"The difficulty with becoming a patient is that as soon as you get horizontal, part of your being yearns, not for a doctor, but for a medicine man"

The quote recommends that when people become patients and are resting, they feel a strong desire for somebody to provide them with a fast option or treatment to their health problems, instead of looking for appropriate medical assistance. They may be seeking a "medication male" who will supply them with an instantaneous remedy, as opposed to a doctor who will undertake a more structured technique towards healing. This can be credited to the human propensity of seeking pleasure principle and finding quick fixes, instead of working towards a sustainable solution. Thus, the quote highlights the requirement for clients to be client, persistent, and trust in the proficiency of health care professionals.