deBronkart's story is a relevant lesson not only to consumers but to physicians as well, said Sands, as it points out that "'patient' is not a third-person concept."

"Forget the concept that doctors know everything and patients know nothing," he told the audience of some 200 TEPR attendees, about half of them physicians. "Physicians have to learn how to work with patients.  Connecting technology is empowering not only to patients ... but to physicians as well."

Sands pointed out that a well-informed patient can help a physician in establishing a healthcare agenda - as long as both patient and physician are willing to use Web resources to their advantage. To deBronkart, that includes being able to "filter the good from the garbage."

deBronkart also pointed out that his Web journeys taught him just how much physicians are expected to learn and know about healthcare.

"Access to online information gives me a greater appreciation of physicians," he said.