Dr. Docherty was born in Glasgow and completed his medical training at the University of Glasgow and the University of Queensland. He earned a Master of Medicine in Family Practice Skin Cancer and is a founding member of the Primary Care Dermatology Society of Canada. He has also served for many years on the executive committee of the Canadian Association of GPs in Oncology.

Dr. Docherty has practised in Kelowna since 1988, with a particular focus on skin cancer care since 2008. He lives in Kelowna with his wife. Their three children, four grandchildren, and two energetic dogs also call the city home.