Improper use of “toe the line.”
It does not mean “carry their water” or any similar concept regarding parroting the PARTY line. It means to fight against or to oppose. The opposite of what the headline wants to imply.
Dictionary definition: "accept the authority, principles, or policies of a particular group, especially under pressure." By this definition, this is exactly what many doctors are doing, and it ties in perfectly with the OP's question.
Nope.
"'Toe the line' is an idiomatic expression meaning either to conform to a rule or standard, or to stand poised at the starting line in a footrace."
I’m not a native English speaker so I had to look up the idiom.
I believe it was used correctly, but if you have contrary authority or knowledge, please do share. A large reason why I read FR is to become better at understanding English.
Respectfully, I must express a different view on this one. My understanding is that the phrase “toe the line” involves everyone lining up so that their toes are at or on the same line. So yes it implies conformity, following the rule, being where you are supposed to be...
That is one twister of a post — including “wants to imply”