Philosophical Essay Explores Medical Protocols Through Extraterrestrial Perspective

The article 'Il potere del protocollo' by Alfonso Maurizio Iacono and Anita Romanello, published on March 13, 2026, presents a philosophical examination of medical routines. Using a narrative device, the authors imagine an observer from the star Sirius equipped with advanced telescopic technology observing a typical clinic between 10 and 11 AM. This extraterrestrial observer, described as a distant relative of Voltaire's character Micromegas and possessing knowledge of terrestrial ethnology, witnesses the morning rounds of medical staff. The authors describe this period as one of the most significant daily moments in clinic life, when the head physician leads a procession of assistants, specialists, trainees, and interns through patient wards for general examinations. The piece contemplates whether different observers—terrestrial and extraterrestrial—truly perceive the same reality when viewing these established protocols. Through this speculative framework, the essay explores themes of observation, routine, and the nature of institutional practices.