Some fans of Grey's Anatomy wondered if Cristina Yang also won a Harper Avery Award after Meredith's win. Throughout the show, Cristina proved to be a skilled and focused surgeon, while Meredith's career often took a backseat to her personal life. However, Meredith ultimately deserved the award because she excelled in her career alongside her relationships. Cristina was disqualified from the award due to a conflict of interest since the hospital she worked at was owned by the Harper Avery Foundation.

In the end, Meredith's win was a celebration of her personal growth and the show's longevity, as well as a tribute to the fans. Other characters in the show, such as Meredith's mother Ellis and Preston Burke, also won Harper Avery Awards.