Authors and journalists Howard Wolinsky and Tom Brune discuss their book “The Serpent on the Staff: The Unhealthy Politics of the American Medical Association.” They discuss the political aspects of the healthcare and medical industry in the United States, with particular emphasis placed on the business-side of the American Medical Association (AMA). This program includes an excerpt of an interview with Dr. Quentin Young discussing the AMA. Studs plays "Like a Surgeon" - "Weird Al" Yankovic (1985).

In his book, "Doctors' Dilemmas: Moral Conflicts in Medical Care," Samuel Gorovitz tries to show his readers the moral dilemmas that doctors face. Gorovitz explained that physicians need to learn what it’s like to be a patient. Gorovitz also believed that before a student enter medical school, he or she should have spent some time in a hospital as a patient.

Dr. Sam Borushek discusses his time as a doctor serving the indigenous groups in Guatemala, especially regarding the preventable health issues of the indigenous people.

Dr. Richard Selzer, a surgeon, reads essays from his book, "Mortal Lesson: Notes on the Art of Surgery." Dr. Selzer recalls moments of his profession that stuck with him including the removal of a diabetic women's leg and the removal of a botfly larvae. He also takes a poetic look at the liver and the skin, including a story about Henry Moss. Dr. Selzer finishes his interview with a story about his first time witnessing an abortion. A comedy skit by Mike Nichols and Elaine May is also played.

Dr. Erich Fromm explains how he believes the Cold War was a moment of change for humanity where it would either bring about a "renaissance of humanism or immense bloodshed and barbarism for decades to come." Using his study into humanism, Dr. Fromm warns about how the love of death can overtake the love of life as nationalism and group narcissism takes hold in different countries. He goes on to explain that humanity has to decide that they have a right to demand independence and freedom.

Dr. David Stark Murray discusses national healthcare. Murray discusses how, by prioritizing the business aspect of the medical industry in the United States, this often leads to problems in quality of care. He uses the example of blood donations, volunteer-based versus receiving money for this action, to illustrate this point.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Program includes an excerpt of an interview with Dr. George Hatem and a Chinese traditional doctor at Xiyan Hospital.

Studs Terkel talks with Dr. Bruce Douglas about health care. They discuss the price of health care and an experience in London he had when he was sick.

Bard Lindeman and Dr. Quentin Young discuss medical care, medical reform, medical insurance, and pharmaceutical companies. Includes a clip of an elderly woman talking about the price of drugs.