Re: ..do you consider an M.D. a professional?

This question comes down to who, at this point in your research, are you willing to accept advice from and that you would regard as professional?

If you feel an orthopedic surgeon who received a medical degree from the University of California at San Francisco a medical professional then read the website at:
http://www.drday.com

There are many interesting insights and articles on the very questions you are asking written by doctor who was chief of surgery there. (..I am going to hyperlink this below..) Others could probably think of other professionals.

http://www.drday.com