This is the sixth edition of an established and highly successful introduction to sociology for medical students and health professionals of all kinds. It will also be of value for sociology students. Sociology as Applied to Medicine introduces students to the social context of health and illness in an understandable and accessible way - a number of reviewers have commented on its lucid and jargon-free text. The curriculum in medical schools now lays more emphasis than in the past on the social context of medicine, making this book even more indispensable. A concise and jargon-free introduction to medical sociology - accessible and readable for medical students with little time to devote to this subject. Practical emphasis on essential social issues: the doctor-patient relationship, social class, ethnic minority groups and organization of health services. Attractive two-colour page design with boxed summaries. New section on theory and methods of social research, pointing out the important differences between social research and the more biologically orientated research familiar to medical readers. Extensive revision of those chapters covering health policy, eg NHS chapter, health promotion, community care, organisation of health care.