Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman

The heartwarming drama Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman follows doctor Michaela Quinn in her struggles being the first woman doctor in the Colorado territory just after the Civil War. Upon arriving in Colorado Springs, Dr. Quinn discovers that the Reverend who had sent for her thought that she was a man--Michael, not Michaela. Despite the good Reverend's insistence that he will help pay for her fare back to her hometown of Boston, Dr. Quinn--or Dr. Mike as she prefers to go by--is determined to stay in Colorado Springs as they still have no doctor.

Despite Dr. Mike's determination to make things work, she finds that living on the western frontier is not easy for anyone, man or woman. Her proper New England upbringing has done little to prepare her for the hardships associated with day to day living such as feeding livestock and keeping a cabin clean.

Dr. Mike does start to make a few friends in town including the town midwife Charlotte Cooper. Charlotte is very pleased to have a doctor on the frontier. Charlotte states that she personally lacks the necessary training to save many of the babies who die. Not long after Dr. Mike's arrival however, Charlotte is bitten by a rattlesnake and dies before Dr. Mike can help her. Before her death, Charlotte asks Dr. Mike to care for her now orphaned children.

Although terrified at the thought of raising children, Dr. Mike agrees to take Charlotte's three children: Matthew, Colleen and Brian. After taking on the heartbroken children she discovers that life gets more difficult and complicated yet ultimately more rewarding.

Dr. Mike learns that part of the problem practicing medicine so far from civilization is access to proper supplies and medicines. Through her close friend Sully she learns to incorporate Cheyenne Indian medicines into her practice to make up for lack of modern medicines.

Slowly but surely, Dr. Mike is able to help the townspeople overcome some of their superstitions towards a female doctor and she is able to build respect and understanding between herself and those around her.