Dr Jalagam Vijay, noted, "Today, visibility has become equal to credibility—that's the misconception we're all living with, both among doctors and the public."
Published Nov 18, 2025 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 18, 2025 | 8:00 AM
Panel discussion on "Social Media and Skin & Hair Health" at Dakshin Health Summit 2025. (South First)
Synopsis: During a panel discussion on “Social Media and Skin & Hair Health” held at the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), Gachibowli, on Sunday, 9 November, medical professionals outlined both the need for qualified doctors to claim the “docfluencer” space and the regulatory tools already available to combat unethical practices.
A trend has emerged in medical practice where online visibility is being mistaken for professional credibility, even as existing legal frameworks remain largely unknown to practitioners—with medical councils having already suspended six doctors for ethical violations, experts revealed at the second edition of South First’s Dakshin Health Summit.
During a panel discussion on “Social Media and Skin & Hair Health” held at the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), Gachibowli, on Sunday, 9 November, medical professionals outlined both the need for qualified doctors to claim the “docfluencer” space and the regulatory tools already available to combat unethical practices.
Dr Jalagam Vijay, Dermatologist and Co-opted member of legal and anti-quackery committee at Telangana Medical Council, Hyderabad, identified a fundamental misconception. “The sad part is, I actually belong to this younger generation myself. Today, visibility has become equal to credibility—that’s the misconception we’re all living with, both among doctors and the public.”
He explained the shift: “If someone is more visible online, posting regularly and talking confidently about diseases or treatments, people automatically assume they’re more qualified or better than someone who isn’t on social media.”
“Earlier, when there was no social media, credibility came purely from knowledge and experience—from how well someone treated patients. All the senior doctors sitting here earned their reputation through their skill and ethics, not algorithms. But in our era, this misconception has deeply set in, and somehow we need to remove it from the public’s mind,” Dr Vijay added.
Dr Karishni Chittarvu, Dermatologist and General Secretary of RDA Telangana, Hyderabad, issued a direct challenge to qualified professionals. “I think it’s time for doctors themselves to become the influencers. We even have the term ‘docfluencers’ now. We are the ones with the right knowledge, so it’s up to us to reach out directly to the public—instead of letting non-medical people dominate that space. The change has to start now.”
Meanwhile, Dr Sangeet Kumar K, Dermatologist at Episkin Hair and Skin Clinic, Hyderabad, acknowledged the time constraint. “The problem is that many dermatologists or doctors in general don’t make time for social media. We all have busy schedules, but if each of us could take just one hour a week to make short, myth-busting videos, it would really help spread awareness in the community.”
Dr K Sai Sandeepthi, Dermatologist at Eudermiz Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic, Hyderabad, who moderated the discussion, agreed. “I completely agree. Even now, a large share of skincare content online still comes from non-dermatologists. While many dermatologists do have a social media presence, there’s still a long way to go. I really hope more qualified professionals start creating educational short videos—we need to amplify accurate voices.”
Dr Sivaranjani Santosh, Senior Paediatrician, First Aid Trainer, and Social Activist from Hyderabad, addressed the harassment that discourages qualified doctors. “There’s definitely a huge gap. So I’d say to all qualified, ethical medical professionals—please come forward and show up on social media. You don’t have to look perfect. Just be comfortable in your own skin. I’ve faced ageist and racist remarks myself—but honestly, who cares? If you’re here to educate, just educate. Forget the rest.”
A dermatologist from the audience shared a painful experience: “A few years ago during COVID, I started my YouTube channel to create awareness. Recently, when I posted a video on dermatology awareness, I received horrible comments and DMs—I can’t even repeat them. I filed a police complaint with the Hyderabad cybercrime team, but despite following up repeatedly, no action was taken. That kind of inaction really discourages us. It ruins your day and makes you afraid to post anything again.”
Dr Sivaranjani responded with practical advice: “In the beginning, it does affect you. But after a while, you develop thick skin. What I started doing was taking screenshots of all those fake accounts and making a reel out of them. I just said, ‘Boss, I know these are fake accounts—don’t waste your time. I’m not bothered.’ It took me a while to reach that point. Initially, it really spoils your day, but eventually you learn not to care. You have to toughen up. These people are just trolls—you’re far more qualified, ethical, and genuine. Why let such idiots get to you?”
Dr Vijay revealed that regulatory mechanisms are already in place—doctors simply aren’t aware of them. “So, the policy framework, legal implications, and guidelines are actually already framed and available under the NMC. The problem is that many practitioners simply aren’t aware of them.”
He explained the gap in medical education: “If you remember, during MBBS, we all attended that one-hour ethics class—or rather, most of us slept through it right after internship! That class, taken by Medical Council members, includes about 80 slides on medical ethics. Only after completing it and obtaining the ethics certificate can we get our final registration. Every medical college conducts this session, but I suspect many students missed it—and perhaps the principals just signed off on their behalf.”
Dr Vijay outlined what the existing framework covers: “So, the guidelines are very much in place—especially regarding social media conduct, advertisements, endorsements, before-and-after posts, and buying likes or followers. All these fall under ethical malpractice.”
Dr Rajetha Damisetty, Senior Dermatologist, Founder–Director of Mohana Skin, Hair & Aesthetic Clinic, and Organising Chairperson of Dakshin Health Summit, pointed to potential regulatory improvements.
“One important thing I wanted to mention—China has already declared that if you want to speak on a particular subject on social media, you must have the qualification and proven expertise in that area. That’s exactly the kind of framework we need. And yes,” she smiled, “I have this obsession with going to court—so that’s probably where we’ll have to go next. We’re planning to push for that kind of regulation.”
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
