<P> Preston Xavier Burke, M.D. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy, which airs on ABC in the United States . The character was created by series producer Shonda Rhimes, and was portrayed by actor Isaiah Washington from 2005 to 2007 . Introduced as an attending cardiothoracic surgeon at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital, Burke's romantic relationship with intern Cristina Yang formed one of the main storylines in the shows' first three seasons . </P> <P> Burke made his final appearance in the third season, leaving Seattle in the aftermath of his failed wedding . On June 7, 2007, ABC announced it had decided not to renew Washington's contract, and that he would be dropped from the show after an on - set incident with fellow cast members T.R. Knight and Patrick Dempsey . </P> <P> While mentioned in passing throughout later seasons, Burke officially returns in the tenth season in order to conclude Cristina Yang's departure from the series . </P> <P> Preston Burke is the former chief cardiothoracic surgeon at Seattle Grace Hospital . He completed his pre-medical studies at Tulane University where he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi, and went on to graduate first in his class from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine . While in college, he met Erica Hahn (Brooke Smith), who graduated in second place after him, beginning a rivalry between them . He was once the interim chief of surgery while Dr. Richard Webber (James Pickens, Jr .) was healing from his brain surgery . In season 1 it is revealed that Richard had promised him the position but instead enticed his former student, renowned neurosurgeon Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), to Seattle as he felt Burke was becoming arrogant and needed competition to keep him on his toes . He began a relationship with intern Cristina Yang (Sandra Oh) but broke it off because he feared it would ruin both of their reputations . Her miscarriage brought them back together . He and Cristina lived together in his perfectly kept apartment . </P>

When does burke come back in grey's anatomy