With the encouragement of Josef Quinn, her father and a doctor in his own right, she attends the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania and becomes licensed herself.

Her mother is devastated that her daughter has decided to leave and live in Colorado Springs, but after a visit she changes her mind and to a certain extent accepts Michaela's decision.

The elder Mrs. Quinn warms to the family, even sending young Brian a poodle after his pet wolf, Pup, is killed by rabies.

Dr. Mike often used her position as a doctor and care giver to seize the moral high ground and challenge the townspeople on their often narrow, conservative views of the time.

Some examples include: After regular series characters, blacksmith Robert E. (portrayed by Henry G. Sanders) and his restaurateur wife, Grace, (Jonelle Allen) a freed-slave couple, buy a home in downtown Colorado Springs, they are immediately challenged by the banker, Jedediah Bancroft (portrayed by George Furth, Season 2, Episode 19, "The First Circle").

[5][6] Michaela Quinn and her family also warmly befriend the local Cheyenne people, including Chief Black Kettle (played by Nick Ramus), and his right-hand man, Cloud Dancing (Larry Sellers).

Dr. Quinn also fights for the rights of Chinese immigrants, a Jewish salesman who visits the town, and other racial and religious minorities.

The issue of censorship is dealt with on the series when Michaela Quinn's mother sends her late father's extensive book collection to Colorado Springs.