For a long time doctors lived within the image of their institutions. Medical schools, hospitals and organizations controlled what we knew and understood about doctors. Pictures, quotes and messages were carefully crafted to project one image of a hospital and its staff. And just a decade ago few physicians had a voice. Now every physician is potentially a ... Continue Reading about Physicians as Public Affairs Professionals
The 21st Century Physician Spokesperson
I spoke with a physician friend recently about an offer to serve as a spokesperson for a small nutrition company. After getting off the phone I thought about the future of the physician spokesperson. I can't help but think that the way it's been done for a couple of generations is now out of synch with the way the world shares information. Company hires PR firm. ... Continue Reading about The 21st Century Physician Spokesperson
Should Twitter be Restricted at Scientific Meetings?
This NCI Cancer Bulletin article on the use of social media at this week's American Society of Clinical Oncology is worth reading. It showcases how a major medical organization sees social media unfolding at a national meeting. I’ll be following #ASCO11 closely where some sources predict the Tweet count could reach 10-15,000. What caught my eye was discussion ... Continue Reading about Should Twitter be Restricted at Scientific Meetings?
Doctors Behaving Badly
The media has no problem positioning physicians as bad actors. Consider these headlines: Chicago Doc accused in baby’s death gets a little help from the klan or Vengeful doctor and his sheriff buddy face Texas-style justice. Of course, you think, this is the stuff born of the National Enquirer. Actually, no. The titles were generated by LA Times journalist and ... Continue Reading about Doctors Behaving Badly