The Physician by Noah Gordon
Set in the 11th century, The Physician follows the life of Rob J. Cole from his impoverished childhood as an English orphan to becoming the titular physician. After his parents' death, Rob joins a performing troupe and becomes quite an accomplished juggler. This dexterity will serve him well in his future occupation. He later apprentices with a traveling barber/surgeon and realizes that medicine is his true calling. Thus begins his quest to gain true medical knowledge, something beyond leeches and tooth-pulling.