There's a big difference.
It's no different for an anesthesiologist to suggest quitting smoking than your mother, or father, or spouse saying it.
The anesthesiologist? You mean the guy (or gal) who you have absolutely no relationship with outside of 15 words spoken before an operation? That's the equivalent of your parents or spouse? This guy is not his personal physician and it's not his place to say anything.
Suggesting, to me, would be "you should quit smoking", or "I think you shouldn't smoke". If the mojo-man just told him "QUIT SMOKING, (jackass)", I can see the original poster's mood.
[mojo-man = anestheichlsowhatchamacallit guy]
not the point