Breast cancer expert says to dispel imposter syndrome, be authentic self on social media
Addressing medical misinformation and discussing new data with patients and fellow health care providers across social media platforms has become a calling for Eleonora Teplinsky, MD.
Teplinsky, oncologist at Valley Hospital in New Jersey and a Women in Oncology Peer Perspective Board member, received the Healio Social Media Influencer award, which recognizes her impact on social media through various platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and TikTok.
“It’s important to have recognition of this type of work because we often question whether we are truly making a difference,” Teplinsky told Healio. “When we see the persistent misinformation on social media, we question whether having a voice is important. It is important, and this award highlights the significance of an online physician presence. Receiving this award is powerful to me in that regard.”
She spoke with Healio about what it means to her to be a social media influencer, why it is important now more than ever for physicians to have a presence across platforms, and her advice for other women physicians looking to create their own voice online.
Healio: What does a social media influencer embody to you?
Teplinsky: When people hear “social media influencer,” there are several different things that may come to mind. People think of individuals who have made a career out of influencing others — whether it is talking about their favorite products or things that they like to do. In medicine, however, it is very different. As physicians, some talk about life and medicine and what it’s like to be a physician, some educate online and others talk about key issues affecting the community, such as burnout, etc.
For me, a social media influencer embodies being a trusted voice in the community that one is trying to interact in, whether that be the patient community, physician community or both. This is a place where people who follow you, trust your content and interact with it, and view you as a leader in that community.
Healio: Why is it important for physicians to have a presence on social media?
Teplinsky: More than ever, people are turning to the internet for health information. We know that to be true in oncology specifically. If physicians aren’t present in that space, people will continue to go online to get their information, but the question becomes what information are they receiving? In this day and age, we unfortunately do have individuals on social media with large numbers of followers who are either providing misinformation, selling “healing” products, or promising cures for cancer, for example, that don’t exist. As physicians, if we don’t show up online to educate and provide evidence-based information, then patients may get wrong or inaccurate information. Recognizing that having an online presence takes time and resources, my hope is that health care systems and employers will account for this in the future.
Healio: What advice would you offer other women in the field who are interested in having a presence on social media?
Teplinsky: The first step is to reach out to other women physicians or health care professionals that you follow — and don’t be afraid to contact them. Ask them how they got started and whether they can offer tips. They can help amplify your account when you are starting out.
Second, it is important to address the imposter syndrome that so many of us feel, which applies to much more than social media. We think everything has to be perfect before we do it, but social media doesn’t have to be beautifully curated videos and perfectly edited photos. Don’t fall into focusing on the likes and the followers because that can be discouraging, especially in the beginning. Continue to put out information that you think is valuable.
Third, be authentic. Showing up and being authentic is what is truly important. More than ever, people can see through someone who is not authentic in what they’re trying to do and what their goals are. Next, be clear to yourself on what your goals are in terms of what you’re trying to do online. Are you trying to educate? Are you trying to talk about what your life is like? Knowing your “why” and what you’re trying to do is important.
Last, but not least, make sure that you talk with your hospital/institution about what their social media policy is because you want to make sure that you are compliant, especially with patient protection laws.
Healio: Is there anything else that you would like to mention?
Teplinsky: It can seem overwhelming to see social media accounts and what other people are doing. Remember that everyone started out small in the beginning, so don’t be afraid to start because we truly need more oncologists on social media. There is a large presence on [X (Twitter)] but in terms of the more patient-facing platforms, there are not as many and we need the presence of more oncologists. I encourage physicians to get online and to do so imperfectly.
For more information:
Eleonora Teplinsky, MD, can be reached @DrTeplinsky on Instagram, TikTok and X (Twitter).
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