Book III in the Doctor series. Dr Gordon finds that the way to the top of the medical profession is as disturbing as his journey through medical school. He is determined to be a great surgeon and starts in the lowly post of Junior Assistant to the Casualty Officer at St. Swithin's. Unfortunately a number of faux pas lose him promotion in favour of the spotty, sycophantic Bingham. He then gets into the hands of a medical employment agency and finds himself in practice in the Midlands. Then there is an interlude in the fashionable practice of an amorous London doctor before Gordon is admitted as Resident House Surgeon at St. Swithin's, where his rivalry with Bingham starts all over again - but this time for the hand of the prettiest night nurse.