As a healthcare marketing expert, I understand the ever-increasing importance of online reputation management in the medical field. Patients are increasingly turning to the internet to research and choose doctors, and your online reviews can make or break your practice.
This is especially true in Dubai, where a large number of doctors are employed and often change clinics and hospitals throughout their careers. However, when a doctor leaves a clinic or hospital, their reviews often remain on the profile of their former employer. While these reviews may reflect your past performance, they can also impact your current practice, both positively and negatively.
The Positive Impact of Retained Reviews
Positive reviews from previous clinics or hospitals can serve as a powerful testament to your skills and experience. When potential patients encounter a consistent stream of favourable feedback, it instils confidence in their abilities and increases the likelihood of scheduling an appointment. Additionally, positive reviews can enhance your search engine rankings, making it easier for patients to find you online.
Imagine Dr. Smith, a renowned dermatologist with a long history of positive patient reviews at his previous clinic. After transitioning to a new practice, Dr. Smith's online profile still displays a collection of glowing reviews from his former patients. These positive reviews serve as a beacon of trust for potential patients, attracting new clientele and establishing Dr. Smith's reputation in his new location.
The Negative Impact of Outdated Reviews
On the other hand, outdated reviews can pose significant challenges to your current practice. Consider Dr Jones, a paediatrician who specializes in treating infants and toddlers. However, Dr. Jones's online profile still contains numerous reviews from her previous practice, where she primarily treated older children and adolescents. These outdated reviews can mislead potential patients, leading to scheduling conflicts and dissatisfaction.
Outdated reviews can also hinder your ability to adapt to changing medical practices and specializations. For instance, Dr. Lee, a cardiologist who recently shifted his focus to preventive cardiology, may find his online profile dominated by reviews from his earlier days of general cardiology. This mismatch between patient expectations and Dr. Lee's current expertise can lead to confusion and frustration among potential patients.
Impact of Former Employer Relationship:
The nature of your relationship with your former employer can also influence the reviews you receive. A positive and amicable parting can encourage former patients to leave positive reviews, while a strained or disputable relationship may lead to negative feedback from former patients or even from the former employer themselves. If you have concerns about outdated or unfair reviews, consider reaching out to your former employer to discuss a resolution.
Here are a few tips for taking control of your online reputation:
- Create a website: Your website should be your online hub. It should include information about your practice, your qualifications, and your patient testimonials.
- Manage your social media: Use your social media pages to connect with patients and share updates about your practice. You can also use social media to respond to reviews, both positive and negative.
- Monitor your reviews: Use online reputation management tools to monitor your reviews across the web. This will allow you to respond to negative reviews and remove outdated reviews.
- Consider requesting the removal of outdated reviews. If reviews are significantly outdated or misleading, reach out to the platforms where they are posted to request their removal.
The Role of Personal Branding
As a healthcare marketing expert, I strongly encourage doctors to invest in building a strong personal brand. A well-crafted personal brand will not only complement your reputation management efforts but also elevate your professional standing and attract new patients. By establishing a consistent and engaging online presence, you can showcase your expertise, share valuable insights, and connect with potential patients on a deeper level.
Aligning Personal Brand with Reviews
Your personal brand should seamlessly align with the positive aspects of your online reviews. If you consistently emphasize your expertise in preventive cardiology, for instance, your online presence should reflect this specialization. This alignment will reinforce your credibility and attract patients seeking your specific expertise.
Managing Negative Reviews with Personal Branding
While negative reviews can pose challenges, a strong personal brand can help mitigate their impact. By proactively engaging with your audience, responding to negative reviews with empathy and professionalism, and consistently demonstrating your commitment to patient care, you can effectively manage negative feedback and maintain a positive overall reputation.
Remember: Your online reputation is a reflection of your professional brand. By actively managing your online presence and fostering positive relationships with patients and former employers, you can ensure that your digital persona aligns with the exceptional care you provide and maintains a strong reputation that attracts new patients and contributes to your long-term success.
Cheers!
