Allen Meighan, a promising doctor in his last few weeks of internship at General Hospital, assures himself a residency when he saves the life of a man trapped in the debris of an explosion by amputating his arm using liquor as an anesthetic.  At the same time, student nurse Claire Donahue, who is secretly in love with Allen, receives word that she has been made a staff nurse.

Although Allen loves Claire as well, their relationship is hopeless because Claire is married to Tom, who has become a bitter, unemployed brute.  Claire refuses to leave Tom, even when he gives her a black eye, out of loyalty to the man she once loved.  When Allen saves the life of spoiled society girl Patricia Sloan, his firm, yet kind demeanour attracts her and she falls in love.

Allen soon returns her affection and, despite his deeper feelings for Claire, he marries Patricia.  A year later, Patricia has become increasingly annoyed at Allen's long absences to pursue his profession.  She also becomes jealous of Claire, whom she thinks is having an affair with Allen.

One evening, while Patricia and Allen are at a night club, Tom is brought to the hospital after a serious accident.  Tony Wolcott, a society doctor and friend of Patricia's, decides to amputate Tom's leg immediately, but Claire, who, with other members of the staff, questions Tony's abilities, hysterically stops the operation and calls for Allen's help.  Allen is unable to save Tom, however, and Patricia interprets his concern for Claire as confirmation of his affair.  She decides to leave him and, accompanied by Tony, who has had his medical license revoked, goes away.

A short time later, a large train wreck is reported and the General Hospital staff is alerted.  Tony and Patricia are brought in as critically injured patients.  Despite a serious injury to Tony's leg, Allen is able to save him without amputating.  Patricia, however, is badly scarred on her face and doctors are concerned that she will be permanently disfigured.  Although she is ashamed to see Allen, Patricia soon depends on him and they reconcile while she undergoes extensive plastic surgery.

Several months later, Patricia's face is completely healed and she looks forward to a long trip with Allen, after which he will become a Park Avenue physician.  Realizing that she can finally be on her own, Allen tells Patricia that they are not right for each other and leaves.  At the hospital, Allen and Claire are reunited with the enthusiastic approval of their friends.