No, you're right, that's not "normal" and any doctor who thinks it is is putting his patients at great risk and assuming the worst to come from the ones who otherwise don't have trouble.
If you don't like people who work for you, fire them. That includes your OB. Here's my philosophy: I wouldn't go to a mechanic who couldn't drive, I don't go to an who can't have babies.
I'm very pro-midwifery care. I don't know if you'd risk out of a CNM's care, but it's worth looking into. There are quite a few doctors who employ CNMs. The Midiwfery model of care is SO much more hands-on and they tend to have better bed-side manner. They also average much longer appointments and ask you questions about your pregnancy instead of waiting for you to ask them.
If you can't find a CNM, I'd definitely find a new doctor. Don't feel bad about switching. I switched at 30 weeks with my first because, while I liked the doctor, I realized I had a very small chance of getting the birth I wanted at the hospital she delivered at. I almost switched from my OB to a CNM birth center at 37 weeks with my second and not switching was a bad decision:( I didn't get the birth I wanted at all because my OB was in Boston.
Ask around for referrals and ask offices if the doctors you are interested in do interviews. Good Luck:)
P.S. I just saw that you are in Covington. I know a fantastic CNM who attends homebirths in the Cincinnati area. Other than that I'm no help unless you have a breast issue and then I can give you a great specialist I went to while I was at UC.