>How many of the people here react positively when members of their family share their "internet computer experience" when trying to fix a computer? Yeah, thoug

>How many of the people here react positively when members of their family share their "internet computer experience" when trying to fix a computer? Yeah, thought so. The difference is that people actually respect doctors and usually do what doctors tell them to--baring lack of money, time, or willpower, or some other quack like Andrew Wakefield telling them not to. Technology professionals by contrast aren't respected, and our advice (like "keep your software up to date") is often simply ignored regardless of how much we repeat it. >Now, let's move on to the fact that the patient is saying "fix me" while the doctor is operating on "First, do no harm." They're operating on "first, make as much money as we can." If they weren't, then medical bills wouldn't be the #1 cause of bankruptcy in the US. >Now, add in people actively trying to scam you to get prescription medication. Many countries (particularly in Latin America) don't allow doctors to act as gatekeepers to medicines and allow you to legally purchase almost any drug, with or without a prescription. To require otherwise is simply rent-seeking under the guise of protecting people from themselves. >Just remember, doctors are running with the probabilities. and running with scissors in the dark, apparently: http://slatestarcodex.com/2013/12/17/statistical-literacy-among-doctors-now-lower-than-chance/ http://slatestarcodex.com/2013/12/17/statistical-literacy-am...