Dr Brewster's practice in the Yorkshire Dales covers more than 300 square miles, ranging from the busy market town of Settle to remote farms in this ruggedly beautiful area. An outspoken character who has worked in the community for more than 30 years, he tells the story of six months in his eventful and demanding life as a GP. As well as recounting the daily problems and crises which occur in his crowded surgery and out on call, Brewster tells anecdotes about his early life, how he went into medicine and the early years in his practice. He considers how the profession has changed over the years, particularly regretting that home births are no longer a regular part of general practice. He discusses death and the vital role which doctors play - not only through treatment, but in listening and talking to patients and families - and offers opinions on other aspects of the medical world, such as the ever-increasing bureaucracy.