What role did a shaman play in traditional Native American societies? In Native American culture, the shaman is usually referred to as a medicine man or medicine woman. How was the role of a medicine man similar to or different from, the role of a modern doctor or priest? What religious and healing duties did the medicine man perform?

This solution provides an overview of answers to the above questions and lists useful sources on Native American culture and the role of the medicine man, or shaman. Focusing on Native American cultures of the Western United States, this solution will describe the role of a medicine man and how it differs from the contemporary roles of doctors and religious officials in modern societies.