Do doctors need Web 2.0?

Most people think of Web 2.0 social networking sites as places to find business contacts or the latest hot boy bands.

But can they help you make a proper diagnosis? And should that site be working closely with any vendor?

Sermo, a site for doctors which claims 30,000 members, is trying to use social networking to help doctors, and is now  in league with Pfizer. The idea is that Pfizer's own clinical content will go online with Sermo, where it can be discussed privately.

Sermo founder Dr. Daniel Palestrant told MSNBC that his site has been scrupulous in maintaining a no-advertising, business-to-business model specifically to allow doctors to engage ethically. He said his members will be in control of the relationship with the drug-maker.

Is this a good idea? Does this make you more likely to join Sermo, or less likely? And if sites like this can't get any help from vendors, how can they serve you at all?