Joseph Fuerst

**One of the problems with self-declared experts or those who must have
someone they can declare an expert is that inorder to keep the title, the
parameters of their expertise must be sharply defined.**

Lynda,
I like what you said here. I have developed a tendency to avoid those who
consider themselves "experts". In gact, one of the reasons I quit my part
time job at the local Alzheimer's Association invoved this 'philosophical'
difference in approach between my supervisor and I.
I all my speaking with families coping with the disease, groups, and
individuals...I (and my co-workers) emphasized that while we may have a
detailed knowledge and large information base...the individual/family is the
only one who can utilize that information in the "best" way for their
particular situation. I usually reffered to them, pr asked of them, to
become (if I felt they weren't *there* yet) the *expert* of their
situation. And to utilize the knowledge of professional as it fit their
needs.
My hope was to have that onus of responsibilty on them....mostly to
"empower" them (now there's a Social Work word for ya!) to have confidence
in dealing with Drs., Lawyers, Social Workers, nurses, etc....I tend to
have less respect for the ones who portray themselves as "experts", then
don't give a family or individual the time, the listening ear, etc. Plus
it puts themn in the "I'm *helping* you" position rather than the "I'll
listen and provide information that you may be able to help yourself"
position where people are equals.
Those oare my thoughts on *experts*...they generalize to other areas.
More ramblings,
Susan