Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut Confirms 'Chicago Med' Exit Before Season 12

Another major shakeup is hitting Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. *Chicago Med* cast member Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut has officially confirmed that her time on the hit NBC medical drama is coming to a close, letting viewers know that she will not be heading back to set for Season 12. The 34-year-old actress broke the news directly to her followers in a remarkably low-key fashion on social media. When a curious viewer posted a polite comment on Chestnut's TikTok account asking if she had any plans to suit up again for the long-running procedural, the star shut down the lingering speculation with a short and definitive reply. ## Is Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut returning to Chicago Med? Chestnut first stepped into the high-stakes hospital environment during Season 9, portraying dedicated medical resident Dr. Naomi. She continued her recurring role through Season 10, though audiences frequently questioned whether her stay on the Dick Wolf-produced series was permanent due to sporadic appearances and sudden plot shifts surrounding her character. The confusion surrounding her screen time grew so loud among the fanbase that showrunner and executive producer Allen MacDonald eventually stepped in to clear the air. Speaking to *Deadline* in October 2025, MacDonald praised Chestnut as a "phenomenal" talent and insisted that writing her out of the show had never been the creative team's intent. He noted that despite narrative plot twists—including major disruptions involving supervising physicians and department shifts—the producers always planned to keep her around for Season 11. ## Why is Naomi leaving Chicago Med? Despite those initial assurances from leadership and her subsequent appearances in Season 11, Chestnut's journey at Gaffney has ultimately reached its conclusion. Her direct social media reply puts a firm end to rumors and signals that any future stories for Dr. Naomi will be put on hold indefinitely. This latest departure marks yet another chapter in the ongoing roster changes across NBC's massive *One Chicago* television franchise. Over the last few years, the interconnected universe has weathered a steady stream of cast exits, surprises, and cast rotations across *Chicago Med*, *Chicago Fire*, and *Chicago P.D.* For Chestnut, her brief comment confirms that her hospital shift has officially come to an end.