If Norm had already logged link time...

[Human No More]

The other theory, of course, is that the avatar has been dependent on life support in the tank for at least 6 years, so having doctors around is just a standard safety precaution.
I was under the impression that the avatars were intended not to develop any independent thought trough their nervous system, with the only activity other than basic cellular function when not linked being the basics such as breathing, heartbeat and a low respiration rate. They aren't genetically crippled in that they have a full nervous system, yes, but it could be possible with the technology of the time to make that system non-viable in initially developing awareness. As for memories of the human whose DNA it came from, very unlikely - genetic memory is more instinct, not specific memories from an individual (see: bad scifi where a 'clone' is a complete copy right down to personality and memories - cloning does not work that way).