Publisher's Synopsis
Paul Carter was born in Warwickshire, England, and trained at Guy's Hospital, London. In 1976, he migrated to Melbourne, Australia, where he practiced pathology. In 1986, looking for a new start and deciding that he wanted to see real patients rather than spend the rest his life looking down a microscope, Paul left the city and moved to the Macedon Ranges in central Victoria. He bought a farm and has been a local GP there for the last thirty-plus years.
Tales of a Country Doctor is a collection of stories of the last three decades in the country. The twenty-four chapters of the book tell the stories of some of the most colorful characters that the author has encountered and some of the most exciting-and bizarre-experiences in his life. The stories feature some of the patients who have left a special mark, some locals who are too unique to forget, and even some animals who have made farm life the adventure that it is. Readers will get to meet the locals of Woongarra and see into their lives. Some unique characters are the following: Es, an old lady who is always cold so she wears several layers of clothing that envelope her from head to toe. You will also get to meet Phill, a colorful personality who rocks a Carmen Miranda outfit and who can brighten up any room. Digby is an alcoholic with an impressive tie collection; and Peter, a brushman, who have walked across Victoria for forty days and forty nights. There are also stories of special people in the book. One such story is about Isobel, a patient who reminded the author of his daughter who passed away. She had such a bright presence and a ready smile. Her passing was one of the hardest things he had to go through; but it helped him let go of his daughter, Amy, who passed away when she was young.Readers will also get to know Hardy, his dog, and learn why the walnuts in the farm will always have a special meaning for him. There is also Prince Rupert, a stubborn deer who now graces his wall with pride. And Helen, a special lady, who made him believe that blind dates don't always end in disaster. These are just a few of the wonderful characters that appear in the stories, and hopefully, as readers meet each one, they will either smile, laugh, or cry-but all leaving a bit of love and warmth in their lives.
