Doc Martin introduces Dr. Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes), a brilliant and successful London vascular surgeon whose career takes an unexpected turn when he develops haemophobia (a fear of blood). Forced to abandon surgery, he relocates to the picturesque and quirky Cornish fishing village of Port Wenn, where he spent childhood holidays, to become the local General Practitioner. The heart of the show lies in the often hilarious and touching trials and tribulations that arise as his socially awkward, technically excellent but gruff and tactless personality clashes with the eccentric, close-knit community he serves.