Medical sociology has traditionally focused on the governance of 'troublesome' social groups, including the unwell, the `deviant’, and the criminally insane. But recently, it has explored how the state ensures the public is protected from medical malpractice, negligence, and criminality. Against the background of some high-profile scandals, this authoritative book examines the modernisation of the regulation of doctors by the introduction of a quality assurance process. Highlighting areas of good practice, this book will be required reading for scholars of medical sociology, medical education and health policy.