Why Doctors Should Tackle Online Misinformation

The LOUNGE - A Newsletter for Savvy Physicians

We scour the net, selecting the most pertinent articles for the busy doc so you don’t have to! Here’s what kept our focus this week…

• Doctors must step up, share credible information, and counteract dangerous myths before they cause harm.

• Companies that embrace both technology and human connection will build stronger, more adaptable teams.

• Gathering feedback and refining systems ensures long-term success without unnecessary friction.

• Many angel investors join groups to share insights and risks, but success is never guaranteed.

• Feedback should be timely, specific, and focused on behaviors, not personal traits.

• Small businesses that embrace new platforms and AI-driven strategies will thrive in a post-TikTok world.

LOUNGE TALK

Misinformation spreads like wildfire on social media, and even the wealthiest voices—like Elon Musk—can amplify falsehoods. A viral tweet from Musk wrongly suggested that increased C-section births lead to larger brains, misrepresenting legitimate brain health research. Unfortunately, while peer-reviewed studies take years to produce, falsehoods travel much faster online, often reaching more people than the truth. Physicians are up against influencers, conspiracy theorists, and viral trends, making it crucial for them to engage online and set the record straight. If they don’t, unverified claims—such as tumors being "life savers" or cancer being caused by parasites—can spread unchecked, putting lives at risk. While scientific journals are essential, they don’t reach the everyday people who rely on social media for information. Doctors have both an ethical and moral duty to step into the digital arena, ensuring that truth stands a chance against fiction.

With AI advancements and shifting workplace policies, companies face a critical moment in shaping human connections at work. While digital transformation might seem like a barrier to meaningful interaction, it can actually enhance how we collaborate, communicate, and engage. As organizations navigate return-to-office debates and permanent remote work models, leaders must find ways to maintain connection beyond just physical presence. The challenge isn’t just about productivity—it’s about ensuring workplace equity, well-being, and resilience in a world where digital interactions dominate. The key lies in leveraging emerging technologies to foster engagement, empathy, and a sense of belonging. Rather than making work feel robotic, AI and digital tools can help create deeper, more purposeful interactions. Companies that prioritize human connection alongside tech adoption will be the ones that thrive in this evolving landscape.

Process-driven leaders focus on creating and optimizing systems to drive efficiency, streamline operations, and enable long-term growth. They thrive on structure, ensuring clear expectations and well-defined workflows that help teams succeed. Their ability to see the bigger picture makes them excellent at aligning processes with organizational goals. However, this leadership style comes with challenges—rigidity, overly complex systems, and a tendency to overlook the human element can create friction. To be most effective, process-driven leaders must balance structure with flexibility, ensuring their systems empower rather than restrict. Encouraging feedback, staying adaptable, and keeping the company’s mission in mind can help them avoid common pitfalls. Ultimately, when done right, process-driven leadership creates a culture of clarity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Angel investing is a high-risk, high-reward game that can be thrilling for the wealthy but disastrous for the unprepared. It involves providing early-stage funding to startups in exchange for equity, with the hope of massive returns—but most investments go bust. Successful angel investors diversify across 20-50 companies, conduct thorough due diligence, and dedicate significant time to evaluating opportunities. Studies suggest that a well-managed angel portfolio can yield strong returns, but without deep pockets and investment expertise, the risks often outweigh the rewards. This asset class is best suited for those who are already financially secure and view investing as a passion rather than a necessity. Angel investing is not a shortcut to wealth; it’s a playground for the already rich. For most physicians, traditional investing strategies are a far safer and more effective way to build long-term wealth.

Most managers dislike giving constructive feedback, seeing it as awkward, uncomfortable, or even unnecessary. But avoiding feedback doesn’t just prevent conflict—it deprives employees of the insights they need to grow. When delivered effectively, feedback makes work more meaningful, helping employees understand their impact and refine their skills. The problem? Many managers focus on criticism rather than development, leading to defensive reactions and missed opportunities for improvement. Employees actually crave feedback, but they need it to be constructive, clear, and actionable. The key is shifting the mindset: feedback isn’t about pointing out flaws—it’s about fostering growth. Done right, it can transform workplace culture, boost engagement, and drive long-term success.

With TikTok’s future in the U.S. uncertain, small businesses must prepare for potential disruptions. A ban could cost creators and brands billions, making it crucial to diversify across platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and LinkedIn. Beyond social media, businesses should invest in email marketing and evergreen content to build long-term relationships with their audience. Storytelling is key—brands that focus on community engagement rather than just selling will have a stronger, more loyal following. AI is also reshaping content discovery, making SEO-friendly and AI-optimized content more critical than ever. Meanwhile, the creator economy is evolving beyond sponsorships, with businesses partnering more deeply with influencers on product collaborations. By taking a multi-platform, tech-savvy approach, small businesses can future-proof their digital presence regardless of TikTok’s fate.

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QUICK BITES

• 5 ways to build a partner network that organically fuels your growth.

• Research: Humble leaders inspire others to step up.

• 5 big leadership mistakes to avoid for long-term success.

• How artificial intelligence is transforming medicine.

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