Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Thursday, December 11, 2025

10 movies you can decide and debate on if they are Christmas movies or not

If you're tired of debating wither or not Die Hard (1988) is a Christmas Movie or not and want something different, you can debate these other films like Die Hard 2 and if it is a Christmas film or not. 

Here are 10 other movies you can decide and debate on if they are Christmas movies. 

Die Hard 2 (1990)
Based on 58 Minutes by Walter Wagner [First Published in 1987] Lt. John Mclane NYPD is at the airport on to meet his wife to celebrate Christmas together when terrorists take over the airport holding the planes and passenger's hostage as a snowstorm is about to hit. The John Mclane has to stop the terrorists find a way to help land the plane that his wife in on runs out of fuel. 

Batman Returns (1992)
Squeal to Batman (1989) Its Christmas time in Gotham and The Red Triangle Gang (a criminal circus) under the leadership of the Penguin is terrorizing the city. Batman stops the crime spree and thwarts The Pinguins plans for revenge while dealing with Catwoman and a businessman plotting to harm the people of Gotham. 

Black Christmas (1974/2006)
Set during The College Christmas Break the sorority members of (Pi Kappa Sigma in the 1974 version) (Delta Alpha Kappa in the 2006 version) are preparing for Christmas when a masked killer breaks into the house and makes threatening phone calls and killing people in or near the house. When the bodies are found those still alive fight for survival. 

Enemy Of The State (1998)
Lawyer Robert Clayton Dean is out Christmas shopping when a formed college classmate slips video evidence of a political assignation of a US Congressman by the assistant director of the NSA. Having the evidence Robert Dean is isolated and cut off from resources gets help of a former government operative to clear his name and stop a conspiracy and bring the killers to justice. 

Gremlins (1984)
While on a business trip Randall Peltzer buys his son Billy an exotic pet a mogwai as a Christmas present. The new pet comes with three rules No Sunlight, Do not expose to water and Do not feed at Midnight. Of course, all three rules are broken resulting in gremlins being created. The gremlins attack the town of Kingston Falls, Billy with the help of friends and family stop the monsters. 

Iron Man 3 (2013)
Battling a terrorist called The Mandarin Tony Stark Iron Man deals with the mistakes of the past his present and the legacy he is leaving over Christmas. 

Lethal Weapon (1987)
A homicide and narcotics cop are partnered together to investigate overlapping mystery that leads them to taking on a criminal organization that commits various crimes including smuggling, drugs, guns, murder and corruption.   

Reindeer Games (2000)
Rudy Duncan has just been released from prison. Rudy is feeling guilty about his cellmate's death, so he takes his identity and meets with the man's girlfriend. This results in Rudy getting involved in a casino robbery planned for Christmas Eve. 

Shazam! (2019)
Billy Batson is looking for his birth mother as he is moved around foster care. While this is happening, a powerful wizard nearing the end of his life is looking for a worthy person to take over his power and responsibilities. While someone not selected seeks power and revenge on the wizard. Billy and his family.  

The Sure Thing (1985) 
College freshman in the northeast Walter Gibson is struggling with love and romance when his best friend from high school sets up a sure thing for him in California over Christmas break. Not having a lot of money, he makes arrangements to carpool. Clashing with a fellow student Alison Bradbury they lose their ride and face various challenges as they hitchhike to California.    

Thursday, January 4, 2024

A Look at Rural Healthcare Films - USA


I wrote this with the idea of helping rural and underserved hospitals and healthcare organizations, people, etc... get funding, skilled employees, and to create interest with the public and maybe inspire future healthcare workers. I believed that if rural healthcare is seen and discussed in ways that are accessible to the general population, then I believe things can be improved. 

However, myths, stereotypes, limited settings, plots and stories can work against rural interests. So, while we should support this genre, I believe that we need to improve and update the stories and locations used. Encourage writers, creators, etc… to create new novels, TV, etc… that represent what it is really like today.

Out of 50 States and 14 US Territories there are 23 States that are represented/used as a setting of the 49 Films and TV shows that have been made.

 (This is everything I could find; broken down by state.)

Set within the USA

  • Alabama

Hart of Dixie (2011-2015)
Dr. Zoe Hart has her life planned out until she loses her residency and discovers her father is not her biological father. She decides to seek out her biological father only to learn he died and left her his half of a practice in Bluebell, Alabama. So, she starts her medical career as a GP in the town. 

Miss Evers Boys (1997)
Based on the play Miss Evers Boys by David Feldshuh [First Published in 1995]. In 1932 The Tuskegee Study of Untreated Blacks with Syphilis; In which 412 black men were infected with syphilis to see how they were affected by the infection. The events are told from the perspective of Nurse Evers. 

  • Alaska
Christmas Under Wraps (2014)
After Doctor Lauren Brunell is not selected for a position, she wanted she moves to the small town of Garland, Alaska. There she works as the town's only Doctor (and is possibly working for Santa Clause), falls for the local (and only town handyman), while struggling with going from a large city to a small town. 

Northern Exposure (1990-1995) 
Recent Graduate New York Doctor Joel Fleischman has to work in Cicely, Alaska a rural town with some interesting residents to pay back the state for funding his way through medical school.

  • Arizona

Four Eyes, Six Guns (1992) 
Optometrist Earnest Allbright buys a practice in Tombstone, AZ. When he arrives in Tombstone the business, the town, and the West are not what he expected. Things are challenging until he earns the love of a good woman and helps Marshal Wyatt Earp stop a gang of outlaws with his shooting skills.

Frontier Doctor (1956-1959) 
Set in the Arizona Territory in the early 1900's; Dr. Baxter treats a variety of patient's and faces various dangers in following his calling.  

Kingdom of the Spiders (1977)
Set in Camp Verde, Arizona, Tarantulas that have mutated because of the overuse of pesticides have started attacking livestock. The town’s veterinarian Dr. Robert Hansen is called to investigate. A spider's nest is discovered and destroyed. This helps to set the spiders on a migration towards the town cutting it off from the rest of the world.

  • California

Arachnophobia (1990)
Dr. Ross Jennings tired of city life moves to the country town of Canaima, California with his family to start a practice. While this is happening an invasive hybrid spider is spreading throughout the area. The Doctor Jennings, a spider expert Dr. James Atherton, the local exterminator Delbert McClintock, and the Sheriff Parsons must work together to save the town. 

Jesse (1988) 
In Meredith, CA. a small rural town the only time they have a Doctor is on Wednesdays when one flies in. The rest of the time is Jesse Malone an LPN takes care of the medical needs of the area. One day she is reported and arrested and has to go to court for practicing beyond her scope of practice.  

Virgin River (2019-?) 
The series is based on the Virgin River Book Series by Robyn Carr [First Published in 2007] A Nurse Practitioner and Midwife Melinda Monroe takes a job in the rural town of Virgin River, California. She goes there for a fresh start after going through personal tragedies.

  • Colorado

Doc Elliot (1973)
Doctor Benjamin Elliot a Staff Doctor for Bellevue Hospital in New York resigns and sets up practice in rural Colorado where he makes house calls by plane and a four-wheel drive truck. 

Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman (1993-1998)
Post-Civil War a woman Doctor from Boston is hired to be the town Doctor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Once there she proves herself as a Doctor, adopts 3 children, has a romance with widowed mountain man, Byron Sully while making a home for herself. 

Everwood (2002-2006)
Widowed Doctor Andrew Brown moves his family New York City to Everwood, Colorado. Where he sets up a free clinic and finds that practicing medicine in a small town and raising a single parent family are more challenging than he expected.

  • Connecticut 

Dr. Kildare Goes Home (1940)
After completing his internship Dr. James Kildare temporarily returns home to (fictional) Dartford, Connecticut to help his father Dr. Stephen Kildare (the only GP left in the area) and the town of Parkersville. While facing the challenges of being a young and new to the community James Kildare creates a clinic and practice with three recently graduated/qualified Doctors before returning to a prestige position in New York City. 

  • Iowa 
I’ll Be Home For Christmas (1997)
St. Nicholas, Iowa is a small town of 1500 that is about to lose the only hospital within 3 hours of the town if they cannot get a MD to take over. While this is happening former resident and MD Michael Greiser comes to town to visit family over the Christmas holiday. The mayor, city council and the town work to recruit Michael to become the town, Doctor. 

  • Kentucky 
Hometown Remedy (2023)
Surgeon Adele Clark's father George Clark has become the Mayor of Versailles, Kentucky. So, Dr. Adele Clark goes home for an overdue vacation and to celebrate the election win. While in town she hits the towns one and only Doctor Grant Matthews with her car. With Dr. Matthews on bed rest Dr. Clark has to fill in. While doing this she reconnects with her hometown and starts a romance, Grant Matthews. 

  • Louisiana

Skelton Key (2005) 
Caroline Ellis a Hospice Nurse in Louisiana quits her job and goes to work at a rural New Orleans Plantation helping a take care a woman of her husband that recently suffered from a stroke. At the plantation she investigates a ghost story and Hoodoo beliefs along with other mysterious happenings around the Plantation

  • Maine

Best Medicine (2026)
Hollywood remake of Doc Martin (2004-2001). Martin Best MD stops being a cardiac surgeon in Boston to be the only general practitioner in Port Wenn, Maine because of trauma and needing a fresh start. 

Kingdom Hospital (2004) 
Kingdom Hospital in Lewiston Maine is haunted due to being built upon a site of multiple disasters.  The first was a Civil War Era Mill that was destroyed by fire killing most of the workers. After that be a hospital that also burned down which killed most residents and staff. Now Kingdom Hospital is a place haunted by ghosts and other supernatural creature. The staff deal with the supernatural as best they can while the factors that will contribute to another disaster build. 

Shut In (2016) 
A horror thriller about a recently widowed child psychologist Mary Portman living and working in rural Maine; Believes that her and her injured child Stephen are in danger from a supernatural presence. 

  • Maryland

Better Living Through Chemistry (2014)
Set in fictional Woodbury, Maryland depressed small town pharmacist Doug Varney, who owns and operates the only pharmacy in town in town. He gets involved in an affair with a customer; and begins abusing prescription pharmaceuticals along with making other poor decisions. Resulting in a crisis where he could lose everything. 

  • Minnesota 
Meet Doctor Christian (1939)
Set in Rivers End Minnesota Paul Christian is an old-fashioned country, Doctor. He is facing replacement as the head of the town's public health dept se he lobbies for a hospital to be built. 

The Courageous Christian (1940)
In this sequel Dr. Christian works to stop an epidemic from spreading by getting the town to make improvements to the poor part of town.  

Doctor Christian (1956-1957)
The TV series has Dr. Paul Christian retiring and turning his practice over to nephew Dr. Mark Christian. 

  • Missouri 

Kings Row (1942) (1955)
Based on the novel Kings Row by Henry Bellamann [First Published in 1940]. Set in an ideal town in 1890 Missouri two childhood friends Parris Mitchell (who wants to become a doctor) and Drake McHugh (who wants to become a businessman) grow up and face darkness within the town. Which include medical malpractice, theft, murder, suicide and scandal. In facing these things, they must make decisions on their moral beliefs and what kind of men they will be. 

  • Montana

DOC (2001-2004) 
Doctor Clint Cassidy is from rural Montana and is not needed, so he follows a girl to New York City. Once in New York he goes to work for an HMO and becomes popular with his patients because of his country wisdom/ways and his above and beyond approach to practicing medicine.  

Green Light (1937)
Based on the novel Green Light by Lloyd C. Douglas [First Published in 1934] Dr. Paige young surgeon takes the blame for a blotched surgery for his mentor and resigns from his position. He goes to work at a wilderness research facility in Montana. At the facility he works to find a cure for the deadly Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

  • Nebraska 
Not As A Stranger (1955)
Based on the novel Not As A Stranger by Morton Thompson [First Published in 1954] Following the life of Lucas Marsh a young man that dedicates himself to medicine and makes sacrifices including marrying a woman he does not love to finish his education and start his medical career. After graduating he goes to Greenville Nebraska where he faces the problems of medical practice, greed, his limits, and disillusionment.
  
  • New Mexico
Doc West (2009)
Minnesota West MD is a card shark, sharpshooter and former Doctor chases after outlaws that stole his money to Holysand, New Mexico. While in town he helps the town settle a dispute with a rancher and farmers and starts on a path to becoming a Doctor again. 

Strange Lady In Town (1955)
Set in the 1880’s Dr. Julia Winslow Garth leaves Boston, Massachusetts to Santa Fe, New Mexico to set up a medical practice. In Santa Fe she has disagreements with Doctor Rourke O’Brian and tries to help her brother get out of trouble with the law. 

  • New York

Change of Habit (1969)
Three Nun Sister Michelle, Sister Irene, and Sister Barbara who are also trained Nurses of different backgrounds are sent by the Catholic Action Committee to work at a free clinic run by Dr. John Carpenter that is located in underserved inner-city area of New York City, New York. 

The Christmas Doctor (2020)
Traveling Doctor Zoey Garner takes an assignment in Willowbrooke, New York over the Holiday season. She falls in love with the town, reconnects with a former patient from her time as a military Doctor and celebrates Christmas. 

The Doctor and The Girl (1949)
Doctor Michael Corday a Harvard medical school graduate with a prominent future ahead of him (if he does as his Father says) however he falls in love and marries a poor girl resulting in his father cutting him off from the family money connections, etc… so he becomes a general practitioner in Manhattans Lower East Side. Based on Bodies and Souls by Maxence Van der Meersch (Translator Eithne Wilkins) [First Published in 1943].

The More The Merrier (2025)
Set in Pine Ridge, New York ER Doctor Alice Rodgers is setting up her last annual Christmas celebration at Pine Ridge Community Hospital. At the same time Cardiologist Brian Davis (looking for a fresh start) is seeing his first patient at the hospital. During the next two days (December 24th and 25th) The two of them, the hospital staff, and some members of the community come together to celebrate Christmas deal with a blizzard, equipment and vehicles breaking down, and four Babies being born. 

Royal Pains (2009-2016)
Dr. Hank Lawson loses his job in New York after a wealthy patient dies in his care. Dr. Hank with his Account brother Evan R Lawson and a local Physician’s Assistant Divya Katedare to create a Concierge Doctor Practice in the Hampton's.

  • North Carolina

Country Remedy AKA Simple Things (2007) 
To become head of pediatrics at a Chicago Hospital Dr. Evan Gibbs has to set up a clinic in the North Carolina. In the Mountains of North Carolina, he reconnects with his son and learns about life. Inspired by the book The Window of Childhood by Olson Huff, MD [First Published 1990]. 

Finding Normal (2013) 
Dr. Lisa Leland is driving from Los Angeles to New York gets arrested in Normal, North Carolina for many traffics violations. Her punishment is to perform community service specifically to serve the local community as a General Practitioner. 

  • Oregon
Dr. Giggles (1992)
Evan Rendell aka Dr. Giggles is a lunatic that believes he is a MD. After he escapes from the insane asylum he has been committed to. He goes back to Moorehigh, Oregon his town. Dr. Giggles then proceeds to treat/kill/get revenge on the people of his hometown. For the death of his father the local GP that was conducting illegal medical experiments. 

Mumford (1999)
In the town of Mumford, Oregon a Psychologist named Micky Mumford treats people with unusual therapies until Unsolved Mysteries reveals that he is not who he says he is.

  • South Carolina

Doc Hollywood (1991)
Based on the novel What? Dead Again? By Neil B Shulman, MD [First Published 1979]. Doctor Ben Stone is driving across the country from The District of Colombia to Las Angles, California for a job. While on this trip he takes a wrong turn into rural Grady, South Carolina. Where he crashes his car into a fence of the local Judge and must perform community service as the town Doctor. 

  • Tennessee 

County Rescue (2024-?)
Set in an unidentified part of Tennessee an ambulance station serves a county. At County Rescue Three newly qualified EMT's Dani, Tim, and Griffen learn that due to cutbacks must compete for one open position while learning on the job.  

  • Texas 

Cutter to Huston (1983)
Cutter Community Hospital is located 60 miles away from Huston Texas is run by a dedicated medical staff. When medical issues arise that are beyond what the facility can handle, they contact The Texas Medical Center in Huston, Texas. 

  • Vermont

Dr. Cook’s Garden (1971)
Based on the Stage Play Dr. Cook’s Garden by Ira Levin [First Published in 1967]. Recent graduate Doctor Jimmy Tennyson returns to his hometown in Vermont to practice family medicine. After joining Dr. Cooks Practice Dr. Tennyson observes that some of Dr. Cook’s patients die within 24 hours after treatment. He discovers the Doctor is performing mercy killings as well as removing unpleasant people from society.

Midwives (2001)
Based on the novel Midwives by Chris Bohjalian [First Published in 1997]. Set in rural Vermont Midwife Sybil Danforth is dealing with a difficult birth during a blizzard. When the patient dies, Sybil performs a C Section saving the baby. Later Sybil is accused of murdering the mother and must defend herself in court.  

  • Virginia
The Incredible Journey of Doctor Meg Laurel (1979) 
This TV pilot movie is set in the 1930's with Dr. Meg Laurel leaves her life in Boston to set up a practice in rural Appalachia near her hometown in Virginia. When she gets to the area she clashes with the local healer and midwife Granny Arrowroot along with the community in general as they trust the local healer. Dr. Laurel has to learn and adapt to local customs to builds her hospital and practice. 

  • State Not Identified, US Territories, and Other

Doctor Odyssey (2024)
Dr. Max Bankman has become the onboard Physician aboard a Luxury cruise ship; The Odyssey. Onboard He leads his team and treats various medical issues and emergences often miles away from shore or civilization. 

I Walked With a Zombie (1943)
Nurse Betsy Connell is hired to care for the Jessica the wife of a plantation owner on a Caribbean Island. As she tries to help Jessica as various family secrets are revealed. 

One Man's Journey (1933) A Man to Remember (1938)
Based on the short story Failure by Katharine Haviland-Taylor [First Published 1932]. A widowed Doctor and his young son move to a rural town called Westport somewhere within the Midwest of the United States of America. Set after WWI ended. The Doctor adopts an orphaned baby girl serves his community even when his patients cannot pay, he takes IOU’s, produce, and livestock as payment. While serving as the town Physician fights to improve medical care in the town but faces challenges from town leaders as well as his creditors. 

Stigma (1972) 
Doctor Calvin Crosse goes to work in a remote island community and discovers a syphilis outbreak is being hidden by the town.

They Rode West (1954) 
1st Lt. Allen Steward MD is a newly commissioned officer is sent to his first posting at a western fort near an Indian reservation for Kiowa. In his new post he clashes with the fort commander Colonel Waters and the tribes Medicine Man in regard to the treatment and prevention of malaria. 


  • Other: Not set in the USA but based on a book, book series or Play. 


The based on a book section only has 8 books from the USA, so I am adding this extra section which at this time brings the book count up to 20. Please support current and future writers that take on this subject. 

All Creatures Great and Small (1978-1990), (2020-2026) 
Based on All Creatures Great and Small by James Harriot [First Published in 1972] (along with his other books in the series) After Dr. James Herriot finishes Veterinary school and takes his first job treating all kinds of animals in rural Yorkshire, England starting in 1930's.

Bad Medicine (1985)  
Based on the book Calling Dr. Horowitz by Steven Horowitz, MD, and Neil Offen [First Published in 1978] Young Americans that cannot get into a medical college anywhere else go to a rundown Medical College in a fictional third world country. 

Call the Midwife (2012-?)
Based on the Midwife Trilogy by Jennifer Worth [First published 2002] the TV series of the nurses, midwifes, and nuns that live and work in London's East End during the 1950’s and 60's.

China Sky (1945)
Based on the novel China Sky by, Pearl S Buck [First Published in 1941] Dr. Grey Thompson and Dr. Sara Durand run a mission hospital in rural China. When Dr. Thompson brings his new wife to the mission tensions arise between the two women. After the invading Japanese Army comes near the mission hospital they decide to treat and support Chinese Guerilla Fighters.

The Citadel (1938) (2001)
Based on the book The Citadel by A.J. Cronon [First Published in 1937] A young Doctor starts his career in a poor area but is frustrated by his attempts to improve his patients' lives and cure/prevent the chronic conditions caused by the working conditions of the largest employers. After a personal tragedy he heads to London and is tempted by easy money of treating patients of high society.  

Doc Martian (2004-2021) Doc Martin (FR) (2011-2015)
A top surgeon that develops a blood phobia becomes the GP in the Coastal town of Portwenn, Cornwall, England where he had spent his summers as a child.

Doctor Finley (1993-1996) 
After serving in the Royal Army Medical Core during WWII, Dr. John Finley returns to Tannochbrae, Scotland to work as a GP in a time when the practice of medicine was changing. Inspired by Dr. Finlay's Casebook by A.J. Cronin [First Published in 1928]. 

Hills of Home (1948)
Based on the novel A Doctor of the Old School by Ian Maclaren [First Published in 1895]. Set in Drumtochty, Scotland Dr. William Maclure is an old-fashioned country physician that is paid with a dog called Lassie that is not of use as a working dog but becomes a beloved complain animal. As he goes about his life, he wants a local child to take over his practice as he is having trouble keeping up in his later years of life. He finds one in Tammas Milton and sends him to medical school when he passes away after an accident Dr. Milton takes over the practice.

Johnny Belinda (1948, 1958, 1967, 1982)
Based on the stage play Johnny Belinda by Elmer Harris [First Published in 1940]. Dr Robert Richardson is a young Doctor that is setting up a practice in a rural fishing village on Prince Edward Island, Canada. As he is building his practice, he starts treatment on Belinda MacDonald young lady that is deaf and mute to communicate. They make progress however Belinda is raped and becomes pregnant. Dr. Richardson is blamed hurting the innocents involved. Until the truth is revealed. 

Outlander (2014-2026) 
Based on the Outlander Novels by, Diana Gabaldon [First Published in 1991] A Post WWII Nurse travels back in time to 18th Century Scotland while on Vacation with her husband. In the past she works as a healer and gets involved with the people and events of that time. So, she has to decide to stay in the past or go back to the future. 

The Painted Veil (1934) (2006)
Based on the novel The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham [First Published in 1925]. Set in the 1920's Kitty a woman of British high society gets married to a Doctor based out of China. Having married him for the wrong reasons she quickly has an affair. When her husband finds out he gives her a choice of divorce or to go with him to rural China.

Sister Kenny (1946)
Based on And They Shall Walk: The Life Story of Elizabeth Kenny by Elizabeth Kenny and Martha Ostenso [First Published in 1943]. Nurse Elizabeth Kenny developed treatments for infants suffering from polio and fought for her treatments to be accepted by the medical establishment. 


Currently there are only Nine of these titles are from the USA; The other titles come from Outside of the film/TV shows are based on a book, book series or play. 

  • A Doctor of the Old School by Ian Maclaren [First Published in 1895] Hills of Home (1948)
  • The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham [First Published in 1925] The Painted Veil (1934) (2006)
  • Dr. Finlay's Casebook by A.J. Cronin [First Published in 1928] Doctor Finley (1993-1996) 
  • Failure by Katharine Haviland-Taylor [First Published 1932] One Man's Journey (1933) A Man to Remember (1938)
  • Green Light by Lloyd C. Douglas [First Published in 1934] Green Light (1937)
  • The Citadel by A.J. Cronon [First Published in 1937] The Citadel (1938) (2001)
  • Kings Row by Henry Bellamann [First Published in 1940] Kings Row (1942/1955) 
  •  Johnny Belinda by Elmer Harris [First Published in 1940] Johnny Belinda (1948,1958,1867,1982)
  • And They Shall Walk: The Life Story of Elizabeth Kenny by Elizabeth Kenny and Martha Ostenso [First Published in 1943] Sister Kenney (1946)
  • Not As A Stranger by Morton Thompson [First Published in 1954] Not As A Stranger (1955)
  • China Sky by, Pearl S Buck [First Published in 1941] China Sky (1945)
  • All Creatures Great and Small by James Harriot [First Published in 1972] All Creatures Great and Small (1978-1990), (2020-2024)
  • Calling Dr. Horowitz by Steven Horowitz, MD, and Neil Offen [First Published in 1978] Bad Medicine (1985)
  • What? Dead Again? By Neil B Shulman, MD [First Published 1979] Doc Hollywood (1991)
  • Window of Childhood by Olson Huff, MD [First Published 1990] Country Remedy AKA Simple Things (2007) 
  • Outlander Novels by, Diana Gabaldon [First Published in 1991] Outlander (2014-?) 
  • Miss Evers Boys by David Feldshuh [First Published in 1995] Miss Evers Boys (1997)
  • Midwives by Chris Bohjalian [First Published in 1997] Midwives (2001)
  • Midwife Trilogy by Jennifer Worth [First published 2002] Call the Midwife (2012-?)
  • Virgin River by Robyn Carr [First Published in 2007] Virgin River (2019-?) 
  • Doc Martin: Practice Makes Perfect by Sam North [First Published in 2013] Doc Martin: Mistletoe and Whine by Sam North [First Published in 2013] Doc Martian (2004-2021) 

   


Sunday, March 14, 2021

Post Office and Postal Workers in film.

With the Post Office being in the news I think it would be interesting to see the post office and postal workers in film. 

Mr Bates Vs The Post Office (2024)
When a new and malfunctioning computer system is integrated into the British postal system various problems arise. This results in the postmasters being held responsible with their personal and professional lives being ruined. Sub postmaster Alan Bates takes the post office to court to stop the injustice and fix the damage done. 

Klaus (2019)
Jasper a new postman is sent to a small island in the far north. There he befriends Klaus a woodsman, carpenter, and toy maker. Together they end a feud between two families. 

The Ideal Place (2018)
A rural postman meets a woman and becomes a father. He spends the rest of his life hand building a palace for them. 

Signed Sealed Delivered (2013)
Four postal workers track down the intended recipients of undeliverable mail. This is followed by several sequels.  

Going Postal (2010)
Based on the book Going Postal by Terry Pratchett [First Published in 2004]. Master con man Moist Von Lipwig is forced to become the Postmaster General of the defunct Ankh-Morpork Postal Service. The new postmaster revitalizes the postal service. 

Christmas Mail (2010)
When Kristi North is hired to answer Letters to Santa her boss has fellow co-worker Matt Sanders spy on her. While doing this he falls in love with her. Only for her to quit when she learns of the spying. However, she learns why he did what he did in time to reunite in time for Christmas. 

Letters To God (2010) 
Inspired by a true story Tyler Doherty is an eight-year-old boy with cancer. Tyler starts writing letters to God. As this is happening postal worker Brady McDaniel's is assigned to Tylers route; Brady is in a bad place in his life due to drinking and poor choices. Tyler and Brady get to know each other with Brady being inspired that with Gods help he can change his life. As Tyler reaches the end of his life Brady reads Tylers letters to God. 

Lark Rise To Candleford (2008-2011) 
Based on the Lark Rise to Candleford books by Flora Thompson [First Published in 1939]. A young girl in Victorian, England moves from Lark Rise to Candleford to begin an apprenticeship at the post office.

Dead Letter Office (1998)
Alice Walsh's father left her at a young age; now an adult she wants to reconnect with him. To find him she takes a job in the dead letter office in the Australian Postal Service. 

The Postman (1997)
Based on the book The Postman by David Brin [First Published in 1985]. In a future post-apocalyptic America, a drifter and performer finds a postman's uniform and a bag of undelivered mail. He starts delivering the mail starting a movement to rebuild the US. 

Dear God (1996)
Tom Turner a con man gets a job in the US dead letter office after he gets caught. While working he answers a letter to God. As Tom and his coworkers answer more of God's letters the US Government tries to put a stop to it. 

Second Best (1994)
Based on the book Second Best by Davis Cook [First Published in 1991]. A middle-aged postal worker in England has always wanted a son so he adopts a 10-year-old boy. The two face many challenges in becoming a family. 

Jacobs Latter (1990)
Set in 1975 a postal worker is having flashbacks to as his time as a solider in Vietnam, and haunting visions of daemons. As he tries to get on with his life, deal with the guilt of war, the death of his son, and questions he has about what happened in Vietnam.

The Young Riders (1989-1992)
A pony express station and group of young pony express riders operating out of the Nebraska territory before that start of the US Civil war.   

The Postman Fights Back (1982)
A dedicated postal worker is hired to deliver a set of special packages in seven days. While trying to do this he gets involved in a conflict in-between warring factions. 

Hardly Working (1980)
Bo Hooper (Jerry Lewis) is an unemployed circus clown moves in with his sister and has searches for a job with various challenges until he gets hired by the post office. 

Two Living, One Dead (1961) 
Based on the book Two Living, One Dead by Sigurd Christiansen [First Published in 1931]. One day three postal workers are held up. Two of employees fight back one is killed the other injured. The last employee Eric Berger cooperates and gets out uninjured. Resulting in his community seeing him as unmanly and a coward leaving him wondering if he did the right thing.  

The Barefoot Mailman (1951)
Based on the book The Barefoot Mailman by Theodore Pratt [First Published in 1943]. A con man that owns a large area of swampland in Florida tries to con the local into buying the useless land while clashing with a local mailman that does not believe him.

Wyoming Mail (1950)
Set in 1869 the US Postal Service has expanded its rail service in the west. With this higher level of business criminals are targeting the mail. Steve Davis is assigned to stop a gang with an inside man. 

Appointment With Danger (1950)
After a postal inspector is murdered, a fellow postal inspector Al Goddard is called in to investigate. After finding a witness a Sister Augustine. Al infiltrate's the gang responsible to protect the witness, stop a mail heist, and avenge his friend and coworker. 

Stage to Chino (1940)
A postal inspector goes undercover with a stage company to stop a theft of a gold shipment. 

Call a Messenger (1939) 
After getting caught while trying to steal from a post office Jimmy Hogan is given the choice between reform school and a job with postal service. Jimmy chooses the job, and things go well until his brother recently out of prison gets involved with a gangster that wants to use the brothers to rob post offices.   



Sunday, August 18, 2019

Films, TV with rural and underserved healthcare as the plot/setting - World

7/7/2021-Originally this was a focused look at rural healthcare fiction covering 30 years. The idea was to help rural hospitals and other healthcare organizations, people, etc... get funding, skilled employees, and to create interest with the public and future healthcare workers by showing and combating stereotypes/myths. I believed that if rural healthcare was seen and discussed in ways that are accessible to everybody, I believed that things could be improved. However, getting my ideas out there has proved challenging so I have expanded the titles to include things over a larger range of time and included underserved (not just rural) stories.  

(Original Title) Rural medicine as part of the plot/setting from 1990-2020. 

People working in rural medicine need to tell their stories there are only 20 of the 87 titles are based on a book. 

20 of 50 States and 14 US Territories are represented.

The US States represented are: Alabama (2), Alaska (2), Arizona (3), California (3), Colorado (3), Connecticut (1), Louisiana (1), Maine (2), Maryland (1), Missouri (1), Montana (2), New Mexico (1), New York (4), North Carolina (2), Oregon (2), South Carolina (1), Texas (1), Vermont (2), Virginia (1)

The ones that take place in the US (With only a few states being portrayed) portray a Doctor(s) and a receptionist occasionally a nurse are able to take care of all of the needs in usually clean and nice-looking communities.

There are only a few that use a hospital as the setting (the rest are clinics, private practice, etc...)

The point is that if we want more attention, money, funding for rural healthcare then we need the non-rural to know what rural healthcare is like and not the fantasy ideal.

Set Within the US

Arachnophobia (1990)
Dr. Ross Jennings tired of city life moves to the country town of Canaima, California with his family to start a practice. While this is happening an invasive hybrid spider is spreading throughout the area. The Doctor Jennings, a spider expert Dr. James Atherton, the local exterminator Delbert McClintock, and the Sheriff Parsons must work together to save the town. 

Better Living Through Chemistry (2014)
Set in fictional Woodbury, Maryland depressed small town pharmacist Doug Varney, who owns and operates the only pharmacy in town in town. Gets involved in an affair with a customer, he begins abusing prescription pharmaceuticals and making other poor decisions. Leading to a crisis where he could lose it all. 

Change of Habit (1969)
Three Nun Sister Michellie, Sister Irene, and Sister Barbara who are also trained Nurses of different backgrounds are sent by the Catholic Action Committee to work at a free clinic run by Dr. John Carpender that is located in underserved inner-city area of New York City, New York. 

The Christmas Doctor (2020)
Traveling Doctor Zoey Garner takes an assignment in Willowbrooke, New York over the Holiday season. She falls in love with the town, reconnects with a former patient from her military service and celebrates Christmas. 

Christmas Under Wraps (2014)
After Doctor Lauren Brunell is not selected for a position, she wanted she moves to a small town in Alaska. There she is possibly working for Santa Clause, falls for the local (and only town handyman), and struggles with some of the conditions of being in a small town. 

Country Remedy AKA Simple Things (2007) 
To become head of pediatrics at a Chicago Hospital Dr. Evan Gibbs has to set up a clinic in the North Carolina. In the Mountains of North Carolina, he reconnects with his son and learns about life. Inspired by the book The Window of Childhood by Olson Huff, MD [First Published 1990]. 

Cutter to Huston (1983)
Cutter Community Hospital is located 60 miles away from Huston Texas is run by a dedicated medical staff. When medical issues arise that are beyond what the facility can handle, they contact The Texas Medical Center in Huston, Texas.

DOC (2001-2004) 
Doctor Clint Cassidy from rural Montana is unneeded so he follows a girl to New York City. Once in New York he goes to work for an HMO and becomes popular with his country wisdom/ways and his above and beyond approach to practicing medicine.  

Doc Elliot (1973)

Doctor Benjamin Elliot a Staff Doctor for Bellevue Hospital in New York resigns and sets up practice in rural Colorado where he makes house calls by plane or a four-wheel drive truck. 

Doc Hollywood (1991)
Based on the book What? Dead Again? By Neil B Shulman, MD [First Published 1979]. Doctor Ben Stone is driving across the country from The District of Colombia to Las Angles, California for a job. While on this trip he takes a wrong turn into rural Grady, South Carolina. Where he crashes his car into a fence and must perform community service as the town Doctor.

The Doctor and the Girl (1949)                                                                                                        Doctor Michael Corday a Harvard medical school graduate with a prominent future ahead of him (if he does as his Father says) however he falls in love and marries a poor girl resulting in his father cutting him off from the family money connections, etc… so he becomes a general practitioner in Manhattans Lower East Side. Based on Bodies and Souls by Maxence Van der Meersch (Translator Eithne Wilkins) [First Published in 1943].

Dr. Cook’s Garden (1971)
Based on the Stage Play Dr Cook's Garden by Ira Levin [First Published in 1967] Recently graduated Doctor Jimmy Tennyson returns to his hometown in Vermont to practice family medicine. After joining Dr. Cooks Practice Dr. Tennyson observes that some of Dr. Cook’s patients die within 24 hours after treatment. He discovers the Doctor is performing mercy killings as well as removing deplorables from society.

Dr. Giggles (1992)
A lunatic that believes he is a MD escapes from the insane asylum he has been committed to. He goes back to Moorehigh, Oregon his town. Dr. Giggles then proceeds to treat/kill/get revenge on the people of his hometown. For the death of his father a local GP.

Dr. Kildare Goes Home (1940)
After completing his internship Dr. Kildare temporarily returns home to (fictional) Dartford, Connecticut to help his father and the nearby town of Parkersville. While facing the challenges of being a young and new Kildare sets up a clinic before returning to a position in New York City.

Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman (1993-1998)
Post-Civil War a woman Doctor from Boston is hired to be the town Doctor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Once there she proves herself as a Doctor, adopts 3 children, has a romance with a mountain man, while making a home for herself. 

Doctor Odyssey (2024-?)
 Dr. Max Bankman has become the onboard Physician aboard a Luxury cruise ship; The Odyssey. Onboard He leads his team and treats various medical issues and emergences often miles away from shore/civilization.

Everwood (2002-2006)
Widowed Doctor Andrew Brown moves his family New York City to Everwood, Colorado. Where he sets up a free clinic and finds that practicing medicine in a small town and raising a family are more challenging than he expected.

Finding Normal (2013) 
Dr. Lisa Leland is driving from Los Angeles to New York gets arrested in Normal, North Carolina for many traffics violations. Her punishment is to serve the local community as a Doctor. 

Four Eyes, Six Guns (1992) 
Optometrist Earnest Allbright buys a practice in Tombstone, AZ. When he arrives in Tombstone the business, the town, and the West are not what he expected. Things are challenging until he earns the love of a good woman and helps Marshal Wyatt Earp stop a gang of outlaws with his shooting skills.

Frontier Doctor (1956-1959) 
Set in Arizona Territory in the early 1900's; Dr. Baxter treats a variety of patient's and danger in following his calling.  

Green Light (1937)
Based on the novel Green Light by Lloyd C. Douglas [First Published in 1934] Dr. Paige young surgeon takes the blame for a blotched surgery for his mentor and resigns from his position. He goes to work at a wilderness research facility in Montana. At the facility he works to find a cure for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Hart of Dixie (2011-2015)
Dr. Zoe Hart has her life planned out until she loses her residency and discovers her father is not her biological father. So, she seeks out her biological father only to learn he died and left her his practice in Bluebell, Alabama.

I Walked With a Zombie (1943)
Nurse Betsy Connell is hired to care for the Jessica the wife of a plantation owner on a Caribbean Island. As she tries to help Jessica as various family secrets are revealed. 

The Incredible Journey of Doctor Meg Laurel (1979) 
Set in the 1930's Dr. Meg Laurel leaves her life in Boston to return to her hometown in rural Appalachia, Virginia. Where she clashes with the local healer/midwife along with the community in general before she learns, adapts and builds her hospital and practice. 

Jesse (1988) 
In Meredith, CA. a small rural town the only time they have a Doctor is on Wednesdays when one flies in. The rest of the time is Jesse Malone an LPN takes care of the medical needs of the area. One day she is reported and arrested and has to go to court for practicing beyond her scope of practice.  

Kingdom Hospital (2004) 
Kingdom Hospital in Lewiston Maine is haunted due to being built upon a Civil War Era Mill. That was destroyed by fire in addition to a former hospital that also burned down. The staff deals with the haunting (and other really strange and supernatural events) as best they can while another disaster looms. 

Kingdom of the Spiders (1977)
Set in Camp Verde, Arizona, Tarantulas that have mutated because of the overuse of pesticides have started attacking livestock. The towns veterinarian Dr. Robert Hansen is called to investigate. A spider's nest is discovered and destroyed. This helps set the spiders on a migration towards the town cutting it off from the rest of the world. 

Kings Row (1942) (1955)
Based on the novel Kings Row by Henry Bellamann [First Published in 1940]. Set in an ideal town in 1890 Missouri two childhood friends Parris Mitchell (who wants to become a doctor) and Drake McHugh (who wants to become a businessman) grow up and face darkness within the town. Which include medical malpractice, theft, murder, suicide and scandal. In facing these things, they must make decisions on their moral beliefs and what kind of men they will be. 

Midwives (2001)
Based on the novel Midwives by Chris Bohjalian [First Published in 1997]. Set in rural Vermont Midwife Sybil Danforth is dealing with a difficult birth during a blizzard. When the patient dies, Sybil preforms a C Section saving the baby. Later Sybil is accused of murdering the mother and must defend herself in court. 

Miss Evers Boys (1997)
Based on the play Miss Evers Boys by David Feldshuh [First Published in 1995]. In 1932 The Tuskegee Study of Untreated Blacks with Syphilis; In which 412 black men were infected with syphilis to see how they were affected by the infection. The events are told from the perspective of Nurse Evers.

Mumford (1999)
In the town of Mumford, Oregon a Psychologist names Micky Mumford treats people with unusual therapies until Unsolved Mysteries reveals that he is not who he says he is.

Northern Exposure (1990-1995) 
Recent Graduate New York Doctor Joel Fleischman has to work in Cicely, Alaska a rural town with some interesting residents to pay back the state for funding his way through medical school.

One Man's Journey (1933) A Man to Remember (1938)
Based on the short story Failure by Katharine Haviland-Taylor [First Published 1932]. A widowed Doctor and his young son move to a rural town called Westport somewhere within the US. Set after WWI the Doctor adopts an orphaned baby girl serves his community when his patients cannot pay, he takes IOU’s and livestock as payment. He also fights to improve medical care in the town but faces challenges from the town leaders and his creditors. 

Royal Pains (2009-2016)
Dr. Hank Lawson loses his job in New York after a wealthy patient dies in his care. Dr. Hank with his Account brother and a local Physician’s Assistant create a Concierge Doctor Practice in the Hampton's.

Shut In (2016) 
A horror thriller about a recently widowed child psychologist in rural Maine; Believes that her and her injured child is in danger from a supernatural presence. 

Skelton Key (2005) 
Caroline Ellis a Hospice Nurse in Louisia quits her job and goes to work for a New Orleans Plantation helping a take care of her husband that suffered from a stroke. At the plantation she investigates a ghost story and other mysterious happenings around the house.

Stigma (1972) 
A Doctor goes to work in a remote island community and discovers a syphilis outbreak is being hidden by the town.

Strange Lady In Town (1955)
Set in the 1880’s Dr. Julia Winslow Garth leaves Boston, Massachusetts to Santa Fe, New Mexico to set up a medical practice. In Santa Fe she has disagreements with the other Doctor in town about treating patients.

They Rode West (1954) 
1st Lt. Allen Steward MD is a newly commissioned officer is sent to his first posting at a western fort near an Indian reservation for Kiowa. In his new post he clashes with the fort commander Colonel Waters and the tribes Medicine Man in regard to the treatment and prevention of malaria. 

Virgin River (2019-?) 
The series is based on the Virgin River Book Series by Robyn Carr [First Published in 2007] A Nurse Practitioner and Midwife Melinda Monroe takes a job in the rural town of Virgin River, California. She goes there for a fresh start after going through personal tragedies.

ER - Season 5 – Episode 16: Middle of Nowhere (1999) 
In this episode Dr. Peter Benton takes a temp travel assignment to earn money. Benton goes to a rural town in Mississippi to work at a clinic that is run by Nurse Practitioner Maureen Chapman. Dr. Benton is shocked at the lack of recourses and faces some dramatic challenges in this episode.  


Set Outside of the US

This includes what I have access to and know of, so it is as complete as possible. 

All Creatures Great and Small (1978-1990), (2020-2024) 
Based on All Creatures Great and Small by James Harriot [First Published in 1972] (along with his other books in the series) After Dr. James Herriot finishes Veterinary school and takes his first job treating all kinds of animals in rural Yorkshire, England starting in 1930's. 

The Artful Dodger (2023)
Taking place years after the events of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens [First Published in 1838]. James Dawkins formerly known as Artful Dodger is now a Surgeon and a former Royal Navy Lieutenant in a Australian colony during the 1850's. His new crime free life is disrupted when he goes into a major gambling debt and his criminal mentor Fagin reenters his life. While trying to handle debt, criminal activities, and his medical practice he gets involved with the Governers older daughter (who he is half in love with at the beginning) that wants to learn how to be a surgeon from him. All of this Causes him a lot of personal and professional challenges that may just end him for good. 

Born and Bred (2002-2005)
Set in Lancashire Village of Ormston during the 1950's. Widowed Dr. Authur Gilder wants his son Dr. Tom Gilder to take over his country practice. After some scheming he convinces his son to move his wife and family to town. Father and son clash with different styles of practicing medicine while Tom's family adjusts from city living to small town life. 

Bramwell (1995-1998) 
In the Victorian Era, Dr. Eleanor Bramwell is unable to gain respect or have the career she desires she creates (with the help of a wealthy backer) her own medical clinic in a poor underserved area of London.

Bush Doctor (1982)
After suffering from a personal tragedy Dr. Robert Maxwell retires from medicine and goes to Africa to get away from it all. After a school bus crashes Dr. Maxwell is pressed into service by the local understaffed mission hospital. 

Call the Midwife (2012-?)
Based on the Midwife Trilogy by Jennifer Worth [First published 2002] the TV series of the nurses, midwifes, and nuns that live and work in London's East End during the 1950’s and 60's.

China Sky (1945)
Based on the novel China Sky by, Pearl S Buck [First Published in 1941] Dr. Grey Thompson and Dr. Sara Durand run a mission hospital in rural China. When Dr. Thompson brings his new wife to the mission tensions arise between the two women. After the invading Japanese Army comes near the mission hospital they decide to treat and support Chinese Guerilla Fighters.

The Chosen One A.K.A. O Escolhido (2019) 
Three Doctors go to a remote village in Pantanal, Brazil to vaccinate against the Zika virus. Once there the Doctors clash with a local faith healer and his loyal followers.
 
The Citadel (1938) (2001)
Based on the book The Citadel by A.J. Cronon [First Published in 1937] A young Doctor starts his career in a poor area but is frustrated by his attempts to improve his patients' lives and cure/prevent the chronic conditions caused by the working conditions of the largest employers. After a personal tragedy he heads to London and is tempted by easy money of treating patients of high society.  
 
The Clinic on the Sea (2013)
Dr. Sezaki Kota a young doctor that is a little too eager with women starts working on a traveling Boat Clinic that serves the small islands off of Japan. 

The Country Doctor AKA Medecin de Campagne (2016)
A beloved Doctor is diagnosed with cancer, so he starts training a younger Doctor that is interested in learning rural medicine. 

A Country Practice (1981-1993) 
Australian series focuses on the day-to-day life of the Doctors and Nurses in a rural hospital, the area, and people it serves in Wandin Valley.

Daktari (1966-1969)
Veterinarian Dr. Marsh Tracy and his daughter Paula and their team run an animal research center in Africa while battling criminals and other dangers.  

Dr. Mack A.K.A. Lau Man Yi Sang (1995)
Dr. Lau Man runs a free clinic in a poor underserved area of Hong Kong mainly serving prostitutes, locals and others with few choices of medical care. Until an old rival causes for the doctor.   

Doc Martian (2004-2021) Doc Martin (FR) (2011-2015)
A top surgeon that develops a blood phobia becomes the GP in the Coastal town of Portwenn, Cornwall, England where he had spent his summers as a child.

Doctor Finley (1993-1996) 
After serving in the Royal Army Medical Core during WWII, Dr. John Finley returns to Tannochbrae, Scotland to work as a GP in a time when the practice of medicine was changing. Inspired by Dr. Finlay's Casebook by A.J. Cronin [First Published in 1928]. 

Dr. Coto's Clinic A.K.A. Dr.コトー診療所 (2003)
After making a dramatic mistake in Tokyo; Dr. Koto goes to work at a clinic serving a small island off of Okinawa. 

Doctor Romantic (2016) Doctor Romantic 2 (2020)
Surgeon Kim Sa Bu that has left prestigious hospital in the city runs Doldum Hospital in Jeongseon County of South Korea Dr. Kim Sa Bu does what he can to bring in funding and talent, keeps the place running, and mentors the Doctors that come to work for him. 

The Flying Doctors (1986-1992)
The Royal Flying Doctor Service sends medical personal to remote parts of the Australian Outback where medical help would not be otherwise available. 
 
Fragile (2005) 
An American nurse takes a night position at Mercy Falls Children’s Hospital on the Isle of Wright. While working there she learns of a supernatural presence and must protect herself and the children.

The Good Karma Hospital (2017-2019)  
English Doctor Ruby Walker wanting a fresh start decides to take a job in India at a nice new modern hospital only to discover she actually she signed up to work at the run down, understaffed Good Karma Hospital. While working there she grows as a person and a Doctor.

The Grand Seduction (2014)
The people of a small fishing village in Canada that is slowing dying gets a chance to save their home when they are selected as a possible location of a new factory. To increase their chances, they must get a have a local MD. They are able to find Doctor in need of a change to temporarily work there. The towns people band together to make him become a permanent resident. 

Hard Rock Medical (2013-2018)
Eight students that are Medical Students attending the Boreal Medical School in Canada. These students are participating in the school's rural medicine program.

The Heart Guy A.K.A. Doctor Doctor (2016-2021) 
A hard partying heart surgeon Dr. Hugh Knight gets into trouble one too many times and has to serve community service as a Doctor his rural home of Whyhope,  Australia as a GP/Surgeon in the towns under resourced hospital. 

Hills of Home (1948)
Based on the novel A Doctor of the Old School by Ian Maclaren [First Published in 1895]. Set in Drumtochty, Scotland Dr. William Maclure is an old-fashioned country physician that is paid with a dog called Lassie that is not of use as a working dog but becomes a beloved complain animal. As he goes about his life, he wants a local child to take over his practice as he is having trouble keeping up in his later years of life. He finds one in Tammas Milton and sends him to medical school when he passes away after an accident Dr. Milton takes over the practice. 

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
Yoon Hye-Jin DDS is living the good life in the city when she loses her job she goes to a small town where she was happy as a child the seaside village of Gongjin, South Korea. The town does not have a dentist, so Yoon Hye-Jin decides to stay. However, she has trouble adapting to the small-town life as she adjusts to a different lifestyle with the help from unofficial chief of the village a romance begins. 

Hospital Ship A.K.A.  병원선 / Byeong-Wonseon  (2017)
Young Doctors with different specialties provide medical care for island communities of South Korea aboard a hospital ship.

In The Fire (2023)
Set in 1890 Dr. Grace Burnham travels to a rural plantation in Prue to treat Martin Marquez a child that has autism.  As she goes about her work, Dr. Burnham and the boy are being blamed for several natural disasters hitting the area by the local villagers. 

The Indian Doctor (2010-2013)
In 1963 Dr. Perm Sharma and his wife relocate from India to a Welsh mining town to be the towns GP. 

Johnny Belinda (1948, 1958, 1967, 1982)
Based on the stage play Johnny Belinda by Elmer Harris [First Published in 1940]. Dr Robert Richardson is a young Doctor that is setting up a practice in a rural fishing village on an Island off the East Coast of Canada. As he is building his practice, he starts treatment on Belinda MacDonald young lady that is deaf and mute to communicate. They make progress however Belinda is raped and becomes pregnant. Dr. Richardson is blamed hurting the innocents involved. Until the truth is revealed. 

Medicine Man (1992)
Dr. Robert Campbell is close to discovering a cure for cancer based on a local tribal cure deep in the Amazon Rain Forest. Unable to duplicate it perfectly he seeks help in creating the cure and stopping development that will destroy the habit the cure located in.

Nijiiro Carte AKA NIZI Village Clinic (2021) 
Physician Masora Kureno is working at a large hospital in Toyko, Japan when she learns that she has a chronic illness. Needing and wanting to continue working she hides her condition and takes a position at Nijinomura Clinic located in a small mountain village and adapts to being a Country Doctor. 

Nurses On The Line: The Crash of Flight 7 A.K.A. Lost In The Wild (1993) 
Based on the true story about a group of Doctors and Student Nurses that were traveling to a medical station in rural Mexico; that crash lands in the rain forests after an engine malfunction.

Off The Map (2011) 
Three US Doctors completing their residencies go to work at a free medical clinic (200 miles away from any other medical facility) in rural South America to gain experience and learn from the established Doctors that run the clinic. 

Once Upon A Small Town (2022)
In the rural village of Huidong, South Korea the town Veterinarian Han Deok-Jin has decided to take a long vacation with his wife and conspires with members of his family to have his youngest grandson Han Ji-Yel a Veterinarian in Seoul to take over his country practice. At first Ji-Yel struggles with small town life and working with livestock but comes to love the place and the work. 

The Ottoman Lieutenant (2017) 
A Young nurse from Philadelphia joins an American doctor, to a medical mission in the Ottoman Empire just before the start of WWI. Once there she develops a relationship and falls in love with a charming Lieutenant in the Ottoman Army.


Outlander (2014-?) 
Based on the Outlander Novels by, Diana Gabaldon [First Published in 1991] A Post WWII Nurse travels back in time to 18th Century Scotland while on Vacation with her husband. In the past she works as a healer and gets involved with the people and events of that time. So, she has to decide to stay in the past or go back to the future. 

The Painted Veil (1934) (2006)
Based on the novel The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham [First Published in 1925]. Set in the 1920's Kitty a woman of British high society gets married to a Doctor based out of China. Having married him for the wrong reasons she quickly has an affair. When her husband finds out he gives her a choice of divorce or to go with him to rural China.

Peak Practice (1993-2002)
After leaving Africa Dr. Jack Kerruish goes to work at Peak Practice in Cardale, in the Derbyshire Peak District of the UK. The series follows the adventures of the Doctors and staff that work in the practice.

RAN: Remote Area Nurse (2006)
Helen Termaine RN is sent to a remote island community in Australia’s North Torres Straits. 

Red Beard (1965)
Set in Japan during the early 1900 a recently graduated Dr. Noboru Yasumoto has been sent to complete his internship at the poor and rural Koishikawa Medical Center rather than the wealthy upper-class hospital he was expecting. Learning under an experienced Doctor nicknamed Red Beard Dr. Yasumoto grows as a Doctor and gains a new perspective of the world by the end of his internship.

Reef Doctors (2013)
Set on Hope Island, Queensland, Australia. Sam Stuart MD and her team run a remote clinic that serves several local islands, tourists, conducts research on the venom from the local wildlife.  

RFDS: Royal Flying Doctor Service (2021-?) 
After Dr. Eliza Harrod is affected by marriage problems and a scandal in England. She takes a position as a Senior Medical Officer for the RFDS in rural Australia. 

The Royal (2003-2011) 
Set in the 1960's the staff of St Aidan's Royal Free Hospital deal with changing times, money problems and community health in the seaside town in Great Britain.

Sister Kenny (1946)
Based on And They Shall Walk: The Life Story of Elizabeth Kenny by Elizabeth Kenny and Martha Ostenso [First Published in 1943]. Nurse Elizabeth Kenny developed treatments for infants suffering from polio and fought for her treatments to be accepted by the medical establishment. 

Sky Med (2022)
Set in Nothern Canada the series revolves around the work, romances, and lives of Doctors, Nurses and Pilots for/with a medic transport and rescue company. 
 
Summer 2007 (2007) 
After getting in over his head in politics a Medical Student decides to get out of town for a while. He convinces several of his friends/classmates to do their required community service internship at what they believe will be a modern clinic in an upper-class vacation area of India. Instead, they are sent to a poor rural area.

Books: 

A Doctor of the Old School by Ian Maclaren [First Published in 1895]

The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham [First Published in 1925]
 
Dr. Finlay's Casebook by A.J. Cronin [First Published in 1928]

Failure by Katharine Haviland-Taylor [First Published 1932] 

Green Light by Lloyd C. Douglas [First Published in 1934]

The Citadel by A.J. Cronon [First Published in 1937]

Johnny Belinda by Elmer Harris [First Published in 1940]

Kings Row by Henry Bellamann [First Published in 1940]

China Sky by, Pearl S Buck [First Published in 1941]

And They Shall Walk: The Life Story of Elizabeth Kenny by Elizabeth Kenny and Martha Ostenso [First Published in 1943]

Bodies and Souls by Maxence Van der Meersch (Translator Eithne Wilkins) [First Published in 1943]

All Creatures Great and Small by James Harriot [First Published in 1972]

What? Dead Again? By Neil B Shulman, MD [First Published 1979]

Window of Childhood by Olson Huff, MD [First Published 1990]

Outlander Novels by, Diana Gabaldon [First Published in 1991]

Miss Evers Boys by David Feldshuh [First Published in 1995]

Midwives by Chris Bohjalian [First Published in 1997]
 
The Midwife Trilogy by Jennifer Worth [First published 2002]

Virgin River by Robyn Carr [First Published in 2007] 

Doc Martin: Practice Makes Perfect by Sam North [First Published in 2013] Doc Martin: Mistletoe and Whine by Sam North [First Published in 2013] 

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