When at all possible it is best for the individual to take their health into their own hands, and make decisions for themselves.

I'd say, always, it is always better individual to take their health into their own hands, and make decisions for themselves. Sure, sometimes people can't operate on themselves for example but they should be in a position to recognize this simple truth and take the decision that is required thus ultimately our health is always in our own hands.

Just like everyone knows that it is foolish to blindly follow the orders of a superior of any organization, it is also foolish to blindly follow the recommendation of any Doctors without trying to understand ourselves what should and shouldn't be done.