What is the theme in The Scalpel and the Silver Bear by Lori Alvord?

The central theme of The Scalpel and the Silver Bear is Alvord's experience both as a surgeon (represented by the scalpel) and as a member of the Navajo Nation (represented by the silver bear). Alvord grew up in Crownpoint on the Navajo Nation reservation. She was poor in a poor community and while her father faced many of the struggles of other Navajo men (such as alcoholism), both her father and mother encouraged her to get an education.