It is both. Specifically, I try to reference the latest study writeups, because doctors do not read all of them—none can. Being a potential patient, and having a spouse, relatives, and friends with health concerns, I believe it is important to know better alternatives to what ails us.
In essence, you can, with informed knowledge, know what is better for you than your doctor, who is likely still working from what they learned 30 years ago in school. It works well enough for them on a daily basis, but it is likely far from optimal, with what is known as of this month.
It is not any doctor's concern to be up to the minute on your health issues and how to best address them. It is only your responsibility. The doctor does a “best effort,” and most are completely happy with that.
I was curious about RD’s other question...
“Were you in the medical field at one point in time, or still currently involved”
Fair enough. So, I assume you yourself have never been involved in the medical profession. 🙂