Misinformation Will Get (Much) Worse

Forbes Coming off the pandemic, a whole swath of American society has de-credentialed the medical profession. And there is no easy pathway back to a place where physicians and other healthcare professionals are fully trusted for their knowledge and, more importantly, their judgment. Logging on to X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter, you get the feeling that everyone is an MD and a PhD these days with the confidence to make claims that once required clinical experience and data and analysis. Rebuilding trust in health institutions will require a grassroots Manhattan project-style effort that engages frontline staff and leaders across sectors—pharma, managed care, medical specialty societies, hospitals, medical groups. They will have to articulate and, more importantly, abide by a set of trust-building principles and behaviors that aim to restore confidence in health science and healthcare professionals. Unfortunately, given all of focus on transition of presidential administrations, I see little chance of that happening in 2025—but I am optimistic about future years.

Continue reading