Who's Gonna Change, James?

As the stress from caring for seriously ill infants and children changes the doctors' relationships while they work together, Doctor Wiggles gradually realizes that ignoring civil rights conflicts isn't possible because the health problems of the children under his care are a product of a segregated world. The gradual transformation of Wiggles from an isolated life dedicated to completing his residency to a role in life as part of an imperfect world is the central theme of the book. Every major character contributes in some way to changing Carl's viewpoint despite different backgrounds and beliefs. While trying to save the life of a critically ill infant, the young doctors learn to ignore each other's prejudices to work together and save the infant's life.