Amplifying Physician Voices Online: Dr. Kevin Pho, Founder of KevinMD

“I realized that rather than talking one-to-one with patients in the exam room, you could talk one-to-many on social media,” says Dr. Kevin Pho, explaining the origins of KevinMD, the highly influential information sharing site he created for physicians, medical students and patients twenty years ago. Since then, KevinMD has become a valuable space for clinicians and patients to share stories and perspectives on topics from burnout and moral injury to technology and trust. In this conversation with Raise the Line host Michael Carrese, Dr. Pho reflects on the dual paths that have defined his career: as a practicing internal medicine physician and as one of healthcare’s most trusted online voices. And despite the challenges of doing so, Dr. Pho encourages other medical providers to follow his lead. “Patients are going online, and if physicians are not there, they’re going to get information that’s perhaps politically-driven or simply inaccurate.”

This thoughtful conversation also explores: 

• How social media has reshaped health communication
• The risks and rewards for clinicians of having an online presence 
• Why medical schools should teach negotiating skills

Mentioned in this episode:

KevinMD

Establishing, Managing and Protecting Your Online Reputation

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