Similar directing style and message, although the main characters in Alive are more 3-dimensional. Both also contain great educational materials, which make them more relevant than many medical-themed doramas out there.
Location is different, however, each story has a high focus on the people around them and each society as a whole. As well as the utmost, highest respect for doctors and the gift of life.
Both solid medical dramas that touch on human issues with developed diverse casts, no irritating love lines and an OST that can make you cry on cue. Iryu is a bit more episodic and delves into hospital management.