San Diego Physicians Tackle Misinformation in Health Advice on Social Media

On October 6, 2026, Dr. Nicki Rao, a palliative care physician at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, recorded a social media video addressing the risks of misinformation that patients may encounter when seeking health advice online. “When patients feel unheard by their doctors, they often turn to the internet for more information,” she explained. Through a poignant personal account, Rao recounted how a patient’s reliance on alternative therapies led to devastating consequences.

Dr. Willough Jenkins, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Rady Children’s Hospital, began posting on social media in 2023 to enhance education and combat health misinformation. With over 600,000 followers, she noted that social media aids in understanding patient concerns and allows for timely discussions about health trends. Both doctors advocate for clear and credible communication online, emphasizing the importance of verifying health information despite the overwhelming nature of social media.