"Before Doctor Barry Laverty joined Doctor Fingal O'Reilly's practice in the colorful Irish village of Ballybucklebo, he was an intern, working long hours, practicing new medical techniques, falling in love, and learning what is most important in the medical field for a family physician -- the bonds of family, friendships, and human kindness. Years later, Barry practices everything he has learned in Ballybucklebo, a lovely village where neighbor looks...

Young Barry Laverty has only six months to go before he becomes a full partner in Doctor O'Reilly's medical practice, but he's not sure this is what he wants out of life. Meanwhile Doctor O'Reilly and Doctor Laverty are presented with many distractions such as a mysterious outbreak at the local school and a complicated swindle involving an unlucky racehorse.

Disappointed to learn that his sweetheart will not be joining him for a first holiday season in a rural Northern Irish community, doctor Barry Laverty keeps himself busy by caring for his patients and struggling to outmaneuver a newly arrived quack physician.