I don't see why you can't have the Doc/Pt relationship you are speaking about.
Have you stuck with one GP or GI doc? Have you jumped around a lot? It takes time to build the relationship you are talking about. You can't ask for a "partnership" and then dismiss the other side ("priesthood").
I'm not allowed to have the relationship I describe. Even when I really do know the right answer, FDA laws require me to go to the altar of the MD to get a signed prescription. I'm forced to wait two weeks to get that appointment, even though I know the right answer.
(In reality, the doc is generally willing to call in the script on my say-so over the phone, but he's not supposed to do this.)
I don't get it. You are saying you don't actually have to go see a doc "in reality" then how are you complaining that you have to see a doctor before getting treated.
Have you stuck with one GP or GI doc? Have you jumped around a lot? It takes time to build the relationship you are talking about. You can't ask for a "partnership" and then dismiss the other side ("priesthood").