Are You Ready for Your Close Up Doctor?

The popularity of online videos is unquestioned. And in the medical social media sphere the need for video goes far beyond site traffic. People trust a doctor they can see and hear more than one they know through words alone. You may not feel comfortable behind the camera, but your audience wants to see you there. They need to confirm you to really trust you.

Make Your Face Familiar

People hate switching doctors. They hate it the way they hate moving and blind dates and pushy car salesmen and that sound the dentist’s drill makes. Finding a doctor that seems like a good fit is daunting enough, but it still takes several visits before people truly feel at ease around their new physician. Sharing short video clips via social media lets patients get to know you on their own terms, putting them at ease before they even reach your office.  

It’s Easier than it Sounds

It may be cliché advice, but in this case it’s cliché because it’s true: be yourself. Patients aren’t looking for wit and charm, they are looking for a knowledgeable, friendly and sincere doctor. They are looking for a person they can trust. We know that the little red light on the camera can be intimidating, so here are a few tips to help you shake off the butterflies.

 • Chose relevant topics. Specifically broad, FAQ type queries. The questions patients have in the office are the same questions they have out there in cyberspace. Plus, hot-button topics are the most likely to be shared, retweeted, and even added to your doctor's blog.

• Keep it short but sweet. If it takes more than 2-3 minutes to explain something, you probably need to talk to the patient one-on-one anyway. People have short attention spans when it comes to online video. And besides the more you break up your message the more content you can create.

• Use a script, but feel free to improvise and deviate from it as you feel more comfortable. If the camera makes you uncomfortable have someone interview you, the conversation style makes the process much easier. That someone can be a staff member, or you can work with a local journalism student or video blogger.