I actually don't mind the curiosity of ailments. Anthropologists of today study the habits of those with technology inferior to their own. There's no reason why someone with an interest in biology/biochemisty/bacteriology/etc. can't also have an interest in the antiquated field of medicine.

Ellri is right, though it might very well might be my fault for not outlining it better, that nanites have completely replaced the need for what we consider to be "medicine." So, Foster, while your character's interest and knowledge in the subject might be strong, it would be a niche thing, something rare to the rest of the modern galaxy. Do be wary that Ellri have desired their scales to be growing unbeknownst to the rest of the crew.