"Meet Martin Ellingham, an eminent physician with a nasty disposition. Forced to give up his career as a London surgeon after developing a fear of blood, he takes a job as GP in the sleepy Cornish village of Portwenn. His irascible manner and permanent scowl soon have the town in an uproar; he insults each patient he sees and offends nearly everyone else. The only person who's glad to see him is his aunt Joan."--sleeve.

Episode 1. Meet Martin Ellingham, an eminent physician with a nasty disposition. Forced to give up his career as a London surgeon after developing a fear of blood, he takes a job as GP in the sleepy Cornish village of Portwenn. His irascible manner and permanent scowl soon have the town in an uproar; he insults each patient he sees and offends nearly everyone else. The only person who's glad to see him is his aunt Joan. Episode 2. Martin's first official day on the job may be his last when he orders all and sundry, who seem to think the surgery is a town meeting place, out on the street. Having reached the end of his tether, he also fires his receptionist Elaine, only to find that pretty well everyone in village now shuns him. His aunt Joan suggests he should be a little more understanding, but that is not exactly Martin's style. One patient who does remain is Roger Fenn who has a lump in his throat that Martin fears may be cancerous. In a quiet moment, Martin reveals to him the phobia that has caused him to give up surgery and become a GP. Episode 3. When an epidemic of diarrhea strikes the village the doctor takes immediate action. This however does not go down well with the population.

Episode 4. The doctor pays a visit to the forester, who apparently shares his shack with a giant squirrel. Little Peter Cronk gets into trouble over some nest boxes. Episode 5. An old friend of aunt Joan's turns up, stirring up old memories. In the meanwhile both Doc Martin and Elaine are struggling with other people's affections. Episode 6. Word is getting out in the village about the doctor's 'little problem' with blood. When Peter Cronk is hurt concern about him brings Martin and Louisa closer together.