In the Public Interest: Medical Licensing and the Disciplinary Process (Critical Issues in Health and Medicine) - Softcover

"In the Public Interest is a fascinating study and a remarkable achievement from one of the top sociological ethnographers working in the field." (Calvin Morrill University of California at Berkeley)

"Ruth Horowitz has long been recognized as an acute ethnographer. This book announces her as a major public sociologist, investigating quality and justice in healthcare – for both patients and physicians."
(Robert Dingwall author of Essays on Professions)

"The body of scholarly literature devoted to the role and function of state medical boards is not especially deep. Accordingly, when a book appears adding to that body of literature scholars and the medical community cannot help but take note. This is particularly true with the publication of In the Public Interest. Horowitz is uniquely positioned to deliver thoughful analyses of medical boards' collective functioning from multiple perspectives, including that of public board member, educator, and sociologist. In the Public Interest contributes meaningful insight on all three counts."
(Journal of Medical Regulation)

"Ruth Horowitz has written an important and engaging appraisal of the present mechanisms available to monitor (and sanction) the work of physicians. She has performed an indispensible service to medical sociology about a subject that gets rare attention, much less observation. Every medical ethicist and sociologist should read this book."
(Social Forces)

"Horowitz deepens our understanding of the legislative processes and inner workings of medical societies. Descriptions of board conversations highlight the personal insecurities, cultural biases, and professional protectionism that must be overcome to take appropriate disciplinary action to prevent further harm to patients."
(Journal of Nursing Regulation)

"One area where traditionally medical professionals have maintained tight control is in the disciplining of their own colleagues. In the Public Interest sheds light on this and a range of other issues through a study of the work of medical boards in the United States."
(American Journal of Sociology)

"This  book contributes to the ongoing debate about the regulatory activities of the medical profession and offers an insight into the principles that inform public and patients' engagment." (Sociology of Health and Illness)

"I hope that this wonderful book will reach a broader audience than the sociologists who will undoubtedly find much here to interest them. In the Public Interest is recommended reading for policy makers, especially those who are in a position to influence board processes and anybody interested in questions of the public interest more generally." (Symbolic Interaction)