Although he is also known for his life in politics and his career in radio, Cottage Hospital Doctor details the medical life of Dr. Murphy upon his arrival to Norris Point. Being the only doctor between Deer Lake and St. Anthony, his district spanned from the Bay of Islands to Reefs Harbour, St. Barbe, covering a distance of about 120 miles and a population of over 6,000. With few roads, most work induced traveling was done by snowmobile, boat or plane. With the assistance of six district nurses, his career as medical officer was far from boring. The stories within the book span nearly a decade of Murphy's life.