The only difference between the average joe and a doctor is KNOWLEDGE. Educate yourself, and you can do the same as he/she can.
Harsh, bro. What about training, and experience, and equipment (like you said), and colleagues for second opinions, and access to professional resources.... etc. etc. etc. Not trying to bash but doctors get **** on a lot these days... and most of the doctors I know are decent sorts.. the real problem in america is health insurance and the excess of frivolous lawsuits against md's.