*this isn't directed at any particular M.D. - I read them all: teendoc, jeffery dach, Amy T. M.D., rahil k. p. and others.
Dear O.S. M.D.'s:
This is probably going to create a bit of a backlash, but I think it needs to be pushed out there.
OS is an open forum, I get that. Anyone can post what they like within a semi-established set of guidelines and is governed by the community. It's cool. I like it. That's why I'm here.
That being said - IMHO, the off the cuff medical advice that is thrown around here on OS is getting a little out of hand. Being an open forum doesn't mean that responsibility is thrown out the window.
Some of you are very positive, insightful people who are posting introspections of your selves and your profession. I love those posts. Some of you are aggressive with language in your postings and comments to others. It is this behavior that is disconcerting. I realize everyone has some sort of agenda here but sometimes individuals in your group seem particularly bent on opinions meant to inflame or incite. These individuals are bitter if challenged, offended easily, and seem not willing to listen to alternative viewpoints.
Please continue posting and commenting. I'm not asking you to stop. I'm just asking for you to take care in how you present information. Doctors are revered in our society and are sometimes considered to be infallible. O.S. is a difficult forum not to let go, release, let the flood gates open on all sorts of things that may be running around in your heads that you probably cannot say during your day to your colleagues or patients. But there is a major difference between posting/commenting questionably factual information about political, social, or personal issues and something medically related that can significantly affect a large group of people.
Maybe there should be an O.S. Hippocratic Oath?
Thanks,
Fibrogirl
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Comments
I agree, but I don't think giving out medical advice over the net is a good idea anyway.
In my own post, you suggest that I go to a doctor, yes. That is pretty benign. But you also go on to state that switching meds and going on/off antidepressants could solve my issues in my relationship, having no knowledge beyond what I posted then and before
You state you are a medical professional. That is medical advice. Plain and simple. I am not sure you are currently licensed to practice however, and that makes me skeptical of your posts.
Stating one is a medical professional isn't "giving advice", its simple stating a vocation.
"But you also go on to state that switching meds and going on/off antidepressants could solve my issues in my relationship, having no knowledge beyond what I posted then and before "
Perhaps Amy meant that as a suggestion of something to talk with you HCP about?
I sent you a pm, but need to clarify here as well. You are not lumped into the baddies I wrote of. Your writing is well balanced when of medical topics (which are few and far between) and I think the community at large appreciates your contribution.
I didn't mean that you had lumped me into a bad grouping. What I meant was that since coming to OS I've kinda felt bad about even acknowledging that I am a physician because of the atmosphere of how physicians (or perhaps a physician) is perceived on OS. Many times I've wanted to raise my hand and say, "I'm not like that!" 'Cause I'm not.
But I've been "teendoc" forever online and my patients used to love it, so the name outs me every time.