Is paternalism in medicine a bad thing ?

I am reading a fascinating book by Angela Coulter, titled "The Autonomous Patient - Ending Paternalism in medical care". While I am a big believer in patient autonomy, I sometimes wonder if a little bit of paternalism is really so bad in medicine ? I am sure lots of patients would love to have a doctor who serves as a father-figure and tells them what to do ! I guess the secret for a good doctor is to be able to adapt his style, depending upon what the patient needs - and wants. Flexibility is a useful skill to acquire - and good doctor give patients what they want. The "middle path" proposed by Gautam Buddha would apply well in this situation !