I think the answer is as always nuanced. There are good/proactive/available and bad/lazy/overworked doctors, just like there are smart and less smart lay peop

I think the answer is as always nuanced. There are good/proactive/available and bad/lazy/overworked doctors, just like there are smart and less smart lay people.. Some people do good research, some people do bad research. Generalize at your own risk I guess. All I know is that when it comes to my own health, I don't leave things only in the hands of my doctor. If I can bring research or information - or even just questions about potential treatments I may have seen advertised - to the table about my own situation, why wouldn't I? I absolutely trust their professional capacities, but I certainly don't assume they are able to give me dedicated attention or put in the research I can if there's something I need to sort out. I know for a fact I am one of thousands of patients at my local clinic, so I am realistic about the level of care I receive. You may be in a better situation than me though.