2 Common Myths Doctors and Other Healthcare Professionals Avoid Social Media
by Designer Rob Russo, Creative Director of MediaDoc Marketing
So many doctors and other healthcare professionals avoid social media marketing and networking — at least beyond a personal Facebook profile — for two reasons. Most in the healthcare industry do not take advantage of social media, blogging and most forms of marketing and advertising, really, because they believe two common myths: 1. Doctors are afraid to share too much information online. (Think HIPAA privacy laws, etc.) and 2. Healthcare professionals don’t have the time to spend on marketing efforts or any advertising, really, beyond taking out an annual ad in the Yellow Pages.
Today we will break down those two common myths and find solutions for doctors and other healthcare professionals, helping them break through these social media marketing roadblocks.
- Myth1: Doctors and other Healthcare Professionals Can’t Share Information on Social Media. False. While it is true you can’t (nor should you!) share private information of an individual patient, there is a plethora of health and wellness tips, suggestions and guidelines you can share. Focus on your area of expertise and become the online expert in that department. So you avoid mention of Patient John Smith’s diagnosis of diabetes. But regular posts about healthy eating habits, tips on managing sugar intake, common symptoms and explanations of the top warning signs of
diabetes would be welcome information many would appreciate. And then, of course, during Patient John’s next office visit, you can point him to your Facebook Timeline or Twitter feed. He can follow his doctor’s advice there, using the reminders and updates to keep on track after his appointment. - Myth 2: Doctors and other Healthcare Professionals Don’t Have Time for Social Media. False. Once your have defined your focus and dialed in to your niche, updating your various social media channels does not have to be a massive time suck. There are management tools that can assist in uploading posts and you don’t have to be overwhelmed by all of the social media networks. Find the top one or two you enjoy — and your patients utilize, of course — and start there. In addition, expert social media managers like ME Marketing Services exist (see Mandy’s previous post Facebook & Doctor’s Offices) to help you stay in touch with your patients and take advantage of these marketing possibilities while freeing your time up to do what you do best — providing the best care.Realize the truth and take advantage of this marketing potential, doctors! While online health tips and other information will never provide equivalent care or replace the need for face-to-face time with a healthcare provider, patients will appreciate your online presence and value the knowledge shared. Patients can learn everything from common symptoms of a specific disease to basic nutrition advice for healthy living online, on their own time. Then, the doctor’s valuable time in one’s actual appointment time will be maximized for individual, specialized care.
Your turn…
Are you a healthcare professional scared to take the first step with social media? Or, are you a patient that values your health and would appreciate your doctor’s advice on social media networks?
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Designer Rob Russo has a strong background in advertising and marketing and a love for social media which he puts to good use as Co-Founder & Creative Director of MediaDoc Marketing. He has worked with companies both large and small designing logos, print ads, websites, brochures, newsletters and more. Rob helps businesses — especially solopreneurs and start-ups — develop engaging marketing plans and an eye-catching brand identity. Otherwise, you’ll find him spending time with his wife and kids (and flock of chickens) on their family homestead. Oh, if you like to tweet, you can follow Rob and/or follow MediaDoc Marketing on Twitter.
Thanks for the opportunity to share your space!
You are welcome Rob! Thank you for guest posting!
It’s nice to see two great people working together. By the way, it is a great article Rob and thanks for sharing it with us, Mandy… 🙂
Great article Rob. I noticed my chiropractor isn’t utilizing social media very well. I’ve noticed that with my PCP as well. Something tucked away for future reference.
Thanks, Michael!
Myths busted! great article and thanks for sharing… new food for thought in a niche for sure! great job!
Great article and I bet your client is very excited to have you managing his social media!!! I am starting to work with authors and relationship people!! I have a niche!
Great insight; I exprienced this with a minister/pastor. I think he is afraid of social media because of not wanting the blend in and be like any other pastor. So, it is vital for him to create his own voice as it is in any other “profession”.
Great article by Rob, Mandy! Doctors can share so much in the area of prevention and I, for one, would love to see more sharing on social media by medical professionals! Thanks!!
Great post, Rob. In this day and age it is also important for people to feel more connected to their medial professional of choice. This is a great way to do that and engage your patients. Thanks for having Rob guest post, Mandy!
Hopefully the myths you have uncovered will motivate those in the medical field to engage in social media…after all these are the professions where having a relationship is a definite plus! Great article!
Rob, great explanation for MD’s and Social Media! Going to share with those I know. 🙂
Mythbusters are great ways to educate! Thanks so much for a great article, Rob!
Mythbusters! That’s great! 🙂
Thank you!
Great post Rob! No doubt that even the healthcare industry can and needs to tap into social media. So many possibilities to really make an impact in the industry and world. Thanks for sharing!
My chiropractor does a GREAT job with his social media. And he does it himself! But he is rare!
A rare breed, indeed! 🙂
I think it would be invaluable to a doctor! It would be great to go online and gather info from a practicing professional!
Thanks for all the kind comments, everyone, and for the opportunity, Mandy. It was my pleasure to guest here.
Rob I find that Dr’s are a bit afraid to do this. Its seems chiropractors are picking up on it, but others are not. HIPAA does really scare many when it comes to sharing information. Hopefully it will gain more traction.