In an age where anyone can create a profile, post credentials, and look “official” online, more physicians are discovering something disturbing: they’ve been impersonated.
Fake accounts posing as doctors have surfaced on social media platforms, like Facebook, and even patient-facing medical sites. Most of these fakes peddle dubious treatments. Others scam patients or organizations with fake medical certificates. And in many cases I’ve known, real physicians only find out because a colleague or patient flags it.
More than annoying, I think it’s dangerous—to reputations, to trust in the profession, and to patient safety.
This issue deserves real attention in medical circles. Here are three questions to open up the conversation:
T1. How vulnerable is your digital identity, and who’s responsible for protecting it?
Most physicians don’t have time to monitor their online presence. But that doesn’t mean the risk isn’t real. Should hospitals, clinics, or licensing boards take on some of that burden? Or is this just part of modern professional life that doctors have to manage themselves?
T2. What damage can a fake doctor do—to patients and to the profession?
Beyond personal reputation, impersonation can spread misinformation, promote unproven treatments, or even lead to harm. When someone poses as a doctor, they’re trading on public trust. What are the consequences when that trust is broken—and who pays the price?
T3. What kind of response should the profession push for—from tech platforms, regulators, or internally?
Tech companies are slow to act on impersonation reports. Should there be a unified verification system for licensed professionals? A public registry? Legal consequences for impersonators? What should physicians collectively demand?
This isn’t just a social media problem. It’s a professional and patient safety threat that needs professional attention.
Let’s stop pretending it’s minor. Let’s start the conversation. Join #Healthxph chat at Bluesky April 12, 2025, 9PM Manila time and share in your thoughts on this topic.
#Physicians #MedicalProfessionals #OnlineSafety #Impersonation #MedicalEthics #DigitalIdentity
