"Advocating for More Doctors on TikTok: Why This Physician Believes It's Important"

Dr. Austin Chiang, a respected gastroenterologist, has experienced firsthand the consequences of patients following unverified medical advice found on the Internet, leading to hospital admissions. To combat this issue, Dr.

Chiang decided to establish a trustworthy presence on social media platforms about a decade ago. Despite initial skepticism from his peers, he has since amassed nearly 750,000 followers across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) by sharing accurate and accessible health information. As the chief medical officer for Medtronic's endoscopy division and a part-time gastroenterologist at Jefferson Health, Dr.

Chiang believes that engaging with patients on social media is crucial in today's digital age. He emphasizes the importance of healthcare professionals being a reliable source of information amidst the sea of misinformation that patients encounter outside the hospital setting. Transitioning his personal Twitter account into a professional platform was just the beginning for Dr.

Chiang. Over the years, he has become a prominent figure in the medical community on various social media channels. By leveraging the reach and appeal of platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Dr.

Chiang aims to make healthcare information more accessible to a broader audience. Through real-life examples, Dr. Chiang highlights the impact of his social media posts.

A video he shared about a lesser-known weight loss procedure garnered two million views during the pandemic and led to patient referrals across the country. While not every doctor may choose to invest in creating informational content on social media, Dr. Chiang encourages medical professionals to consider the potential benefits of connecting with patients through these platforms.

In a time where patients are more likely to browse social media for health information than medical journals, Dr. Chiang's innovative approach serves as a testament to the power of social media in bridging the gap between healthcare providers and their patients.