It’s been over two decades since Grey’s Anatomy fans first saw Chandra Wilson’s Dr. Miranda Bailey scrub into Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital — but the role still finds ways to keep her on her toes.

“I’m constantly discovering new things about her, every single script,” the actress, 57, tells PEOPLE.

Since joining the long-running ABC medical drama in its first season in 2005, Wilson has seen Dr. Bailey navigate major milestones and challenges in both her personal and professional life. From finding love with Dr. Ben Warren (Jason George) to navigating health obstacles and now considering a potential career pivot in season 23, Dr. Bailey’s ever-evolving story line keeps Wilson approaching her long-running role with an open mind.

“My weigh in on Miranda Bailey is very minimal because of the material that I receive and what it is that I get to do with that material,” she says. “It always surpasses anything that I would have imagined.”

“A new family member that I never knew anything about, or a new career direction,” she says. “There’s always something to take into consideration that the writers give, so that’s really what I continue to look forward to doing with every single script. Something happens in there where I’m thinking, ‘Oh, that’s new for her. That’s new.’ So how do I ride with that? It really is what I enjoy.”

The season 23 premiere comes on the heels of Dr. Bailey considering pursuing a master’s degree in public health in hopes of one day having “a seat at the table,” following the catastrophic bridge collapse that was partially a result of government funding cuts. Wilson tells PEOPLE that she’s excited about the possibility of her character returning to school.

“I love that part because it’s like, look, it’s never too late,” she says. “You can course correct or change course at any given time. You can add on. You can continue that education. I would love to be a vehicle to be able to let people know that.”

Wilson recognizes that “people pay attention” to the characters on the show “enough” to sometimes change the path of their own lives.

“If I can impart to somebody out there through Bailey, ‘Hey, wait a minute. Why don’t I go back to school?’ Right? Especially right now in 2026 when we’re all trying to figure out who we are and where we’re at, then take that and run with it,” she says.

As for what else fans can expect in season 23, Wilson teases that “your comfort food is on the way.”

“All of the things that you’re used to, [plus] new stuff really comes in the dynamics that are being built with our characters,” the actress says. “But always at the top of the list is the medical. We’ve got some absolutely crazy medical going on this season. That stuff is, is very, very exciting, and we’re excited for you to see it.”

Grey’s Anatomy airs Thursdays on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.