In his consultation room, the eloquent French general practitioner Luc Perino receives people in all stages of life: from newborn babies to dying people, and everyone else who knocks at his door with their discomforts. He listens to their complaints amiably and attentively, asking questions all the while. Sometimes, things are immediately clear. "You know the diagnosis and treatment," he cheerfully concludes, when a young woman inquires if her chronic cold is caused by smoking. But in many cases, the ailments are caused by deeper-lying problems that the doctor can alleviate with little more than sound advice and compassion. Hélène de Crécy films a cross section of the daily practice - the stiff neck, the baby's nutrition, a referral for an abortion, panic attacks, alcohol addiction, schizophrenia - in a lucid, strictly observing style reminiscent of Raymond Depardon's work. Except for two house calls, the camera stays within the confines of the consultation room. There is no comment, except for when Dr. Perino turns to the camera to muse over his limitations. When his patients are plagued by poor work conditions or personal setbacks, his professional pride is replaced by a feeling of futility.