VICDOC Summer 2025 - Flipbook - Page 42
More access to health information is great,
but we also need the skills to identify
what is personal experience, what is expert
opinion, and what is evidence-based science.
Watching some of this content makes
More access to health information is
me feel sick, angry, scared and sad.
great, but we also need the skills to
While there is much to celebrate about
identify what is personal experience,
women's health getting more airtime —
what is expert opinion, and what is
the spreading of misinformation could
set us back decades.
It makes it harder for women to
understand what to believe when
thinking about their health. It also
makes our job as doctors more
challenging, as we are competing
with online personalities (or AI bots)
who have no health qualifications.
There are many influencers who
draw on their personal experiences
to raise awareness about specific
health conditions. This is important
and valuable. I also acknowledge the
hurt and suffering many women have
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evidence-based science.
Many influencers are engaged by
governments to promote credible
health information. For example, the
government and the Cancer Council’s
‘End the Trend’ campaign mobilised
influencers to promote the use of
sunscreen. A similar initiative warned
young Australians about the dangers
of vaping.
These campaigns get a big tick in
my book, as they are backed by solid
evidence and have accountability
and oversight.
felt at the hands of the health system.
Then there are the influencers who
This is not OK, and work is underway
believe they are doing the right thing
to change things.
by sharing health advice with their
