Once a Doctor is a 1937 American drama film directed by William Clemens and written by Robertson White and Ben Grauman Kohn.

They work at the same hospital as eminent brain surgeon Dr. Bruce Nordland, a family friend.

Although he is supposed to be on duty, Jerry takes nurse Ruby Horton for a drunken ride and crashes.

Steven describes the events to Dr. Brace and Dr. Adams, but refuses to name the doctor he helped.

Warned of the consequences to his career and their relationship by Dr. Brace, Steven persuades Jerry to go back to the office and confess.

He blames his brother, who is fired and barred from future medical practice.

Steven's ability to perform Nordland Decompressions makes him invaluable to medical science.

He cannot practice in the United States, but Nordland has established a charity clinic in Cuba.

Dr. Brace, Jerry and Paula sail to Havana on a private yacht the same day that Steven sails on the SS Orlando, a Cuban freighter whose ship's doctor is a friend of the Nordlands.

Captain Littlejohn refuses responsibility for Steven's life, but fires a line.

As the Captain predicted, Steven is underwater for much of the trip, but he makes it just as Jerry is preparing to operate.

Paula hides when she hears Steven's voice, and crewmen muscle Jerry out of the cabin.