Social Media's Leading Physician Voice

Social Media's Leading Physician Voice – KevinMD

Kevin Pho, MD

How did a primary care physician from Nashua, New Hampshire, become social media’s leading physician voice?

Simply put, he answered a need of his patients.

In his keynote address to the Texas Medical Association (TMA) last week, Dr. Kevin Pho recounted how his patients would call the office wanting to know about a story or some medical news.

“I wanted to have a presence where I could dynamically update the news, so patients can see how that article or news applies to them.”

That was back in May 2004. Now, KevinMD.com has over 40,000 subscribers.

His blog has grown into much more than a place for patient education.

KevinMD.com not only covers the latest medical news and developments in health care reform, but it provides a unique forum for constructive debate on pertinent issues.

As one reader commented, “ A lively comment stream on one of Kevin’s posts provides more insight on the day-to-day realities of health care than any piece of journalism can ever hope to impart.”

How does this happen?

All individuals and groups are welcome at KevinMD – as long as they keep it constructive.

Doctors, patients, malpractice lawyers, progressives, conservatives, and the like join in to comment and gain exposure to differing perspectives. Guest blogs are welcome.

Dr. Pho says this type of inclusive forum, “encapsulates one of [his] goals – to pull that curtain back and give patients and the public in general an inside view of what goes on. If patients can understand what doctors are going through, that is the only way we can influence elected officials to make any type of change. If it is easier for us to practice medicine, it is easier for us to give better care for patients.”

His point linking better patient understanding of the doctor’s situation as a prerequisite for positive change caught my attention.

Patients don’t often know what’s behind their doctor’s curtain.

When I was preparing for a talk on physician burnout, one of my friends asked with great surprise, “Do you mean that doctors are burned out? Do you think my doctor could be burned out? I thought once doctors were out of training, life was good: good money, golf on Wednesday, the Mercedes, kids in private school. What’s the deal?”

This perception is fairly common. Most people I talk with are shocked to hear there are “unhappy doctors”; as if it’s an oxymoron.

So is the point to jump on a blog and start ranting?

No, that’s not my suggestion. But if you would like to have a voice and a chance to be part of the process of open discussion and debate, KevinMD.com is a way to be heard.

At the very least, it’s a convenient way to stay updated on medicine and healthcare reform.

You can subscribe by visiting KevinMD.com.

To see to Dr. Pho’s Keynote address to the TMA click here. You will need to login.

If you’re feeling left behind by the social media wave, Dr. Pho provides many compelling reasons for you to test the waters and get started. He uses cartoon figures to demystify Twitter, and offers tips for blogging and using Facebook to enhance your practice.

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Heather Fork

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Family Medicine

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Family Medicine

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Anesthesiologist

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OB/Gyn physician

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Papillion, NE

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- Sue Zimmermann, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon

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- Devki Patel, MD

Pathologist

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If you are reading this as a “Type A” surgeon who doesn’t think coaching is for you, I would encourage you to give Heather a shot. I’m very glad I did!

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Colorectal Surgeon

“I gained the confidence in myself to develop an action plan that blended the best parts of my experiences and interests into a cohesive career."

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- Liz McMurtry, DO

Emergency Medicine Physician

“The simple truth is - Heather Fork totally helped me change my life."

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- Amie Langbein, DO

Family Physician

"After 30 years in academic medicine, I wanted a career change but had no idea where to start. Medicine was all I knew."

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Endocrinologist and Life Coach

"Heather was my source of hope during a time when I felt stuck and confused. She gave me the permission and confidence to reach higher than I believed I could."

After graduating from residency and starting a family, I lost sight of why I became a physician. I struggled to convince myself to stay in a career that was clearly the wrong fit for me and my family. My anxiety about work was at an all-time high when I reached out to Heather. She provided something that my mentors, friends, and family could not – rather than just offering career advice, she changed the way I think about my life so that I could understand how my career would fit into it. I realized I wasn’t ready to give up on medicine and eventually found a job in academic medicine. I finally feel that excitement for medicine that I used to feel when I was in training. More importantly, I feel like I can be the role model to my young daughter who may one day also face similar challenges between career and family. Thank you, Heather, for all your kindness, support, and skillful coaching! The experience was life-changing!

- Yuri Shindo, MD

Internal Medicine Physician

"As a Physician, your personal and even professional needs are often overlooked. I learned how to prioritize my career goals by working with Dr. Heather Fork."

She taught me how to put into practice what I knew in theory, that taking care of myself was a priority. I learned to give myself permission to make the career choices that would give me the work-life balance I desperately craved and needed. The process of confronting fears and insecurities was a bit scary, but well worth it in the end. I am now a happier version of myself with a non-clinical job that I truly enjoy!

- Camille Gardner-Beasley, MD

Family Medicine

"After 10 years in outpatient family medicine I felt stuck and knew I needed a change but I didn’t know where to begin. Thankfully I found Heather and she guided me every step of the way."

She helped me carefully assess my interests, strengths and passions while also providing me with constructive changes to implement in my job search and resume. With Heather’s help, I just landed a fully remote UM position and I am also exploring coaching as well. Now I feel like the possibilities are endless and I’m excited for this next chapter in the nonclinical world! Thank you Heather for changing my life for the better.

- Ana Jacobellis, DO

"I'm truly thankful to have had the opportunity to be coached by Heather, she is not only a resourceful mentor but a wise and supportive friend. I'm honored to recommend Heather to all my friends and colleagues."

I had been a practicing Internist for 20 years when I reached a point when I needed to make a serious change in my career path. While I enjoyed seeing patients, I was not satisfied with my life-work balance. My job was taking me away from my family and left me little time and energy to do other things that are important and meaningful to me. I came across Dr. Fork's podcast; The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast, it is such an informative and enjoyable podcast for any physician who wants to do more with their career and life in general. Then I had the pleasure to get career coaching from Heather, it was truly an amazing experience. Heather has broad knowledge of all the different career paths that are available for physicians, she is so insightful and very easy to talk to. She helped me clarify my goals, examine my own mindset and definition of success. Together we developed a clear plan and actionable steps to reach these goals. I eventually made a career transition to a remote non-clinical position that allows me to do meaningful work which aligns with my personal and professional goals and priorities.

- Abbey Awad, MD

Internal Medicine

"There have been a handful of people who have come into my life and changed it, and Heather is one of those people."

From the very first interaction with Heather, it became abundantly clear that she possessed a systematic approach and a methodology firmly rooted in my focusing on my goals and aspirations. Heather's coaching sessions helped me dismantle limiting beliefs and unearth the capable woman, mother, and physician within me. Under Heather's guidance, I began to dream again. I rediscovered my passion for writing, found the courage to share my stories, and even launched my own coaching practice. Today, I specialize in helping others conquer imposter syndrome and overcome burnout, empowering them to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. Working with Heather fundamentally shifted my perspective and allowed me to show up authentically in every facet of my life, resulting in a profound sense of fulfillment.

I am deeply grateful that I can continue my work in the emergency department and serve my community as a physician as well as a coach. Working with Heather was a transformative gift that enabled me to rediscover my true self, find clarity in my life's purpose, and unlock my full potential. Through her guidance, I not only reignited the powerful, confident, and bold version of myself I had lost sight of but also realized the boundless possibilities that lay ahead.

- Maria Dominguez

Emergency physician and coach

"I'm so glad that I worked with Heather last year."

Making a career shift can be a lonely time, and Heather was there every step of the way with encouraging words. She helped me gain a better understanding of the breadth of careers available to physicians, as well as giving me the tools to make that leap possible. My life is better than I ever thought possible. I'm happier, healthier and doing work that I love. My only regret is that I didn't do this sooner.

Caitlin M.

"Heather provided invaluable insight during our one-time consultation."

She quickly helped me recognize an area where I was limiting myself and encouraged me to explore new possibilities. Her sound and supportive guidance empowered me to take the next steps in launching my parent coaching services. I’m grateful for her support and highly recommend her expertise!

Reshma Shah MD, MPH

"Heather taught me that 'the truth will set you free'."

I sought Heather’s guidance after practicing outpatient internal medicine for many years, as it was getting difficult to balance my role as a clinician while meeting my needs and those of my family. After our first consultation, I felt like I was seen and heard for the first time in my career. Working with Heather helped me identify my strengths, weaknesses, fears, and goals, and ultimately guided me to a non-clinical role that better aligned with my needs and aspirations. I am deeply indebted to Heather for the impact she has had on my personal and professional development. She is one of the most influential people in my life and I continue to seek her guidance years after our initial encounter. She once said that “we are happiest and most successful when we are using our skills and abilities at their highest level.” Heather will help you discover your truth. Thank you for your incredible work and friendship!

Megan Leivant, MD

Internal Medicine