The Christmas Doctor

This program is rated G

and is suitable for general audiences.

Hi.

Santa brought something extra special

for you this Christmas.

Thank you, Dr. Zoey!

Newark General. Day eight of eight.

Sure we can't get you to stay on?

Thanks, but I'm kind of used to moving around.

Can't hit a moving target, right?

Something like that.

Merry Christmas.

You too, Doc.

Let me guess.

Pad Thai and fire-roasted chicken?

No.

Open the takeout box.

Hanging up now!

Not before you tell me

you're taking the holidays off this year.

Debra.

How long's it been since we spent Christmas together?

Last year.

Uh! Doesn't count. That was over Skype.

We did Thanksgiving in October.

The 4th of July and Easter-- you were working.

Where was I on Groundhog Day?

Mom would want us to be together on Christmas.

And speaking of Mom,

what would she say if she saw those bare walls?

What would she say if she saw that sweater you have on?

Wait till you see the one I got one for you.

Then it's settled.

Christmas at my house.

Talk tomorrow?

Okay. Love you.

You too, Ty.

Why are you looking at that doctors list?

I'm not leaving this place without a doctor.

Knowing you,

you'll be back to work in a day.

Gabby, did it ever occur to you

I might want to take a few weeks off?

No.

Yeah, you're right.

At least pick someone I can boss around.

Of course. That's my number-one requirement.

Oh, come on.

We both know you only got one move.

Make that two.

Check.

And... mate.

Aw, no!

Rematch tomorrow after your patrol?

I'll be here.

Dr. Garner.

Willow Brook.

Where is that?

Well, that's not really what I do.

Can you find me something else?

Maybe something in a bigger city?

Hey!

Hey.

What are you doing here?

I was in the neighborhood.

Come on in.

Upstate. Way upstate.

They only have one doctor and he's having surgery.

One doctor?

How small is this town?

Maybe a little bigger than your house.

But why does it have to be you?

I'm guessing I'm the only one who'd say yes.

So we're not doing Christmas?

Yes, we are!

Right now.

And...

-You didn't. -Wait...

There's more.

Bam!

Well, at least we're celebrating in December

this year.

Here.

Ooh! Thank you.

Aw, Zoey.

Now I have to get you something!

Merry Christmas, Santa.

Hello?

Anyone here?

- -Ow!

Oh, I am so sorry. Are you all right?

Yeah.

Uh, are you sure? I could have a look at it.

Are you saying I need to get my head examined?

Do you?

Probably.

I'm here to see Dr. Raymond Johnson?

Oh, so you're the Rent-A-Doc, huh?

Locum tenens.

Gesundheit.

Uh, Dr. Ray's on a house call.

House call?

Yeah. Shouldn't be long.

I'm Dr. Garner.

Zoey.

Luke Barnes.

Do you work here?

No. No. Just helping a friend.

Updating the computer from the Dark Ages.

Is it always this quiet around here?

Should pick up after lunch.

It's Meatloaf Monday at the diner.

Welcome to Willow Brook.

Thank you.

All right.

Dr. Garner. I'm Gabby.

We spoke on the phone.

Oh, it's nice to finally meet you.

Coffee? Christmas blend.

Sure. I'd love some.

Good news, bad news.

Your rental fell through,

but there's a charming house I know of

that happens to be empty,

and the owner can't say no to me.

No one can.

I really don't need a whole house.

Don't worry, you'll love this place.

That is so thoughtful.

It's important to feel at home in a place.

You made it.

Dr. Johnson?

Nobody calls me that.

It's just "Ray" or "Dr. Ray."

Thanks for bailing us out over the holidays.

Well, it doesn't look like you need much bailing.

Well, you never know. It is... Meatloaf Monday.

The wall of fame.

Those are all your patients?

Oh, I've delivered almost all the kids in this town,

and a lot of their parents.

So when do you have surgery?

Ah, tomorrow.

Nothing serious, just a rotator cuff.

I've been putting it off.

Must be painful.

Mm, it's not as painful as leaving my clinic.

I'm not used to taking time off,

but my wife put her foot down.

Oh, yeah.

Now, this is our "operating theater".

X-ray machine, defibs, ultrasound...

EKG.

We do limited surgeries.

The closest big hospital's Buffalo, 60 miles east.

MRI?

Buffalo.

Know it well.

Mm. You like to move around.

Well, I've been with Locum for six years,

and before that, I was with the military.

I saw that. 15 years.

What brought you back?

It was time.