The general state of health care and the medical profession is of widespread concern, as is popular awareness of the need for people to take control of their own health care, making the issues addressed in Medicine Men very timely. Humanities courses which make health care and social service professionals aware of patients' and clients' point of view have become part of the premed or professional curriculum in many institutions, and this novel would be a good choice for such a course. Discussion would focus on the doctor-patient relationship and on the power relationships involved there.

1. In Medicine Men, doctors are often presented as narrow-minded, self-important characters who adopt a superior attitude towards their patients. How do Adams's medical professionals fit or not fit this stereotype?

2. Physical and emotional well-being are often thought of as going together.

How does Molly's medical condition mirror her emotional state...