Creds

 There was an exchange in a chat.  

Someone criticized a socalled authority who had criticized another.  Dog eat dog.  

The host sided with the 'authority', suggesting, after a lengthy diatribe, that the 1st person show his/her credentials to said authority.  Apparently one needed permission to be critical.

Creds such as med school and how well one did, for instance, are critical for skills acquired.  Experience goes hand in hand.

OTOH a patient often knows his/her body well.  One's own research can be beneficial.  And 2nd or 3rd opinions are important.  Be fully informed.

There are people who fake creds.  Impressive nothings harbor just labels.  Education and military have their shares of fakes.

Also, there are the 'zeros'.  They have actual degrees or titles, yet they have produced nothing.  Nothings.  They have done nothing or someone else did their work for them.

And there are the bloviators.  They pretend their views/work are the definitive products.  

Some of us may have experience, may have achievements that are not official because of a lack of degree and commensurate activity.  Yet, there are positive results. 

Be sure.  Let your conscience be your guide.