How Snapchat is Changing the Medical Profession

Snapchat is a rapidly growing social platform, grossing over 100 million users to date worldwide. With 10-second clips that only last 24 hours before disappearing, this app allows consumers to get sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes footage from all different industries.

Doctor’s and surgeons are capitalizing on this real time generated content by streaming somewhat grotesque procedures. The suspense adds a level of intrigue and provides a space for education, as well as entertainment.

Popular Doctors on Snapchat

Have you yearned for a perfectly sculpted booty like Kim Kardashian? Turn your eyes to plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Salzhauer. Better known as Dr. Miami, he was the first surgeon to broadcast on the app. The combination of his great sense of humor and a graphic behind the scenes footage of a procedure has gotten him over 1 million views on the platform.

Other notable Snapchatting doctors include:

  • World-renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Matthew Shulman (@nycplasticsurg)
  • The pimple popping dermatology specialist, Dr. Sandra Lee (@drpimplepopper)
  • Radiology specialist, Dr. John Skinner (Snapchat: skyhawk4480r).

Check out their accounts for some up-close-and-personal footage, but be advised: their streams are not for those with a queasy stomach!

Protecting Patient Privacy on Snapchat

Now, you might be wondering how a doctor is allowed to live stream any medical procedures, especially ones as invasive as ones seen on Dr. Miami’s account. Patients are required to sign a consent form pre-surgery stating that they allow the doctors to film the procedure. Some request that notable body marks – such as tattoos – are covered in the videos.

Inspiring Students to Explore the Medical Field

Some doctors using Snapchat have expressed their desire to inspire young people to explore the medical field. It allows potential students a visual experience of what it looks like inside of the operating room. While this is a casual way to learn, about 30% of the inquiries and viewers are people interested in pursuing a career in medicine.

Dr. Shulman has taken advantage of his growing audience by filming educational snippets where he explains the procedure. He expresses that talking through the steps of his process is not only beneficial to the audience, but the patient as well because it reinforces his expertise.

Society’s Obsession with Doctors on Snapchat

Not only do these videos bring educational awareness about various surgical procedures, it serves as a forum for potential customers to “window-shop” for future procedures. Approximately 30-40% of viewers are either interested in having a surgery or have already had one. Though graphic, the clips give an inside look at what your desired procedure entails.

One might wonder why consumers are so intrigued by such gory and uncensored images, but the snaps provide more than that. Viewers have the ability to see get to know their potential doctor before meeting him or her for the first time, taking away some nerves and fears during a consultation. To add, many people experience hathos, or “the compulsion of revulsion.” It’s like a bad car accident; you don’t want to see it but you can’t help but look as you drive past.

As the medical industry and social media are both ever changing, there may be rules and regulations for medical related content coming in the future. But, for now, you can keep enjoying uncensored surgical videos on Snapchat!

Doctors on Social Media

Are you a doctor who is interested in expanding your personal brand awareness on social media? Here at Today’s Business, we work with a variety of medical professionals to increase their reach, help them raise medical awareness, and monitor their online reputation.