Born in Georgia, on Earth, McCoy is a highly skilled physician and an astute judge of human nature. Kirk calls him as "Bones," an affectionate reference to the days when doctors were called "sawbones." Crusty and outspoken, McCoy is soft and compassionate underneath. Together, he, Spock and Kirk create the classic triumvirate that is the heart of the Enterprise crew; McCoy's highly passionate emotions balance Kirk's gutsy command style and Spock's dependency on intellect and discipline.