Today, scientific discoveries and breakthroughs have ensured that humans know more than we ever used to about ourselves and our world. But such information is complicated and often written in technical words in academic papers, meaning that few of us can truly understand the knowledge available. To add to that difficulty, the age of the Internet has resulted in the spread of information that might not be accurate. This is especially common in the health industry, with many so-called “online gurus” giving out wrong information and advice. That’s where Dr. Mikhail Varshavski, or “Dr Mike”, comes in. Dr Mike prides himself on being a reliable source of medical advice in this age of misinformation. His charming personality and good looks make his videos go viral, allowing him to promote health literacy online.
Dr Mike has always wanted to help those in need. He studied medicine and attained his Doctorate at the age of 24. His first foray into social media was when he created an Instagram page in 2012 as a medical student. At first, he used his platform to promote work-life balance among medical students, showing that “you don’t have to give up your life to study medicine”. But then People’s Magazine called him the “Sexiest Doctor Alive” — and his Instagram account went viral.
Dr Mike never expected this title. Initially, he thought it sounded “superficial” and silly, nothing at all like the professional persona he wanted to have as a doctor. Nevertheless, he decided to make the most of his newfound fame to reach more people. Today, he has over 23 million social media followers, and he still practises as a family physician in New York. “I love what I do,” Dr Mike explained in an interview on Australia’s The Morning Show. “I think that translates into the work I do not only in the office, but also on my YouTube channel.”
Dr Mike soon began targeting medical misinformation. He did so in relatable, easy-to-understand ways, posting on Instagram and his new YouTube channel. His videos were especially important during the pandemic, when he addressed the anxieties of his viewers. In one of his most impactful videos, Dr Mike interviewed 107 doctors on their opinions regarding COVID-19 myths and challenges. The video had over two million views, with top comments sharing their appreciation for the healthcare workers who had made the video possible.
Even with his success, Dr Mike constantly improves on his skills to engage young people online. He is passionate about “edutainment” — creating easy-to-watch content that is both educational and entertaining. He believes young people between the age of 18 to 24 are most in need of health education. Dr Mike explained, “If I want to reach that demographic, I have to meet them where they are, speak in a way that is relatable, and keep it fun.” He also acknowledges that his title of “Sexiest Doctor Alive” has helped with drawing new viewers. “Come for the scandal, stay for the content,” he jokes.
Dr Mike’s genuineness has allowed him to form direct connections with his young audience. His efforts have created lasting impacts in health literacy, encouraging the younger generation to be more careful with their health. Perhaps his brand of “edutainment” is the new way to communicate important scientific knowledge: draw the audience in, entertain them, and in the process, teach them something new.
Sources: Business Insider, Doctor Mike Media, Forbes, NBC News, Ruderman Foundation, The List