The Doctors of Hoyland

Name: The Doctors of Hoyland
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Dr. James Ripley, a dedicated and solitary physician in the village of Hoyland, finds his comfortable practice disrupted by the arrival of Dr. Verrinder Smith, a highly qualified female doctor. Initially dismissive of her capabilities due to her gender, Ripley is surprised to discover her skill and competence, which quickly earn her a reputation among the local patients. Ripley, who prides himself on his medical knowledge and practices, feels threatened by her success and the attention she garners from the community. Despite his disdain for the idea of a woman in medicine, he cannot ignore her effectiveness and the admiration she receives from patients, which leads to a decline in his own practice. Their professional rivalry intensifies when Ripley is injured in an accident and is forced to rely on Dr. Smith for treatment. During his recovery, he begins to see her in a new light, recognizing her intelligence and charm. This shift in perspective leads him to develop feelings for her, culminating in a proposal. However, Dr. Smith declines, expressing her commitment to her scientific career over personal relationships. Ultimately, Ripley is left to grapple with his feelings of loss and the realization that his previous prejudices were unfounded. The story concludes with Ripley as the sole doctor in Hoyland, marked by a profound sense of sadness and a changed outlook on women in medicine.

By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle · First published 1923 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Medical Fiction, Drama · 6,015 words

First lines

Dr. James Ripley was always looked upon as an exceedingly lucky dog by all of the profession who knew him. His father had preceded him in a practice in the village of Hoyland, in the north of Hampshire, and all was ready for him on the very first day that the law allowed him to put his name at the foot of a prescription. In a few years the old gentleman retired, and settled on the South Coast, leaving his son in undisputed possession of the whole country side. Save for Dr. Horton, near Basingstoke, the young surgeon had a clear run of six miles in every direction, and took his fifteen hundred pounds a year, though, as is usual in country practices, the stable swallowed up most of what the consulting-room earned.

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The Doctors of Hoyland is listed on Textopian as a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, dated 1923 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Date: 1923 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Medical Fiction, Drama, Romance, Historical Fiction
Length: 6,015 words
Structure: 1 section, 91 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of gender roles, professional rivalry, and personal growth through character development and nuanced dialogue.
Medical Fiction — The plot centers around two doctors and their professional practices, highlighting medical practices and the challenges faced in the field.
Drama — The narrative involves emotional conflicts, personal dilemmas, and character interactions that drive the story's tension.
Romance — There is an underlying romantic tension between the main characters, culminating in a proposal and rejection.