In Vietnam’s healthcare landscape, social media has become a powerful tool for doctors to inform, connect, and build credibility. Whether you're in private practice or a leading specialist at a major hospital, your digital presence now plays a critical role in how patients perceive you.
But visibility comes with responsibility. Without a clear strategy, even well-intentioned doctors risk miscommunication, diminished authority, or even unintended ethical missteps.
Here are five of the most common mistakes we see — and how to fix them with clarity and confidence.
Creating a professional profile is only the beginning. Sporadic posting or long periods of silence can erode credibility. Patients today expect consistency not only in clinical practice but in communication.
Why it matters:
A quiet or outdated page suggests you're not accessible, current, or attentive — even if that’s far from the truth.
Simple fix: Plan a sustainable schedule (e.g., 1–2 posts/week) that balances your time and value.
As doctors, it’s natural to default to clinical terminology. But the general public doesn’t speak in lab values or Latin. If your message doesn’t connect, it won’t create trust.
Why it matters:
Effective healthcare communication means simplifying without dumbing down. Patients respect clarity more than complexity.
Simple fix: Reframe technical updates into FAQ formats or relatable scenarios.
Your patients don’t need to see your weekend barbecue or holiday in Da Lat next to your clinic updates. While being human is important, mixing personal content with medical messaging can confuse your audience and dilute your brand.
Why it matters:
A clear boundary reinforces professionalism and builds patient trust in your expertise.
Simple fix: Keep separate accounts — one for professional engagement, one for personal life.
Social platforms are visual-first. Poor lighting, cluttered layouts, or low-quality images don’t reflect the high standards patients expect from medical professionals.
Why it matters:
Your visuals are an extension of your reputation. They should reflect the same care and excellence you bring to patient care.
Simple fix: Use tools like Canva or a branded template to maintain a clean, consistent look.
Social media is a two-way conversation. When patients comment, message, or ask questions and receive no response, it creates distance — and missed opportunities for trust-building.
Why it matters:
Engagement is not about volume, it's about presence. A short reply or simple acknowledgment can go a long way.
Simple fix: Dedicate 10–15 minutes a week to respond or follow up — it’s a professional courtesy that pays off.
Your online presence in 2025 is not just a digital résumé — it’s your second consultation room. Patients are evaluating your voice, values, and presence before they ever walk through your door.
At Indochina Legacy, we help doctors create a digital strategy that protects their credibility, reflects their clinical excellence, and builds long-term patient trust — without compromising ethics.
Social media done right is not about performance. It’s about presence, purpose, and professionalism.
