Emily Transue earned her credentials in medical school, but learns lessons of a different kind when she embarks on private practice. Her patients, some delightful, some difficult, all come to her for medical advice but, they are not the only ones gaining from the experience. As Dr Transue guides them through routine exams and life-challenging crises she learns much about life and death, hope and fear and being the physician she wants to be. These lessons carry over into her personal life as she struggles with heart-wrenching illness and loss in her own family. Throughout, she is a keen observer of her patients, their families, and their lives.