Physicians have no shortage of outlets and mediums through which to interact with patients in the age of social media. Harnessing the opportunity and effectively connecting with patients may improve patients' health and more.
David Geier, MD, of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.-based Sports Medicine Specialists of Charleston has become a tremendous resource for patients worldwide seeking medical advice and education.
Dr. Geier is speaking on a panel titled "Social media in high end practices" at the Becker's 15th Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference + The Future of Spine, June 22 to 24, 2017 in Chicago. Click here to learn more and register.
Q: What are your tips to other physicians or ASCs looking to make the most of social media?
Dr. David Geier: Try to use social media in ways to help people. Don't use social media as a way solely to promote your practice and convince everybody that they should come see you. Offer value first. Explain a surgery or common injuries of a body part in a certain sport. People will eventually become comfortable with the way you explain information and may choose to come see you if they should need a doctor at some point.
Q: How did your practice initially incorporate the use of social media?
DG: I never really intended to use social media specifically to promote my practice. I started by sharing articles, podcasts and videos to help educate active people about sports and exercise injuries, injury treatments and prevention. I think there is a huge number of people looking for information, even if they've already seen a doctor. I've always believed that there is an important role that physicians can play by explaining medical information online in easy-to-understand language.
Q: What does your practice seek to gain out of social media use?
DG: I try to be a trusted resource for people, not just in my area but all over the world, looking for information on injuries and treatments. Even if they do not choose to see me specifically as a patient, I hope that I can help them in some way get a better understanding of what problem they're dealing with and what they could potentially do about it.
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