Social media has become a regular source of medical information for patients, bringing new questions, expectations and sometimes misinformation into the exam room.
A recent study from Richmond-based Virginia Commonwealth University found that Gen Z participants who follow physician-influencers on TikTok viewed them as more accessible and credible than their own physicians. Researchers analyzed 330 videos from 11 licensed physicians and interviewed 26 Gen Z followers, who reported relying on visual cues such as scrubs and stethoscopes to judge credibility rather than verifying credentials.
For physicians, navigating these conversations requires balancing evidence-based guidance with the need to preserve patient trust. Rather than dismissing information patients find online, some physician leaders see an opportunity to better understand patients’ concerns, correct misconceptions and strengthen engagement in their care.
Five physicians and medical leaders joined Becker’s to discuss how they approach conversations about social media-sourced medical information and why listening may be just as important as correcting the record.
Question: What’s your approach to discussing social media-sourced medical information in the exam room?
Ayoo Ali, MD. Professor of Pediatrics Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital (St. Louis): As a neonatologist, I encounter a wide variety of situations, ranging from discussions about the course of treatment and future implications of fetal congenital abnormalities to resuscitation decisions and expected outcomes in cases of extreme prematurity. Many parents come prepared after searching for answers through social media.
I view medical information obtained through social media as an opportunity rather than a challenge. Knowing the source of the information helps me assess its credibility and, more importantly, understand the family’s underlying concerns. Some social media parent support groups can be extremely helpful, allowing families to connect with other parents whose children have similar medical conditions. These groups may help parents better understand disease progression, learn about other families’ experiences, and discover how they have navigated similar situations to improve their child’s quality of life. My personal approach to social media-sourced medical information is to acknowledge the parents’ efforts, validate their concerns, and explore their questions using evidence-based medicine, clarify information that may be inaccurate or misleading, and direct them to credible medical resources where they can find reliable information.
Athanasios Garbis, DPM. Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists (Crystal Lake): When patients bring medical information obtained through social media into the exam room, I view it as an opportunity to further educate them and provide clarity regarding their condition and treatment options. I emphasize that while social media can be a useful resource for increasing awareness, not all information presented online is supported by high-quality research or evidence-based medicine. It is important for patients to understand that medical recommendations should be guided by established scientific literature, clinical evidence, and individualized patient factors rather than generalized information found online. My approach is to openly discuss the information patients have encountered, address any misconceptions, and explain the clinical rationale behind my recommendations. Ultimately, evidence-based medicine remains the foundation of my treatment decisions, and these conversations provide an opportunity to strengthen patient understanding, reinforce trust, and promote informed, collaborative decision-making.
Jason Gray, MD. Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer CHI Mercy Health (Roseburg, Ore.): Personally, I believe social media promotes patient engagement in the care process. Although the information patients bring may vary in accuracy, it provides valuable insight into their baseline perspective. This allows for a more targeted discussion focused on their specific concerns and understanding.
While addressing these topics can sometimes extend the encounter, the investment is worthwhile if it leads to better alignment, stronger trust, and improved adherence to the care plan.
Walter Allen Fink, DO. Associate Vice President and Chief Medical Officer UT Health San Antonio (Texas): I start by listening. I want to understand what patients have seen and why it matters to them. I don’t dismiss their concerns simply because the information came from social media.
My role is to help them understand the evidence and how it applies to their individual situation.
Medicine is ultimately about relationships. We build trust through meaningful conversations, not simply by providing information.
Mary O’Connor, MD. Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Vori Health: We welcome these conversations with our patients. If the questions are not answered, patients may have doubts as to whether their care plans are the best ones for them. In short, we love patients who ask questions — this signals their engagement which is critical to patients following their care plan to improve.
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