Most individuals afflicted with medical problems usually don't take notice when they find themselves in the middle of battles (sometimes ferocious) relating to "turf" issues.  Wild animals are not the only ones on this planet who demonstrate continuing territorial concerns   These trepidations not infrequently lead to disrespectful behavior between fellow physicians as well as disrespectful behavior directed by physicians toward health care professionals in other disciplines.  The medical profession's finest hour has not been it's demeaning behavior toward its own or others.  In the bag of stigmas the "term" cult has been a frequent slur hurled against those unfortunates who have "trespassed" onto the medical game preserve.  A primary target of such "slings and arrows" in the past has been the chiropractic profession.  While it must be candidly observed that some of these arrows have been "right on target" it must also be pointed out that physicians can be equally guilty of poor treatment toward their patients as well.

Who owns the human body?  
Different professional groups have actually sought to create legislation providing them with a sole franchise for treating various portions of the human body (i.e. spine care).  In the field of surgery there is no area more hotly contested than the wrist.  Who has pre-eminence in operating on the wrist?  Is it the general surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, neurosurgeon, hand surgeon, plastic surgeon, etc.? 

No one profession "owns" the human body.  There are good physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, etc.  There are also poor physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, etc.  How does one choose?  How does one know?  Quite frankly it's a challenge because the information upon which such judgments can be made exists but is not generally available and must be gleaned by the consumer by diligent inquiry and observation.

Who is working to make patients independent of the health care system?
The most important role of the health care professional is to "make sick people better."  Their next most important role is to make them independent of the health care system.  Verdantly or inadvertantly physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, etc., often work to make patients dependent on them.  The medical consumer is advised to avoid these professionals and seek out those who will show them how they can, on a daily basis, work to maintain their own health be it through nutrition, medication, therapy, exercise, or other modalities.