Yes, people's health (and lives) are at risk due to misinformation perpetrated by the media and corporations with deep pockets. Yes, experience & knowledge helps. The AMA, ADA, FDA, Big Pharma have hundreds of years of experience is the creation of disease & suffering. They have great knowledge about lies & deception, and how to make HUGE profits.
18 years of experience in the healthcare industry makes a believer out of me: I would NEVER go to a convention doctor, NEVER take drugs, NEVER need health insurance. I learn to think for myself and yes, a lot of information I've gathered was from the internet...but I also have a huge library.