An authoritative, topical, and comprehensive reference to the key concepts and most important traditional and contemporary issues in medical sociology. • Contains 35 chapters by recognized experts in the field, both established and rising young scholars • Covers standard topics in the field as well as new and engaging issues such as bioterrorism, bioethics, and infectious disease • Chapters are thematically arranged to cover the major issues of the sub-discipline • Global range of contributors and an international perspective. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.