Berzin, I agree. As an (alleged) doctor, my limitation is that I don't have any continuity of care with the patients I meet. Sometimes I get 5min with them, and never see them again. That's unfortunately the nature of anaesthesia in a tertiary public hospital. As you correctly say, the mainstay of their support is their treating specialist, their nurses, and their social supports. I have a background (but important) job. The irony of being a good anaesthetist is that we're seldom remembered
Accordingly, I don't see it as my role to step in and give them the rundown on their hero right before their operation. That's what I was trying to say. They can believe whatever they want (Lance, Jeebus, Karma, Santa), my point is that I'm not going to deny them that in my limited interaction with them.
I can't debate you any further, as I agree with everything else you've said.
I mentioned in one of my earlier posts about the McGrath Foundation - now that's a charity to get behind. They do amazing (and real) work.
Back in the day, I was a yellow-bracelet wearer. I believed in miracles. I even gave money to LiveStrong.
I am very grateful for my Clinic education. In between the flame wars are some excellent posts that make for great reading.