Vernon "Doc" Mullins is anything but welcoming to newcomer Melinda Monroe when she arrives in Virgin River as a nurse practitioner. Doc feels he doesn't need the help and questions whether Mel is competent. It takes Doc's wife, Hope, to convince him to give Mel a chance.

But once Mel proves herself, Doc not only comes around, he adds her name to the door of his practice.

Doc is married to the town mayor, Hope McCrea, although the two are separated due to his having cheated on her 20 years earlier. The two are on the verge of divorce when the series opens, but despite several obstacles, they decide to give their marriage another try.

Doc also learns that he may have medical issues that could affect his career.