“You Found Your Doctor on Instagram?” - Why Social Media Might Be the Smartest Way to Choose a Healthcare Provider Today

 “You Found Your Doctor on Instagram?” - Why Social Media Might Be the Smartest Way to Choose a Healthcare Provider Today

The Shift We Never Talk About

My patients almost always find me on social media and I can say with utmost confidence that I’m proud of what I have built over the last few years. If you know me deep enough, you would also know the story of my social media. My burning desire started back in 2021-2022 when COVID grew many influencers, birth centres bashing gynecologists for their unethical practice etc. It’s like the whole Gynecology community is at fault because of a few ‘unnecessary caesarean sections’. Over the years, I built a platform out of consistency, passion and ethics. I’m glad I found my dream team who share a similar vision and here we are, being ‘found’ on the gram. 

“You found your doctor on Instagram?!”

If you’ve ever said this or heard someone say it — you’re not alone. For many, that sentence still carries a hint of skepticism, almost like a punchline.

But here’s the truth: choosing your doctor through social media is not irresponsible — it’s informed, modern, and increasingly common.

In this blog, I’ll share how my patients — women and couples navigating fertility, birth, and holistic health — find me on Instagram. I’ll walk you through the bigger picture: why it’s okay (and sometimes even smarter) to trust the digital presence of a doctor. You’ll also learn how to evaluate the credibility of a healthcare professional online, what red flags to avoid, and why this shift is actually making healthcare more accessible.

If you’re a patient who’s ever doubted their choice or a healthcare provider facing resistance for being online — this is for you.

The Social Media Smirk: Where the Doubt Comes From

Let’s decode that invisible eyebrow raise — you know the one.

When a traditional parent or skeptical elder hears:

“I found my gynecologist on Instagram.”

Their mind says:

“You picked a doctor the same way I pick a sari or watch funny reels?”

There’s a generational disconnect. But it’s deeper than that — it’s a misunderstanding of how information, trust, and credibility have evolved in the digital age.

From Entertainment to Empowerment: How Social Media Became Healthcare’s Gateway

Once upon a time, social media was for selfies and vacation photos.

Not anymore.

Today, it’s a powerful educational tool, especially in the realm of women’s health, fertility, and birth — subjects historically shrouded in shame, silence, or misinformation.

As a practicing gynecologist and founder of The BirthWave in Chennai, I began using Instagram to break taboos and offer evidence-based, holistic care information. I didn’t expect it to become my most powerful patient engagement tool.

But it did.

The New Normal: Why More Patients Are Finding Their Doctors on Instagram

Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube are not replacing medical degrees or clinical experience.

They are simply offering a window into how a doctor thinks, cares, and communicates.

Here’s what patients today are looking for before even stepping into a clinic:

Authenticity

They want to know the human behind the white coat. Instagram provides that window. Who are they. How do they care. 

Accessibility

The barrier to booking a consultation feels less intimidating when they’ve already seen you speak on stories or live.

Shared Values

Many of my patients choose me not just for my clinical expertise — but because they resonate with my belief in natural birthing, mind-body-soul fertility, and personalized, judgment-free care.

This is relationship-building before registration.

What Really Matters When Choosing a Doctor (Whether Online or Offline)

The real question isn’t “Did you find them on Instagram?”

It’s:

Are they qualified?

Are they experienced?

Do they listen?

Are their patients happy?

Do they align with your healthcare philosophy?

That’s the E-E-A-T principle Google also uses — Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness. And it should apply to your healthcare decisions too.

Personal Story: The Patient Who Found Me in a Reel

A woman in her late 20s found one of my reels on fertility nutrition. It popped up on her explore page. She messaged saying, “This feels like the first time someone’s talking about fertility without scaring me.”

A month later, she booked a consultation. Two years later — she sent me a birth announcement from her home birth in USA. 

She didn’t pick me because of how many followers I had.

She picked me because my values and voice matched what she needed to hear.

But Is It All Roses? The Risks of Social Media Medicine

Let’s be honest. Social media has its red flags too. Not every medical account is credible.

Here’s what to watch out for:

Flashy Before-After Claims With No Context

Especially common in skincare, fertility, and weight loss content. Even today people fall for ‘lose weight in 15 days’ claims. People still fall for reverse PCOS by joining this program. I had a patient who joined one of the PCOS programs run online by a certain ‘PCOS coach’ who put her on 10g of myoinositol per day, poor woman started to have palpitations, anxiety, hypoglycemic episodes in the middle of the night for months before she realised it’s not working for her and is a side effect. Her PCOS neither reversed nor her weight reduced. 

No Credentials Mentioned

If you can’t find their degree, certification, or clinical background — swipe left. Well. I would take certifications with a pinch of salt because you can now give a diet plan based on patient requirements by using a smart prompt on ChatGPT. All you would probably need to feel authentic is a certificate. But don’t you think it’s way too easy? We don’t give enough credit for dear Registered Dieticians with 3 years of intense post graduation and research. ChatGPT is good. Human touch is necessary.  

Over-Promising Results

If they guarantee a baby, a cure, or perfection — run. Somehow, most of them do this. 

How to Vet a Doctor You Find on Instagram

Let’s say you found a doctor who speaks your language (literally and emotionally). Great!

Now do your homework:

• Look for their degrees, affiliations, certifications.

• Check if they’re licensed by local medical authorities.

• Scroll through comments and reviews.

• Visit their clinic website or booking platform.

• Observe how they handle questions online — do they educate or just sell?

What if you see a negative comment ? Or a negative review? 

We have all been there. Every clinic, every hospital, every doctor who has a Google my business profile goes through a period of negative comments or reviews. Look for the credentials of the person giving the review. Does it seem legit ? Does the location match ? Does the vibe match the usual personality of the doctor? Does it grossly differ from what others have written about the doctor? Then take a conscious call of what you wish to do.

For Healthcare Providers: Facing Resistance from Traditional Families

As someone who’s faced the “But you’re an Instagram doctor?” smirk more than once — here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Don’t stop showing up online.

Your presence might be the only way a scared teenager, a first-time mom, or a confused couple finds clarity.

2. Educate beyond your feed.

Go live. Host Q&As. Share case studies (anonymously). Build trust through repetition.

3. Involve the families. 

Sometimes I invite mothers or husbands into consultations. The tone changes when they hear me in person.

The Psychology of Digital Trust: Why This Is Bigger Than Healthcare

Let’s step back.

People look up hotels on Instagram before booking.

They read Google reviews before eating a dosa.

They stalk LinkedIn profiles before hiring consultants.

Why should choosing a doctor be any different?

Trust is no longer built solely in person — it’s built in pixels, posts, and patterns of communication. The platform isn’t the problem. The intent and integrity behind the profile is what matters. 

Why This Matters More in Women’s Health

Women’s health has historically been under-researched, under-discussed, and under-empowered.

Instagram allows open conversations on taboo topics:

• Period pain isn’t normal.

• PCOS doesn’t need to mean infertility.

• IVF can be empowering, not shameful.

• Vaginal health deserves attention.

I’ve had women message me saying, “Your video helped me ask my doctor something I’ve been ashamed of for years.”

That’s not just marketing. That’s impact.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Normalise Choosing Doctors Online

We’re not replacing hospitals with hashtags.

We’re expanding access, voice, and visibility.

Let’s stop saying “She found her doctor on Instagram” like it’s a joke.

Let’s start asking, “Is your doctor giving you education and empowerment — wherever you found them?”

Because whether you walked into my clinic from a referral, or clicked a ‘Follow’ button — you’re equally welcome. And equally worthy of good care.

Let’s Talk About It

📌 Are you a patient who found your doctor through Instagram? Share your story below.

📌 Are you a doctor navigating the digital world? What resistance have you faced?

📌 Let’s normalize modern medicine — together. Tag someone who needs to read this.