As a small private practice in Boston, it’s vital that we keep up with times to maintain our presence in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.
Perhaps the biggest shift in healthcare I’ve seen this year is the use of social media for healthcare education.
Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok, doctors across the world are building communities, spreading awareness, and educating the public. This year alone, we’ve seen patients who found us through ChatGPT…something I never could have predicted just a few years ago.
In June of 2025, I stepped into the media space, coining the name “CutMeMicki”. Over the last six months, I have created content relating to hernia care, healthcare education, and my personal journey as a surgeon.
And, what have I learned?
If social media has taught me anything, it is that people value genuine human connection.
The posts I made that resonated the most weren’t highly produced or funny, they were the honest ones.
My main focus has been creating educational posts about hernia symptoms, recovery, and surgery. Through that, I have connected with patients who have already undergone a repair, those seeking next steps, or people who are unfamiliar with what a hernia is.
On top of that, I’ve created videos offering medical school and residency advice, which sparked conversations with students navigating their future. As part of the Tufts Medical School faculty, I’ve really enjoyed guiding students through surgery, and social media has allowed me to expand that mentorship beyond Boston.
I’ve even posted about my own journey, from day in the life videos to my journey with therapy. These behind-the-scenes glimpses into life as a surgeon to remind people that doctors are human, too.
Why this matters:
Healthcare doesn’t start at an initial consultation.
For many patients it starts online with a 2 a.m Google search, an Instagram search trying to make sense of a diagnosis, or when they’re scared, unsure, and looking for someone they can trust.
Social media allows us to educate patients before they walk through our doors.
Looking into 2026
In 2026, I hope to continue sharing my perspectives on social media. I plan to dive deeper into conversations about the healthcare system as a whole, while continuing to pursue my genuine passion for hernia care and patient education.
I’ll see you all there.