of course

So I finally gave in to pressure and called to get an appointment at the Doctors. My ear has been blocked and deaf since wednesday morning, and it's a bit painful too. Now I shall guess that this is the same the world over; The Guardian of The Doctor AKA The Receptionist. Interrogation as follows
me - can I make an appointment please?
her - what is the problem?
me- my ear is painful and blocked up, I am deaf on the left side.
her - how long has it been like it?
me - since wednesday morning (it's now friday)
her - what have you done so far?
me - ear drops and warmth
her - have you used nose spray? You can buy it at the chemist
me - yes I have some
her - well, use it.
me - um, ok?
her - it goes in your nose, not your ear
me - (WTF?) um yes...
me - so I can't have an appointment?
her - no, it's not necessary. long silence.

I make 'have a nice day' sound a tiny bit like 'FFF you' and hang up. My dutch is not up to a long discourse on condescending, patronising banter. So. I absolutely resepct that she is more qualified than me to judge whether or not I need to be seen. I respect that she is trying to save her employer time and unnecessary appointments; I really do get that. What I just don't 'get' is why these sort of people manage to get precisely the job which lets them get power crazed and infuriatingly, pedantically, patronising. They could end up anywhere, but no, invariably, they end up here. This is a worldwide phenomenon. I know that.