In the sixth series, the doctor tackles fatherhood and his complicated relationship with local teacher Louisa.

Dr. Martin Ellingham is brilliant, dedicated, and highly efficient. He's also brusque, abrasive, and terrified of blood. Once a successful London surgeon, he's now a GP in the idyllic Cornish fishing village of Portwenn, where he's every bit as eccentric as the villagers he serves.

As a hard-charging London surgeon, Martin Ellingham didn't need a bedside manner. His patients were unconscious, so he could be as rude and arrogant as he pleased. All that changes when he develops a crippling fear of blood and is forced to give up surgery. Now a GP in a sleepy, picturesque Cornish fishing village, Doc Martin offends everyone in town, including the one person he wants to impress, beautiful teacher Louisa Glasson. Getting her attention...

"Meet Martin Ellingham, an eminent physician with a nasty disposition. Forced to give up his career as a London surgeon after developing a fear of blood, he takes a job as GP in the sleepy Cornish village of Portwenn. His irascible manner and permanent scowl soon have the town in an uproar; he insults each patient he sees and offends nearly everyone else. The only person who's glad to see him is his aunt Joan."--Sleeve. Episode 1. Meet Martin Ellingham,...

Mrs. Tishell's young cousin shadows her at the pharmacy for some work experience. Al decides to move in with Morwenna, and Angela visits Martin's surgery and notices something wrong with Buddy.

As Martin avoids his approaching birthday, Louisa plans to have her study group over to their home for a presentation. PC Penhale investigates a break-in at Ruth's house, and Al finds a way to make up for his lackluster proposal to Morwenna.

As part of the inspector's recommendation, Martin is forced to attend refresher courses, starting with phlebotomy. While Louisa worries that James is struggling to make friends, she attempts to befriend the oblivious new school head. Bert's cousin arrives with a business proposition for the Larges.

Martin scoffs at his next assessment, which includes seeing mock patients and diagnosing their pretend illnesses. As Louisa searches for Buddy the dog-who has gone missing-a familiar face arrives in Portwenn on official police business.

After successfully rekindling their relationship, Louisa and Martin are living together again, but Louisa finds herself juggling too many responsibilities at once. As Portwenn prepares for a wedding, Bert hopes to profit from the festivities.

Morwenna's missionary parents pay her a surprise visit and are taken aback by her relationship with Al. As Louisa starts her new counseling course, Penhale investigates a break-in at the school, in which nothing was stolen.