There's a raised eyebrow at Sam's comment - it doesn't precisely speak well of he people she usually speaks to on a regular basis - but he refrains from passing judgment on them. It's not really his place to, when he doesn't even know them, but he can't help but wonder all the same. Still, the gesture is a brief one, and by the easy shrug that follows shortly thereafter it's fairly clear that he doesn't necessarily think along similar lines.

"Perhaps. But I prefer to take things as they come. And for now, I'm more than glad to listen."

Besides, being able to listen to people is part of his job. If that means encouraging people to follow their passions, there's no hardship in that, especially when he did exactly that himself.

"I'm afraid medicine - and the history of various diseases - isn't one of my specialties. However, there have been significant advances in that field, and it's certainly possible someone might have. Beverly Crusher would know more, if you're familiar with her?"