Feb. 17, 1962 - The popularity of “Dr. Kildare” and “Ben Casey” has brought Dr. Konrad Styner out of semi-retirement. As the central character of “Medic,” Dr. Styner (portrayed by Richard Boone) was a well-known figure on the TV scene during the mid-1950s. Later, however, his practice all but disappeared. Today, he is enjoying a resurgence through the syndication of old episodes. “Medic,” which was created by James E. Moser, the writer of “Ben Casey,” made its debut in 1954 on NBC and continued for two years. Then the network turned it over to NBC Films, a syndicator, which sold the show to 127 stations before the “Medic” cycle ran its course. “In the last couple of months, ‘Medic’ has done a complete flip-flop,” said William Breen, national sales manager of NBC Films. “It’s found a new life. We’ve had eight sales in recent weeks. The renaissance began when the ‘Kildare’ and ‘Casey’ following was firmly established.” Dr. Styner resumed his practice in New York two weeks ago. He and his “Medic” corps are at work over Channel 5 at 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
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