The standard text in the field, this best-selling introduction to medical sociology presents the most recent and relevant ideas, concepts, themes, issues, debates, and research findings at the cutting-edge of the field. For upper-division undergraduate/beginning graduate-level courses in Medical Sociology, and for Behavioral Science courses in schools of Public Health, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing. Recognized by the International Sociological Association as one of the "Books of the Century" in 2000. It contains first-person accounts from patients, physicians, and other health care providers; is based on a worldwide review of the literature; provides the most recent health statistics, data, and studies available; and identifies the most important trends and issues. 2008