How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The idea that the drugs prescribed to cure, or at least attempt to treat, an illness are in fact causing it is not one that most doctors ever encounter. (5.31)
Neil and Peggy have never met anybody like the Lees. Even their worst patients normally understand the importance of modern medicine. Not Nao Kao and Foua. They think that it's all a bunch of hogwash. In many ways, this is a Western doctor's worst nightmare.
Quote #2
What the doctors viewed as clinical efficiency the Hmong viewed as frosty arrogance. (6.3)
American doctors have learned to compartmentalize their emotions, because otherwise they'd be unable to perform their emotionally draining job. It makes sense, but causes a great deal of tension with Hmong patients.
Quote #3
"Most old people [...] feel, maybe doctor just want to study me, not help my problems [...] Doctor is like earth and sky." (6.7)
The older Hmong are extra hostile toward doctors. That being said, they're not entirely wrong—doctors perform a lot of experimentation to properly treat their patients. The only mistake in this case is assuming ill intent and seeing science as something to be feared. Not that it doesn't have that effect sometimes, but hey, give it a fighting chance.