At a social event a few months ago, I had a conversation with a consultant opthalmologist, specialising in diabetic eye disease. I was venting frustration about how medics seem to assume we're not bothered about our health and disengaged, etc., etc.
His retort was that it was so very unusual to encounter fully engaged patients who are actively engaged in their healthcare and bold enough to challenge thinking in order to improve their healthy. He then shared that so infrequent were the interactions with such people that they could be taken aback and off guard in terms of how they handled it, making them appear dismissive and abrupt.
He shared that it had taken his several years post-qualification to become confident in dealing with such patients, never mind enjoy dealing with us. he felt provided there was a consistency of appointments (meaning same consultant/doctor each time), the Doc would likely begin to enjoy things a bit more.
Interesting insight? In other words, they're just as, if not more nervous of us bold patients. That'll do for me.
I certainly try to replay that in my mind before I encounter anyone new, in terms of laying down the foundations for a professionally productive relationship.