To the millions of people who have been entertained and inspired by magnificent obsession, white banners, disputed passage, the robe, and other famous books by Lloyd C. Douglas, we respectfully submit this series.
I was amused by an article in today's Sunday Supplement that was titled, Should Young Doctors Marry?
I would hesitate to take a poll of doctors' wives on this subject, but I can recall any number of instances that answer the question in the affirmative. One in particular out of the old days at Center Hospital comes to mind.
Alright, Phil, now what's this big surprise you have for me?
Take your time, sis. It'll be here any minute.
Oh, come on, stop teasing.
You remember Roy Weston?
Oh, do I? I'll bet that's more than he can say about me.
We'll see. He's applied to Center Hospital for an internship. They're giving him an interview. I told him he could stay with me while he was in town.
Is Roy the surprise?
Oh, don't kid me. You used to carry a pretty hot torch for him, you know it.
Well, that was years ago, and Roy Weston didn't even know I was alive.
Leave us face it, Shirley, there have been some changes made. You were just a gawky freshman the last time Roy visited here. But you've put some calories on in strategic places, and if old Roy doesn't perk this time, I don't know Roy.
And you don't know me, Phil, dear. If you think I'm going to let Roy Weston think that I came running just as soon as he came to town...
Take it easy, take it easy. You just dropped around to see your brother. What's wrong with that?
Well, it's too obvious for one thing.
Well, there he is. Now, for Pete's sake, relax. And don't worry about what he'll think of your being here. He'll be delighted to see you.
Roy.
Hello, pal.
Looking great, kid.
I feel great. You know, this is one terrific opportunity. This man Hudson's going to be the top brain man in the country, and if I can get the chance to work with him...
Same old Roy.
What?
Overboard, always overboard. Relax, chum.
But you don't realize what it means, Phil. When I heard there was an opening at Center, did I get my application in fast, and it was accepted. Now, if I can only get by the personal interview, I'm in.
I've got to make a good impression on him. I've just got to.
Sure, Roy. Sure you will. Don't worry. Oh, by the way, my sister happened to drop by. You remember Shirley, don't you, Roy?
Oh, yeah, sure.
Hello, Roy.
How are you, Shirley?
Hey, I just thought of something. Dean Hardwick is a friend of Hudson's. Maybe I ought to ask him to put in a word for me.
No, no, on second thought, I don't want to seem to be asking for special favors. I'll have to make this on my own.
Yeah, well, come on. I'll show you to your room and get you settled. Straight ahead down the hall.
Thanks.
All right. Now, suppose you tell us, Dr. Weston, what you think you have to offer, Center Hospital.
Well, I, Dr. Means, I intend to specialize in neurosurgery, so naturally a chance to be associated with Dr. Hudson.
I'm a tremendous admirer of Dr. Hudson's. I think his work on diagnosis of brain tumors has great significance.
I consider his paper on intracranial hemorrhage to be one of the outstanding studies of our time. And as for his observations on meningitis...
Dr. Weston, we're here to discuss your qualifications, not mine.
Why, the modesty, Wayne. You know you'll love it. Besides, it's nice to know we have a celebrity on the staff.
Could we get on with the interview?
Of course, of course. Now, go ahead, young man. Put a little easy on the build-up, huh?
They laughed at me. Actually, laughed.
Oh, it couldn't have been that bad.
Well, it seemed like it. I don't know. Maybe after I got started, I made some kind of sense.
I don't know. I can't even remember now what I said.
Well, stop worrying about it.
But this was my big chance, and I mucked it.
Nonsense.
I did. I know. They'll never take me. I talk like a fool.
And some of the specific medical questions, when they ask specific questions, maybe... I don't know.
I mean, well, at least maybe they could see I do know something about medicine. I don't know.
So if you don't know, will you please stop breastfeeding until you hear from them?
Now, go on and get ready. I'm taking you and Shirley to dinner tonight, remember?
Oh, no, not tonight, Phil. I couldn't eat a bite.
Tonight? Well, that must be Shirley. Now, go on. Get ready.
Oh, but Phil, I... I said get.
Hi, Cheryl.
Hi, Phil. How'd the interview go?
Don't ask.
That bad?
That's what he says.
Where is he?
His room.
How is he?
Suicidal.
Look, Phil, let's stop playing games, hmm? Why not just let me out?
Now I'm going to have trouble with you.
Look, it won't hurt you to go out to dinner with us tonight.
Darling, I appreciate your brotherly interest, but Roy Weston doesn't care anything about me.
And the feeling is rapidly becoming mutual.
This high-pressure matchmaking is beginning to embarrass me anyway.
But I know you and Roy will really get to enjoy each other once you get to know each other.
You'll see.
Hello.
Oh, yes. Just a moment.
Roy, telephone.
Thanks.
He'll be right here.
This could be it.
Well, now at least we'll know which to order.
Champagne or cyanide.
Thanks, Phil.
Hello?
Yes?
Uh-huh.
I see.
All right, thanks for calling.
Yay! Well, what do you know, Phil? They accepted me. I'm in, I'm in!
Congratulations.
Oh, boy!
Oh.
Hello, Sherry.
Hello, Roy.
Okay, okay, dinner tonight it is. The best place in town, but on me. The works.
Oh, wait a minute. So you're gonna work for the great God Hudson, but remember they still only pay interns 50 bucks a month.
We'll blow the whole month's salary at once. In advance.
Oh, by golly. Sherry.
I can't get over it.
What?
You.
Don't mind me. I'm delirious. Okay, kids, ten minutes.
How could you possibly know?
Good grief, I didn't. Still don't for sure. I'll have a spinal done and see what it says.
Oh, just because Dr. Weston admires Dr. Hudson.
Oh, admire is one thing. The burn incense of the author is something else.
But just think how much he can learn from Dr. Hudson.
Oh, he's been here three months and all he's learned is how to be a good doctor.
But just think how much he can learn from Dr. Hudson.
Oh, he's been here three months and all he's learned is how to heal.
Take a look.
Dr. Jeffers said he'd leave some reports here.
Did I say something funny?
Oh, no, doctor. Here are the reports.
Thank you. I'll be in my office.
Oh, Dr. Weston, Miss Durlock phoned. She said you're expected for dinner.
Is this right, nearly seven? Five till. I was supposed to be there at six. I had no idea.
Look, you're a woman. What's the best thing when a fellow goofs like this? Candy, flowers?
Well, I'd say the most important thing is you, pronto.
Yeah, you're right. I'll have to get right over. As soon as I tell Dr. Hudson.
Wasn't he officially off duty at four o'clock?
And still it's as soon as I tell Dr. Hudson.
Did you get that good grief?
Am I forgiven?
Come on in.
I had no idea that time on it.
Well, you put up with a warmed over meal and I'll put up with you.
I'm sorry, darling. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
Well, it's over and done with. Let's forget it. Next time, call.
I will. I swear it. Oh, Lord, how I love you.
Oh, I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love. I'm in love with... What's your name?
Sometimes I wonder.
What's your name again?
Sometimes I think your first love is a scalpel.
What's for dinner?
Goop.
Huh?
Well, it was a delicious casserole, but by now I waive all responsibility.
Anyway, sit down and I'll get it.
Well, you wouldn't have blamed me for losing track of the time if you'd seen this case.
And the way Hudson handled it. Fantastic.
Now, here's this woman. Cracks her hip in an auto accident.
Hips men's nicely and then paralysis in the leg, below the hip.
Well, naturally you look for nerve damage in the hip.
It was pretty badly smashed. The nerves could have been injured.
But Hudson, one look at the case and he suggests brain involvement.
Now, do you realize the coincidence?
Just that one area paralyzed, below the damaged hip.
And none of the usual signs of brain injury at all.
Roy.
What?
Three cheers for your great passion for your chosen profession.
And I'm sure that Dr. Wayne Hudson is a brilliant man.
But, well, you get so little time away from the hospital.
Must every second be drenched in iota form?
I'm sorry, darling. I thought you'd be interested.
I am. I'm also interested in poetry and music and dancing and swimming.
And sometimes just lying in the grass holding hands.
Am I just being silly?
What do you mean, silly?
Maybe I'm not serious enough for you.
Well, darling, you're everything enough for me. You know that.
Everything?
Absolutely. The perfect woman.
You know, I almost think you mean that.
I do.
When you go for something, you sure go all the way, don't you?
Is that bad?
No. Not if you don't get floored comes disillusionment.
Oh, I'm not worried about that.
And what time for tomorrow?
Well, you're the one to decide. After all, you only get two days off.
Well, how about that picnic we talked about?
Wonderful.
And we can ask Phil. See if he can join us.
And how can Heidi?
Sure. We'll make it a party.
If we start early enough, we can drive down to Pinewood Lake and get in some swimming and boating.
Yeah.
Just a second.
Hello? Yes.
Yes, just a moment. It's for you.
Me?
Well, I left word I'd be here, but I certainly didn't expect anything.
Hello? Oh, yes, Jackie.
He is, huh? Oh, yes, sure I would. Tell him I'll be there.
What is it?
Oh, that case I was telling you about. Dr. Hudson's operating tomorrow morning. He wants me to assist.
Oh, but, Roy, it's your day off.
But he knew I'd be interested, that I'd want to watch.
And the picnic?
I'm sorry, darling, but this is a very unusual case. You don't get a chance like this every day.
Try to understand.
All right, Roy.
You do understand, don't you?
Yes, Roy. I'm afraid I do.
I can't get over it. It's like black magic.
On the contrary, Doctor.
That woman's going to walk again. If it hadn't been for you, we'd still be poking around uselessly in her head.
Well, it's all a matter of experience. I've done a little useless poking in my time, too.
Yeah, experience. So much to learn. People just don't realize that a doctor has to devote so much time to just learning.
Good thing. Otherwise, he'd ever take up the business in the first place.
Tell me, Dr. Hudson, you were married. Did your wife understand?
I mean, what if you'd made plans to do something and then you were called away in a case? What did she say?
Well, I suppose she realized that a doctor's hardly the ideal model of a husband.
I don't suppose she ever made a date without keeping her fingers crossed.
I suppose actually a doctor shouldn't get married.
Oh, I wouldn't go so far as to say that. Provided he can find a woman who's willing to put up with a steady diet of catch-as-catch-can.
It certainly takes a rare kind of woman.
You know, there really ought to be a Hippocratic oath for doctors' wives, too.
You're right. A woman has to understand that devotion to duty comes before everything else.
Wait a minute. Are we talking hypothetically or is there a purpose to all this?
Well, I, uh... That is, uh...
Well, what do you know? You work fast, don't you? How'd you ever find the time?
Well, as a matter of fact, I'm finding out I don't have the time.
Well, I can understand that. It's bad enough in regular practice, but an intern...
It takes superhuman patience and endurance, and even then it's a rough, rough road.
Yes, Dr. Hudson. I know what you mean.
It's bad enough in regular practice, but an intern...
Just what's this speech supposed to add up to?
Well, now look, I'm sorry. It's not your fault. It's just that...
I'm afraid maybe we shouldn't have rushed into this.
Roy, if you mean what I think you mean...
It's just that any woman who goes with a doctor has to be a special kind of person.
Which I'm not. Is that it?
Oh, no. You're wonderful, Shirley. You're absolutely great. You know I mean that.
Well, then why all the fuss and feathers?
Well, I'm not sure you're prepared to put up with a steady diet of catch as catch can.
What?
Oh, I don't blame you. It's just that...
Well, I want to be fair to you.
After all, let's face it. A doctor is hardly the model of an ideal husband.
Look, I'm only trying to do what's best for you.
After all, Dr. Hudson says it's a rough, rough road.
Oh, Dr. Hudson says so. That's it.
Now he'd be grudging you even two days a month.
Oh, no, darling. You don't understand.
And all the rest of that bill of particulars. Was that Hudson, too?
Now, don't be angry. He was only trying to make me realize the problem.
Well, you can just tell your precious Dr. Hudson for me that I think he's a pompous, stuffed shirt.
And that he's meddling in other people's lives.
In fact, I may tell him myself.
Shirley.
I mean it, Roy.
Well, I'm sorry you're taking it like this.
What'd you expect?
Well, I had hoped that you'd try to be reasonable and mature.
Good night, Roy.
Well, anyway, someday you'll thank me for what I'm doing. You'll see.
Well, I guess I'd better...
Good night, Shirley.
The fact is, young Weston's becoming the laughing stock of the hospital.
Always tagging along after you, running your errands, hanging on your every word.
You must see what it's doing to him.
I'd say it's making a neurosurgeon out of him.
I'm afraid the staff has another word for it.
Vulgar, but pet. Stooge.
You don't think Weston's a good doctor?
I think he has the making of a very good doctor.
That's why I'm concerned.
At the moment, he's immature and impressionable.
But he has too much talent to be labeled as an errand boy.
It must be obvious that his exaggerated devotion to you verges on the abnormal.
No, it's not obvious.
And even if it were, I have enough to do taking care of the needs of my patients
without worrying about the emotional problems of the staff.
If Roy is a little over-impressed with me...
More than a little.
He'll get over it.
Meantime, I'm going to teach him as much as I can.
I don't think a pedestal makes a very good perch for a teacher.
And I don't believe medicine leaves much room for hero worship.
Oh, hero worship my foot!
Weston knows I've had a lot of experience.
He's just trying to get the benefit of it.
Yes?
There's a Miss Durelac waiting to see you.
Oh, I can't see anybody now.
I'm afraid Dr. Hudson's occupied.
Oh, I see.
Miss Durelac is Dr. Weston's fiancée.
Tacky says she's quite agitated.
All right, I'll see her.
I'd appreciate your being brief, Miss Durelac.
Sit down.
No, thank you, Dr. Hudson.
I don't want to sit down.
Look, this is the most difficult thing to do,
but I've come to tell you what I think of the way you've barged into my life.
Barged into your life?
I've never even seen you before.
You've never heard my name mentioned, I suppose.
To the best of my knowledge, no.
Slattering.
Well, since you admit you don't know me,
why should you tell Roy Weston that being engaged to a doctor is too rough a road for me,
that I'm not prepared to put up with the difficulties,
that I'm not quite special enough?
I don't know. What's all this? I...
Roy told me what you said.
Oh, no, he didn't.
He may have told you what he thinks I said.
No, he couldn't even do that because I didn't...
Or did I?
Look, just because I object to you spoiling Roy's day off, you jump to conclusions.
Now, Dr. Hudson, I know what intensive study means.
I'm working on a master's degree myself, so I'm not exactly the frivolous type.
But just because I suggest Roy should have some relaxation,
you tell him to break off with me.
Now, this is ridiculous.
I may have made a few generalizations. They certainly have nothing to do with you.
I didn't even know you existed.
Just a few casual remarks.
As far as Roy is concerned, nothing you do or say is casual.
Hmm.
Please, just answer yes or no.
Did you advise Roy to stop seeing me?
Now, Miss Sterlach, I'm a brain specialist, not a heart specialist.
I don't give advice to the love lord.
But if I ever were tempted to do such a thing,
I believe you're exactly what I'd prescribed for that young man.
Are you satisfied?
Not quite.
I mean, I'm not standing in the way of your romance.
If you want to patch things up with Dr. Weston, you have my complete blessing.
Now, you've taken up enough of my time. Will you please run along?
Nevertheless, Roy seems to be under the impression that you feel I'm in his way.
Will you, for the love of heaven, tell him how I feel?
I won't tell him a thing.
Besides, I think you're quite capable of handling that yourself.
Goodbye, Miss Sterlach.
I'm sorry I was such a nuisance. Goodbye, Doctor.
Thank you.
Jackie, would you tell Dr. Weston I want to see him in my office right away?
Yes, Doctor, you sent for me?
I've just been reading your reports.
I see you recommend surgery for that new patient in Ward B. Why?
Because there's a definite block in the mid-dorsal area of the spinal cord.
Are you sure of that?
What all the tests indicated.
What about that intracranial decompression we performed yesterday?
You were sure that the test indicated only local involvement in that case, too.
You were wrong.
Well, I made more extensive tests in this case.
And you're satisfied with the results?
I see no reason not to be.
You don't, huh?
Have you considered the possibility of multiple sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis?
Looks very much like multiple sclerosis.
Well, I don't know. I thought it was a spinal block.
Oh, you thought?
And on the basis of that, were to subject this patient to surgery?
Well, I don't know. I guess not.
What do you recommend against surgery?
Well, if it's multiple sclerosis...
Well, is it?
Well, I don't know. But if you say it is...
Did I say it is?
Well, you said it looked like it.
Well, now, that's a very different thing.
Now, look here, Dr. Weston.
When I say a thing, I mean exactly what I say.
No more, no less.
So stop elaborating on my minimal remarks.
Yes, sir.
I did not say that this patient has multiple sclerosis.
What's more, if I had said so, that wouldn't necessarily make it a fact.
I can be wrong, too. You understand that?
Well, uh...
Oh, I guess you don't.
Well, anyway, about this patient.
Do we operate or don't we?
Well, I wish you would look at him and see what you...
I'm asking for your opinion.
Well, I'd say so, sir. I think.
Very well. We operate.
But what if I'm wrong?
Well, then you're wrong.
Now, go make the arrangements.
Oh, and tell Dr. Mains that I'd very much appreciate his being present during the operation.
You'll notice, Dr. Trotter, that we're proceeding here strictly in accordance with Dr. Weston's diagnosis.
Correct, Dr. Weston?
Dr. Weston?
Good. Let's get on with it.
Mm-hmm. There we are. Growth in the area indicated.
It seems Dr. Weston made an accurate diagnosis. Correct, Dr. Weston?
Well, I think that's all the time we have for today.
Thank you, Dr. Weston.
I must congratulate you on a skillful piece of work, Wayne.
But was it necessary to make a fool out of young Weston?
I didn't make a fool out of him. It was you who wanted me to put him on his own.
Not at the patient's expense.
Of course, you confirmed the diagnosis before the operation.
Of course I did. I just didn't tell Weston.
Still, it was a bit drastic. Rather tough on the boy.
Not as drastic as it will be.
Now comes the really tough part. What's that?
Booting the fledgling out of the nest.
He'll hate me, but at least we'll find out if he can fly.
But why obstetrics?
Obstetrics is understaffed. We need you there.
But I don't care a hang about obstetrics.
I came here to send to hospital so I could work directly with you.
So you've told me.
Unhappily, it hasn't worked out.
I don't believe they need me in obstetrics.
I just think you want me out of your department.
Why? What did I do? Was it because Shirley came here? I heard about that.
I told you, we need you in obstetrics.
I couldn't help it if she came. It wasn't my fault.
I don't know. Maybe it was. I shouldn't have treated her the way I did.
I sure can foul everything up. I've got her sore at me. I've got you sore.
I'm not sore at you, Roy. Neither is she.
Oh, no. Not much.
Well, she's steamed up for the moment, but you can overcome that.
But if she'd only see all I was thinking of her.
I'm sure she'd be happy.
But if she'd only see all I was thinking about was her own good.
Let me tell you something, Roy.
Whenever you do something for somebody's good, don't ever expect that fact to be appreciated.
Oh, I must have been crazy to think I could give you up.
Granted.
I only hope I'm being fair to you, though.
I told you it would be a rough road.
Granted.
You can never be able to make a date without crossing your fingers.
Mm-hmm.
Still, you may not be as bad as Dr. Hudson said.
After all, he can make mistakes, too, you know.
Oh, this is shocking news.
Not only that, he can be very unreasonable and unfair.
Well, after all, he's only human.
Darling, that's the best thing you've ever said about him.
Six months later, Roy was back working with me again.
A very much married man.
Obviously, it took a special sort of woman to steer a young man as dedicated as Roy Weston
through the shoals and tricky cross currents of courtship into matrimony.
But surely was very special.
Thank you.