Writing a book on any aspect of health brings great excitement and trepida
tion because no single author, or book, can do justice to such an immense
and important topic, particularly one accounting for approximately one
sixth of the nation’s economy. This chapter provides a roadmap to the com
plexity of the topic. Health and health care touch all lives (Glasby, 2017). T
his takes on added meaning with the marginalized members of society. T
his introductory chapter will ground readers on a variety of topics usually
covered in an opening chapter, as well as other subjects not normally found
in such a chapter, including what constitutes a profession.