The debate over the use of social media by healthcare professionals has gained momentum following the announcement by the Egyptian Doctors Syndicate that it plans to regulate its members’ media appearances, particularly on online platforms and live streams. This raises an ethical question regarding the disclosure of confidential information, as illustrated by the controversial video of gynecologist Wissam Shoaib, which highlighted a possible breach of patients’ privacy.
The president of the Syndicate, Osama Abdel-Hay, stressed the need to establish binding rules to regulate these practices, while avoiding any harm to society. In the face of this controversy, the Syndicate is seeking to establish guidelines to prevent future incidents that could undermine public trust in the medical profession.
This case highlights the challenges posed by the evolution of the media and the need for doctors to exercise restraint and confidentiality when engaging on social media. The challenges of patient data protection and compliance with medical ethics are crucial, and appropriate sanctions should be considered in the event of transgression.
It is essential that competent authorities, such as the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, work with professional unions to establish effective control and supervision mechanisms to ensure compliance with ethical and professional standards. Disciplinary sanctions, ranging from warnings to exclusion, should be proportionate to the violations committed, with the aim of maintaining the integrity and reputation of the medical profession.
Ultimately, transparency and ethics should guide physicians’ interactions on social media to preserve public trust and respect for patients’ rights. It is imperative to strike a balance between freedom of expression and respect for privacy, in order to promote responsible medical practice that respects fundamental ethical principles.