I went to the doc in the Navy once for an ear infection and he asked me if I smoked. I said yes. He grumbled something to the effect of, "I don't know why we have to waste our time on you people", like I was already dead.
my aunt has emphysema doctor told to stay away until she quit smoking. she quit
I recall a time, not that long ago, when doctors themselves smoked. Nurses too.
I work in a hospital and plenty of employees step outside for smoking breaks, and that includes those involved in patient care.