I have found that I can get the doctor where I want by stating the opposite. It works surprisingly well. For example, my sciatic nerve kills me again, I have had that for 10 years now. Doctor moved, so new doctor. Normally, even if it's the same practice, it takes a while for the new doctor to come to the same conclusion. Which is good, he's doing his homework.

But, if I make carefully chosen assertions, which the doctor will always contradict, I get him where I want him much quicker.

In a sense, it works for me, but it's a testament to the relationship doctors have with their patients: patients are so stupid, the reflex is to contradict then each time.

Not sure it qualifies as hubris, but it's close.