Although he is also known for his life in politics and his career in radio, Cottage Hospital Doctor details the medical life of Dr. Murphy upon his arrival to Norris Point. The only doctor between Deer Lake and St. Anthony, his district spanned from the Bay of Islands to Reefs Harbour, St. Barbe, covering a distance of about 120 miles and a population of over 6,000. With few roads, most work travel was done by snowmobile, boat, or plane. With the assistance of six district nurses, his career as medical officer was far from boring. The stories within span nearly a decade of Murphy’s life.