The doctor is a powerful force in our lives, from the positive pregnancy test through to the signing of our death certificate after the autopsy. This authority is based on our trust - what the lawyers call a "fiduciary" relationship.

We relinquish control to those acting in our interest. In the publicly funded medical system, medical doctors are the primary "gatekeepers", deciding who gets what and how soon. They marshall armies of nurses and technicians, steward massive budgets, and dispense tax-paid services.

However, the public wants and needs more than the government and medical system is offering. How the issue of choice by the patient is handled is very complex and controversial.

It is increasingly difficult in recent years to leave a doctor’s care when the relationship breaks down. Few docs will accept as a patient one who has already seen someone else in the area. It is certainly reasonable to squelch doctor hopping that is for a nefarious purpose such as trying to get multiple prescriptions for narcotics.

Is it reasonable in a just society to restrict obtaining a second opinion for a serious concern, or force a citizen to remain under the control of someone who has become jaded, uncaring, too busy, or even abusive? When it comes to obtaining a true second opinion about treatment options, from a licensed practitioner such as a chiropractor or naturopathic physician, the interference is often blatantly bullying.

I understood that if I obtained the proper education, passed the tests and fulfilled all the laws, that I could practice my healing arts and sciences under the direction of the Board of Naturopathic Physicians, answerable in turn to the Minister of Health. However, many medics, without the benefit of training in my areas of practice, routinely discourage the public making the choice of the services the Medical Services Plan provides them, for which they have paid their premiums.

It is my beleif that I work for my patients, not the other way around. We enjoy a pluralistic society, and we need to cherish our freedom to be treated as we choose, based on informed consent.