I've been adjacent to the medical field for 30 years as a biomedical scientist; this is a new phenomenon. Not sure how long the transformation was brewing, but the switch happened quickly in 2020 with covid. Prior to that, the doctor (and patient) made all decisions with the attitude that "the buck stops here" with the doctor assuming full responsibility. Their was true autonomy, and doctors often consulted with each other for wisdom.

Then came covid and the sudden "follow the protocol" mindset. The entire medical community flipped. It was amazing and bewildering to behold. I watched critical thinking collapse to group think in higher education over 25 years; it took only 15 days in March 2020 for the medical field.

Again, it was amazing and bewildering and terrifying to watch. Today, I teach future doctors and nurses, but I've lost all faith in the profession. Both higher ed and the medical professions have fallen before my eyes, and I feel almost lost.