Some distinctive features of medicine
| Knowledge | Anatomy, physiology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, genetics, microbiology, genomics and biochemistry |
| Powers | Determine lack of decisional capacity; impose treatment over objection; deprive people of freedom (ie, involuntary commitment). |
| Privileges | Ask probing questions; examine nakedness; image inside; prescribe and administer medication (ie, poison) or treatment; perform surgery (ie, assault with deadly weapons); inflict pain. |
| Immunities | From prosecution for employing powers and privileges; from prosecution for untoward outcomes. |