America has long been celebrated as the land of the free — a place where agency, independence and self-determination are enshrined in our national mythos. Whether idealizing the rugged frontiersman or the daring entrepreneur, Americans take pride in the idea of forging their own paths. Yet despite these stated ideals, we often surrender our liberty in surprising ways.

When my doctor ordered a CT scan that I didn’t need, I found myself in an uncomfortable position. Even though, as a physician myself, I knew that it was unnecessary, as a patient, I still felt compelled to comply.