Don't get me wrong, when looking for solutions, it is best to seek out those whose Education, Knowledge and Training are best suited to provide answers.
However, just because someone has M.D. , PhD , LLD, or any other designation on their door or business card, does not indicate Infallibility.
Further, one may have done great things in their Field or Profession in the past, but that does not automatically guarantee success in the future.
So, how are we to know if the advice being given is valid and practical, or is the self-serving ramblings of a self- appointed expert? Here are some guidelines:
ABILITY OR PROFICIENCY IN ONE PROFESSION OR SUBJECT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY ARE QUALIFIED TO ADVISE OUTSIDE THEIR REALM OF EXPERTISE- This should be self-explanatory, yet I see it time and time again;
- Actors advising others on matters of health.
- Athletes giving financial advice.
- PhD.s in one discipline, commenting on other
academic fields.
- Talk show hosts dispensing "Words of Wisdom"
on all sorts of problems, while having no real expert
knowledge on any subject.
- Politicians commenting on legal matters, when in
some cases they have little or no formal training.
While these might seem obvious to some, there are other
examples that are not so easy to spot. These are cases
where the individual may be trained in a certain discipline or
occupation, but is not qualified to speak or advise in every area
of their chosen profession.
This is a situation we often find when discussing two specific fields,
that require special post- graduate education leading to proper
licensing. They are each bound by a strict Code of Ethics, and can
be sanctioned for any violations. Yet, these specialists are needed
to help others, often in situations that can have a permanent life- long
affect that cannot be changed. I am referring to the MEDICAL and LEGAL
Professions.
End PT 2.
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