Social Media Use: What Physicians Need to Know

Social media is a powerful tool for physicians, but it also brings real legal and professional risks. In this blog, I’ll Walk through what to watch for, how to protect yourself, and how to use social platforms effectively to advocate for your patients and profession without jeopardizing your license or exposing yourself to liability.

Why social media matters for physicians

As a licensed physician, you’re part of one of the most trusted professions. That trust brings responsibilities that extend into your online presence. People don’t always separate your personal life from your professional role — a private post can easily be shared, screenshotted, or taken out of context and end up in front of an employer, a licensing board, or a patient.

“Take the mindset of: when I post this, most likely my employer is going to see it and/or the Board might see this.”

That mindset doesn’t mean you should avoid social media entirely. It means you should be deliberate about what you post and how you frame your public voice.

Maintain professionalism — even on personal accounts

Privacy settings are helpful, but they are not foolproof. A post meant for friends and family can be shared. Arguments and inflammatory exchanges reflect poorly on you and can trigger complaints — even if those complaints are baseless and later dismissed.

• Assume anything you post could leave your intended audience.
• Avoid heated back-and-forths online. They rarely end well and can be used against you.
• Think about how a potential employer, colleague, or patient would perceive a post before you publish it.

Patient privacy and PHI — non-negotiable rules

Never post Protected Health Information (PHI). Even vague clinical anecdotes can be identifiable when combined with details. During the pandemic we saw many clinicians share broad observations — that kind of macro-level commentary is generally safe. But describing a single, unique case, timing, or location can allow others to put the pieces together.

• Do not share names, photos, exact dates, or any unique clinical details that could identify a patient.
• When discussing cases, keep commentary broad and de-identified at the population or trend level.
• If you’re unsure whether a post might reveal PHI, don’t post it.

Advocacy and the “celebrity physician” approach — do it thoughtfully

Many physicians use social media to educate the public, advocate for system changes, and grow a professional platform. That can be excellent for the profession and your career — when done responsibly. Successful public physicians often:

• Focus on systemic or educational issues rather than singling out patients or coworkers.
• Frame critiques to inform and provoke thoughtful discussion instead of inflaming audiences.
• Use their platform to raise awareness about problems and evidence-based solutions.

Avoid personal attacks, unverified accusations, or posts that appear slanderous. Promoting your practice or services is common, but keep marketing transparent and ethical.

Legal and civil risks beyond the Medical Board

Social media missteps can trigger more than Board inquiries. Civil liability — defamation, privacy torts, or other claims — is possible if posts cross certain lines. Protecting yourself means thinking beyond ethics violations and considering broader legal exposure.

Key considerations:

• Documented online behavior can be used in employment disputes or legal claims.
• Maintaining a consistent public voice and content strategy reduces the chance of impulsive posts that cause problems.
• If you face a complaint, consult counsel experienced with professional licensing and the intersection of social media and healthcare law.

Practical social media strategy for physicians

Here are practical steps to build a safe, effective social media presence:

1. Decide your purpose. Educate? Advocate? Build a professional brand? Be clear about the message you want to convey.
2. Pick two or three platforms and stick to them — for example, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram. Focus your energy where your audience is.
3. Create posting guidelines for yourself: topics you will cover, things you will never post (PHI, patient images without consent, inflammatory content), and the tone you’ll maintain.
4. When discussing clinical experiences, keep commentary general and de-identified. Use trends and aggregated observations instead of patient stories.
5. Avoid engaging in public arguments. If a conversation escalates, take it offline or disengage.
6. Keep records of consent when you do share patient images or testimonials: documented, written consent that explains how content will be used.
7. Regularly review privacy settings, but operate as if any content could become public.

When to seek legal advice

If you’re uncertain about a post, facing a complaint, or considering large-scale advocacy that might touch on workplace or contractual issues, get legal guidance. A brief consult can help you set safe policies, respond to complaints, and avoid escalation.

Conclusion

Social media can amplify your voice, educate patients, and support professional advocacy — but it requires thoughtful guardrails. Protect your license and reputation by assuming your posts may be seen by employers, Boards, and patients; by never sharing PHI; and by choosing a consistent, professional voice online. If you plan your approach and stick to it, social media becomes a powerful asset rather than a liability.

Thank you for taking care of North Carolina!

*Nothing in this blog establishes an attorney-client relationship. Nothing in this blog is legal advice. If you have any questions, please check out our other blogs and our Youtube channel. You can also call us at 919-521-8810 with questions.