “Loveline” weeknights on KROQ in Los Angeles. Today, many recognize Pinsky as the official doctor of MTV and VH1. He has moderated the “Teen Mom” and “Sixteen and Pregnant” reunion shows allowing for an honest and open discussion. In addition, his role on “Celebrity Rehab,” “Sex Rehab,” and “Sober House” have helped many celebrities get the help they need for their addictions ranging from alcohol to love.  In fact, "NY Times Magazine" proclaimed Dr. Drew “the face of addiction and the surgeon general of youth culture.” Critics believe Pinsky exploits D-list celebrities for another shot at fame. In addition, some even argue there isn’t such a thing as sex and love addiction. An alumnus from the USC School of Medicine, Pinsky remains a practicing physician and is developing a new weeknight show for CNN Headline News set to air this spring.

Dr. Laura Berman

Not to be confused with Dr. Laura Schlessinger, the controversial radio commentary who praises stay-at-home moms and wives being their husband’s girlfriend, Dr. Laura Berman is a sex-therapist most known from her work on surprise, “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” With the addition of the Oprah Winfrey Network, viewers can watch Berman help couples struggling with their closeness and sex lives on "In the Bedroom." With homework assignments and one-on-one therapy sessions, couples can be intimate once again. Berman hasn’t earned much controversy. However, the couples profiled on her show leave me wondering, why would you ever want to share these problems on national TV?

What are your thoughts?  Do these doctors care more about fame than their patients? Should we really listen to their advice? Comment below and join the conversation.

Reach Columnist Mike Vulpo here.