Crownpoint, New Mexico

Alvord's small, largely Navajo, hometown.

Gallup, New Mexico

The locale of the GIMC and Alvord's medical practice.

The GIMC

The Gallup Indian Medical Center, Alvord's place of work for much of the book.

Dartmouth

The New Hampshire College where Alvord felt like an alienated outsider, save for the other Native American students.

Stanford

Alvord had a challenging, but rewarding experience in medical school at Stanford.

The Beauty Way

The Navajo philosophy of harmony in nature as a source of wellness in human beings.

The Silver Bear

The trinket that Alvord wore on a necklace that represented her Navajo heritage.

The Scalpel

The symbol of Alvord's life as a professional surgeon.

Chantways

Songs used for the purpose of healing.

Navajo Ceremony

Alvord came to realize that Navajo ceremonies were very important parts of the Navajo, allowing themselves to undergo surgery. They were also meaningful for many...