Sally wrote:

<Ellynne wrote: <I've always assumed Gan had some knowledge in medicine; he treats Jenna in Time Squad and Blake in Duel.>

It wasn't Ellynne, it was me, but in a Blakish manner, 'I forgive you'.

<Strikes me as more a knowledge of first-aid (or even a basic paramedical course) than serious medical skill - or maybe he was a nurse?>

Yes, I meant to say that he was some kind of medical assistant.

<BTW, that's one thing I always *liked* about Breakdown, none of the crew suddenly disclosed a medical background when needed. They clearly still don't have much idea what they're doing with that equipment.>

Actually it's curious that B7 doesn't have a physician as a regular character and crew member. Last evening I watched an episode of 'Deep Space 9' and it occured to me that in Trek and its sequels there's always a physician playing a prominent role. I've suggested to my students that the great number of physicians peopling the works of modern literature probably indicate the authors' feeling that the society is ill. The physicians and psychologists in Trek sequels may present some kind of subconscious admission that the Federation is ill. In B7 we know it's ill. Hence, on the 'material' level, B7 could use a regular doctor character to heal all the battle wounds. On the 'symbolical' level, however, there's no need for a doctor becuase Dr Blake tends to 'cure' the society in a bit more drastic way.

<OTOH, what with battle wounds, they've hopefully had a fair bit of practice in the mudical unit since Breakdown - there *is* a practical reason for all Avon's fanfictional Suffering, you know ...>

You mean, he suffers additionally because they're clumsy and can't heal him properly? (No, I know it's not what you meant but it would be a nice piece of fanfic...)

N.