When doctors step into their patient's shoes their treatment decisions are often different. Treatment protocols are often followed because they are the standard of care and not following them is plagued with potential law suits and disciplinary action from their medical boards. Medical practice is very complex and making decisions out of the mainstream is often frowned upon. Some physicians are able to individualize treatments to patients based on their preferences, but it can be risky when they are different from mainstream thinking. Healing practitioners are more apt to spend more time with their patients and listen deeply to their patient's preferences and also become personally involved because they care.