This inspirational new text covers the basic principles of the sociology of health and illness in an eminently readable way. By creatively employing the fictitious character of Frank Bennet, a new medical student, who cannot understand why he has to attend so many sessions in sociology in order to become a doctor, the book examines the most commonly covered topics and brings together the basic principles and research findings through ten real-life stories, that Frank Bennet is immersed into. It investigates the relevance of sociology and considers a new direction - one that places sociology in healthcare settings, making the topic more realistic, useful and memorable.