Regarding “Some doctors are Googling patients”: I see no problem with anyone, physician or not, Googling other people to learn about them.
With respect to physicians, if the primary purpose is curiosity, business or patient care—that is the physician's prerogative. If the search helps with small talk, patient education, or acquiring business advice, I think that is fine.
I believe we provide online information for others to discover if they want. Some physicians provide personal information online as well as their professional information—good for them. Others try to avoid having either online. I prefer the former; I would happily provide my Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Wikipedia profiles to those who choose to share.
With respect to asking for business advice during a patient's visit, these inquiries are not new or caused by online inquiries. Our occupations are on the intake form. In times past, the physician would ask others about us or check the Yellow Pages. The patient controls that part of the conversation.
Joe Smith
assistant college professorDoña Ana Community CollegeLas Cruces, N.M.Send us a letter
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