Ep. 96: Doctors on Social Media - Changing Health Education
LISTEN TO EPISODE 96:
Can a TikTok video from a doctor change how we understand health?
Have you ever scrolled through social media and found a doctor busting medical myths or sharing health advice? Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are transforming how we access health information and interact with medical professionals.
Dr. Zachary Rubin joins Dr. Gupta and Kortney to explore the evolving role of doctors on social media. From creating trustworthy content to balancing the risks and rewards of being a medical professional online, Dr. Rubin shares his journey and tips for using social platforms to educate and empower.
Whether you're a patient seeking reliable health information or a healthcare professional curious about sharing expertise, this episode dives deep into the intersection of social media and medicine.
What We Cover in Our Episode About Doctors on Social Media:
Why social media matters for doctors. Dr. Rubin explains why having an online presence is vital for normalizing conditions like food allergies and providing access to reliable health education.
Navigating risks and rewards of being online as a doctor. Learn how doctors manage the challenges of creating content while maintaining professionalism and protecting themselves online.
Fighting misinformation. We discuss how to responsibly call out misinformation and share accurate information to build trust.
Bridging healthcare gaps: Discover how platforms like Instagram and TikTok help patients without access to specialists find trustworthy medical advice.
Tips for creating reliable medical content: Dr. Rubin shares strategies for crafting engaging, accurate posts and curating a social media feed filled with credible health information.
About Our Social Media Doctor Guest
Dr. Zachary Rubin is a board-certified pediatrician and allergist-immunologist at Oak Brook Allergists in Illinois. Known for his engaging social media presence, he tackles misconceptions about allergies, asthma, and other health topics. Dr. Rubin is passionate about empowering patients with accessible, reliable health information.
Follow Dr. Rubin on Social Media:
Instagram:@rubin_allergy
YouTube: @rubin_allergy
TikTok: @rubin_allergy
Twitter: @rubin_allergy
Key Takeaways for Doctors About Social Media
Balancing Professionalism: Doctors need to balance authenticity and professionalism to build trust and protect their reputation online.
Impact Over Follower Count: A small, engaged audience can make a big difference — impact is more than just the number of followers.
Be Transparent: Displaying credentials visibly helps patients identify trustworthy sources.
Timestamps
Our episode explores the role of doctors on social media
01:08 Dr. Rubin's introduction
04:48 Dr. Rubin’s unique talent: hula hooping
08:13 Balancing education on food allergy safety with quality of life
09:20 The importance of doctors having a presence on social media
10:34 How patients respond to being called out by Dr. Rubin on social media
14:07 Risks for doctors on social media and how they protect themselves
17:44 Why impact on social media isn’t just about follower count
21:06 How social media bridges gaps in access to allergists and reliable information
22:12 Dr. Rubin’s tips for creating medical content
23:56 The time people spend on social media and its influence
25:44 How to identify trustworthy people to follow on social media
29:01 Tips for patients on curating their social media feed
