Who is Dr. Andrei Yefimych Ragin from Stories of Anton Chekov and what is their importance?

As a young student, Andrei Yefimych Ragin had been interested in a philosophic career but was goaded into pursuing medicine by his father. After being a practicing physician for a number of years, Andrei is assigned to the local hospital and is appalled at the the poor conditions of the hospital, and in particular Ward No. 6. Although he had good intentions, he soon becomes disheartened and discontinues daily visits, stopping by the depressing ward only when necessary. Though a highly educated and learned man, Andrei is reserved and timid by nature. It is difficult for him to give orders or resolve conflicts. As a result, Andrei is socially reclusive and spends much of his free time reading and alone in thought. However, because of his nature and long-time interest in philosophy, he yearns for the the exchange of intellectual ideas and philosophic thought. Unfortunately, there are no individuals with similar interests in the small town in which he lives.