Skip to content
  • About
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Book
  • Careers
  • Podcast
  • Recommended
  • Speaking
  • All
  • Physician
  • Practice
  • Policy
  • Finance
  • Conditions
  • .edu
  • Patient
  • Meds
  • Tech
  • Social
  • Video
    • All
    • Physician
    • Practice
    • Policy
    • Finance
    • Conditions
    • .edu
    • Patient
    • Meds
    • Tech
    • Social
    • Video
    • About
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Book
    • Careers
    • Podcast
    • Recommended
    • Speaking

How doctors can regain trust in the age of misinformation

Neil Baum, MD
Physician
April 6, 2025
Share
Tweet
Share

Have you ever marveled that a new patient will share with you their most intimate secrets just minutes after you initiate their medical history in the exam room? Patients will discuss what they might not share with friends, spouses, significant others, and even their clergyperson. This privilege should not be taken for granted.

It is time to pause and think about patients’ trust in physicians. This article will describe the current situation of declining trust in doctors and what we can do to regain the positive reputation we once held.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, respect for the health care profession took a hit. Politics often overshadowed medical expertise. Patients arrived in our offices armed with a briefcase of downloaded material that was chock-full of misinformation or content from unreliable sources. For many physicians, this became a source of frustration and disillusionment, as correcting misinformation was time-consuming.

The spread of misinformation has been amplified by political bias and has increased skepticism toward reliable sources. On top of that, the current era of artificial intelligence (AI) has further contributed to the proliferation of misinformation. While AI can offer the advantage of rapid access to information, the output may not always be accurate, and the content or data may be outdated. This is even more common in rapidly evolving fields like health care.

Trust between the public and physicians is clearly eroding. Let’s examine how we can regain that trust and restore confidence in the “MD” initials.

We must be proactive and combat misinformation by providing accurate, science-backed facts and educating patients about reliable sources of information. We must create accurate and credible content to share with patients, written in a language they can understand—for some patients, this may necessitate translating information from English to the patient’s native language. Accurate information can be shared via educational programs, pamphlets, and digital platforms, like social media.

We must also proactively address issues that could potentially diminish trust. This includes being transparent about medication side effects, medical errors, and complications, such as surgical outcomes that deviate from the norm. Sharing this information—rather than trying to hide the truth—can restore trust. Trust can also be eroded when patients get “sticker shock” from a medical bill after a procedure or from the sky-high costs of medications not covered by their insurance, like GLP-1s, for example. Being as transparent as possible with our fees can help.

Other efforts toward transparency are important too. This can include making patients’ medical records easily accessible and involving them in decision-making processes. An example would be utilizing patient portals where individuals can view test results, track treatment progress, and communicate directly with their physicians, emphasizing the importance of continuous, open communication.

Rebuilding trust includes empathy. Empathy means putting patients’ needs, preferences, and values at the forefront of health care delivery. It also means actively listening to patients and involving them in the discussion. The average physician interrupts a patient after 18 seconds of initiating the doctor-patient encounter. Physicians should strive to understand patients’ social, cultural, and emotional backgrounds before sharing insights and treatment recommendations.

Listening to patients also means asking them for feedback on their experience with the physician and the practice. Patient feedback can be collected through surveys and anonymous reporting systems. Encouraging anonymous feedback provides valuable insights for improving services, conveys to patients that their opinions are valued, and fosters a sense of being taken seriously. Implementing changes based on anonymous feedback also enhances patient outcomes. When patients see their feedback leading to tangible improvements, such as addressing care delays or improving access to care, they gain confidence in their provider’s dedication to quality care. This, in turn, boosts patient retention and builds trust in health care.

We want the MD initials to represent the expertise a doctor holds. This expertise is backed up with data and research that is then shared with patients. The more knowledgeable and informed the physician, the more trusted they become, leading to better outcomes and more trust.

To that end, investing in ongoing training and education is necessary to regain trust and ensure quality care. Some techniques for demonstrating medical expertise to patients include staying up-to-date on medical advancements, explaining medical jargon, and offering second opinions when necessary. This reflects a commitment to continuous learning and a doctor who communicates clearly. It also shows that the provider is confident in their medical expertise while respecting patient autonomy. Such knowledge reassures patients, fostering confidence in their doctor’s dedication to continually maintaining their skills and practices.

Bottom line: Doctors previously enjoyed elevated confidence and trust from our patients. Regaining the trust we once had will be a process, but it is necessary if we are to restore the value of the MD initials.

ADVERTISEMENT

Neil Baum is a urologist.

Prev

How systemic racism impacts health outcomes across a lifetime [PODCAST]

April 5, 2025 Kevin 0
…
Next

How trade wars could destroy the U.S. health care system

April 6, 2025 Kevin 5
…

Tagged as: Urology

Post navigation

< Previous Post
How systemic racism impacts health outcomes across a lifetime [PODCAST]
Next Post >
How trade wars could destroy the U.S. health care system

ADVERTISEMENT

More by Neil Baum, MD

  • How the 10th Apple Effect is stealing your joy in medicine

    Neil Baum, MD
  • The hidden chains holding doctors back

    Neil Baum, MD
  • Boost patient satisfaction with the power of fragrance

    Neil Baum, MD

Related Posts

  • Why doctors must fight health misinformation on social media

    Olapeju Simoyan, MD
  • Building a bond of trust between patient and physician

    Michele Luckenbaugh
  • Punishing doctors for spreading misinformation

    Lydia Green, RPh
  • How doctors prioritize family and career with “physician third”

    Stephen J. Foley
  • I was trolled by another physician on social media. I am happy I did not respond.

    Casey P. Schukow, DO
  • Health misinformation’s deadly impact

    Neha Gour

More in Physician

  • Finding balance and meaning in medical practice: a holistic approach to professional fulfillment

    Dr. Saad S. Alshohaib
  • How regulatory overreach is destroying innovation in U.S. health care

    Kayvan Haddadan, MD
  • The unseen cost of detachment in radiology

    Dr. Yesu Raju
  • I thought success was a destination. Then I became a doctor.

    Ryan Nadelson, MD
  • How subjective likability practices undermine Canada’s health workforce recruitment and retention

    Olumuyiwa Bamgbade, MD
  • Why judgment is hurting doctors—and how mindfulness can heal

    Jessie Mahoney, MD
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

      Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD | Conditions
    • The hidden health risks in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

      Trevor Lyford, MPH | Policy
    • How New Mexico became a malpractice lawsuit hotspot

      Patrick Hudson, MD | Physician
    • The One Big Beautiful Bill and the fragile heart of rural health care

      Holland Haynie, MD | Policy
    • Why health care leaders fail at execution—and how to fix it

      Dave Cummings, RN | Policy
    • How digital tools are reshaping the doctor-patient relationship

      Vineet Vishwanath | Tech
  • Past 6 Months

    • Why are medical students turning away from primary care? [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • What the world must learn from the life and death of Hind Rajab

      Saba Qaiser, RN | Conditions
    • Why “do no harm” might be harming modern medicine

      Sabooh S. Mubbashar, MD | Physician
    • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

      Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD | Conditions
    • Here’s what providers really need in a modern EHR

      Laura Kohlhagen, MD, MBA | Tech
    • The hidden health risks in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

      Trevor Lyford, MPH | Policy
  • Recent Posts

    • America’s ER crisis: Why the system is collapsing from within

      Kristen Cline, BSN, RN | Conditions
    • Why timing, not surgery, determines patient survival

      Michael Karch, MD | Conditions
    • How medicine repurposing enables value-based pain management and insomnia therapy

      Olumuyiwa Bamgbade, MD | Meds
    • Finding balance and meaning in medical practice: a holistic approach to professional fulfillment

      Dr. Saad S. Alshohaib | Physician
    • Forced voicemail and diagnosis codes are endangering patient access to medications

      Arthur Lazarus, MD, MBA | Meds
    • How regulatory overreach is destroying innovation in U.S. health care

      Kayvan Haddadan, MD | Physician

Subscribe to KevinMD and never miss a story!

Get free updates delivered free to your inbox.


Find jobs at
Careers by KevinMD.com

Search thousands of physician, PA, NP, and CRNA jobs now.

Learn more

View 1 Comments >

Founded in 2004 by Kevin Pho, MD, KevinMD.com is the web’s leading platform where physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses, medical students, and patients share their insight and tell their stories.

Social

  • Like on Facebook
  • Follow on Twitter
  • Connect on Linkedin
  • Subscribe on Youtube
  • Instagram

ADVERTISEMENT

  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

      Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD | Conditions
    • The hidden health risks in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

      Trevor Lyford, MPH | Policy
    • How New Mexico became a malpractice lawsuit hotspot

      Patrick Hudson, MD | Physician
    • The One Big Beautiful Bill and the fragile heart of rural health care

      Holland Haynie, MD | Policy
    • Why health care leaders fail at execution—and how to fix it

      Dave Cummings, RN | Policy
    • How digital tools are reshaping the doctor-patient relationship

      Vineet Vishwanath | Tech
  • Past 6 Months

    • Why are medical students turning away from primary care? [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • What the world must learn from the life and death of Hind Rajab

      Saba Qaiser, RN | Conditions
    • Why “do no harm” might be harming modern medicine

      Sabooh S. Mubbashar, MD | Physician
    • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

      Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD | Conditions
    • Here’s what providers really need in a modern EHR

      Laura Kohlhagen, MD, MBA | Tech
    • The hidden health risks in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

      Trevor Lyford, MPH | Policy
  • Recent Posts

    • America’s ER crisis: Why the system is collapsing from within

      Kristen Cline, BSN, RN | Conditions
    • Why timing, not surgery, determines patient survival

      Michael Karch, MD | Conditions
    • How medicine repurposing enables value-based pain management and insomnia therapy

      Olumuyiwa Bamgbade, MD | Meds
    • Finding balance and meaning in medical practice: a holistic approach to professional fulfillment

      Dr. Saad S. Alshohaib | Physician
    • Forced voicemail and diagnosis codes are endangering patient access to medications

      Arthur Lazarus, MD, MBA | Meds
    • How regulatory overreach is destroying innovation in U.S. health care

      Kayvan Haddadan, MD | Physician

MedPage Today Professional

An Everyday Health Property Medpage Today
  • Terms of Use | Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
All Content © KevinMD, LLC
Site by Outthink Group

How doctors can regain trust in the age of misinformation
1 comments

Comments are moderated before they are published. Please read the comment policy.

Loading Comments...