Yeah, it's actually more the norm for physicians to be more of a middle-class profession, closer to teachers than aristocrats. But the position of authority combined with the increasing cultural value placed on learning (and certification) in the 18th and 19th centuries led doctors to become a more 'respectable' profession for the aristocracy (at least the lower aristocracy), until in the late 19th century the steady increase in certification intensity once again made it more middle-class.

It's like how being an officer was once a very 'middle class' way of life (as TRUE aristocrats go into government, or just skip ahead to leading large units), but as respect for the officer class grew and professionalization meant that twits with NO military experience became less acceptable as generals, being a professional officer became more aristocratic in the 17th and 18th centuries. And then, as the rigors of officer training increased in the 20th century, it once more reverted to the middle class, lmao.

By way of contrast, engineering, both military and civilian, has always had a very rigorous education, and because, unlike pre-modern doctors, it is very apparent when you mess up, it's hard to fake or cruise through (also why surgeons were historically lower-class than other doctors - easier to see when you fuck up). Because of that, it's always been a very middle class profession. High enough to need education, low enough that no aristocrat is going to go through the trouble unless he's really got a passion for it!

I need to wash it off before I eat or touch my eye

I used to think I was like this, until COVID and face coverings happened and I realized just how much I mindlessly touch my face without realizing it. I’ve been working on it for years and still suck at it.

Why yes, I do get really sick about twice a year or so.