Like her character, Katie Leclerc is hearing impaired. She suffers from Ménière's disease, a disorder of the inner ear characterised by vertigo, tinnitus, and progressive hearing loss in one or both ears. There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed with medication, diet and certain surgical approaches. Physiotherapy can also help sufferers deal with the loss of balance caused by the disease.
Upon meeting Christopher Crane, McGee jokingly wonders if Dr. Mallard has another younger brother. Both men even have surnames that are the water birds.