>>shouldn't my doctor morally and by default be suggesting the best treatment for what I have?
>Shouldn't programmers by default be suggesting the best algorithm/programming language/design patterns for the problem at hand?
Are you implying non technical users would somehow be able to make a crucial technical design decision because they saw an ad somewhere? That seems quite absurd.
In my professional experience, every time a non technical stakeholder has tried to force a specific technology to solve a complex problem, it has been disastrous.
> Are you implying non technical users would somehow be able to make a crucial technical design decision because they saw an ad somewhere? ... In my professional experience, every time a non technical stakeholder has tried to force a specific technology to solve a complex problem, it has been disastrous.
No, and in fact I am against TV advertisements of prescription medications. However, what I am challenging is the attitude Europeans (and some Americans) have that doctors should never be questioned, for they always know what's best and you should just shut up and follow their advice.
See, general practitioners have a very small amount of time to understand and diagnose your problem, draw the correct solution from their vast stores of knowledge, and prescribe something before moving to the next patient. In most cases they don't have time to stew about what your disease might be for hours and hours on end.
But guess who does have time to stew and research for hours, days, and months? The patient. And in the cases of chronic diseases, the patients can often become more expert in their disease (and related medicines and side-effects) than your average general practitioners.
So in summary, I believe:
- No, we should not allow TV adverts for prescription drugs
- Yes, patients should do online research about their diseases, including potential treatments and drugs
- Yes, patients should ask their doctor questions and make suggestions, presenting findings they've gathered
- Yes, patients shouldn't hesitate in getting a second opinion from a different doctor. Not all doctors have the same experience level.
- No, doctors should not bristle at this but encourage research, correcting misconceptions and answering their patients' questions. It's their body, after all
We are in agreement. Doctors advice should definitely not be unquestionable. In fact, there are a number of studies which show iatrogenesis as being one of the leading causes of death in the US.
>Shouldn't programmers by default be suggesting the best algorithm/programming language/design patterns for the problem at hand?
Are you implying non technical users would somehow be able to make a crucial technical design decision because they saw an ad somewhere? That seems quite absurd.
In my professional experience, every time a non technical stakeholder has tried to force a specific technology to solve a complex problem, it has been disastrous.