Country Doctor (now streaming on HBO Max) is among a handful of exceedingly well-done, relevant and topical documentaries produced and released by HBO in the last year. This 38-minute short from veteran documentary directors Nick Doob and Shari Cookson tackles an overlooked slice of the deeply troubled pie that is the American healthcare system: the plight of rural hospitals. The filmmakers followed one doctor who does his damnedest to provide care for the residents of tiny Fairfax, Oklahoma, which, to no one’s surprise, is easier said than done in this late-capitalism world.
The Gist: Full disclosure: This is not a depressing downer of a story. In some ways, it’s sad. In another, it’s quite hopeful. Both are duly represented by Dr. James Graham, who’s been one of very few physicians working in Fairfax. An opening title card drops a shocking stat: In rural America, there’s
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