Ethics of social media marketing by dermatologists

Dear Dr Dermatoethicist: Pharmaceutical companies are using social media to promote their products. Even as a dermatology resident, I have received message on Instagram from one of the cosmeceutical post and advertise skincare products my page. In return, been promised free promotions. Should accept this offer?—Concerned Resident offer? —Concerned Concerned Resident: recent years, use has skyrocketed among general public, with billions adults these platforms worldwide.1Appel G. Grewal L. Hadi R. Stephen A.T. The future in marketing.J Acad Mark Sci. 2020; 48: 79-95Crossref Scopus (246) Google Scholar As result, websites such Instagram, Facebook, TikTok used increasingly by private offer you introduces conflict interest into physician-patient relationship. relationship is built trust. When patients advice doctors, they expect unbiased recommendations highly trained professionals best at heart. They do not anticipate that will be affected outside influences. Compensation, whether monetary or form discounted merchandise, conflicting incentives for physicians. Physicians may recommend products, because effective indicated patients, but compensation receive return endorsement. This practice violates American Medical Association's Code Ethics, which states physicians must prioritize welfare over own financial interests.2Conflicts Interest Patient Care.https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/ethics/conflicts-interest-patient-careDate accessed: December 6, 2020Google Nonmaleficence, physicians' duty no harm, also play scenario. Patients buy dermatologists sell, trust providers evaluate objectively. However, many cosmeceuticals ineffective untested,3Tetali B. Fahs F.M. Mehregan D. Popular over-the-counter ingredients clinical efficacy.Int J Dermatol. 59: 393-405Crossref PubMed (5) physician lead spend money unnecessarily instead obtaining appropriate treatment. Additionally, relationships between foster distrust public if view doctors paid agents unbiased, skilled interests mind. There be, however, instances product promotion benefit patients. For example, believe seen work practice. way, can serve tool communicate collaboration industry help access treatments. completely refrain discussing platforms, other, less-qualified people so; could potentially distribute poorly informed, harmful public. We strongly against advertising kickback product. physician-in-training, your opinion valued both members follow media. Recommending unethical it harms prioritizes personal gain patient well-being. If decide we (1) making false unsubstantiated claims (2) disclose conflicts readers apply.4AMA Ethics' Opinions Physicians' Financial Interests.https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/ama-code-medical-ethics-opinions-physicians-financial-interests/2015-08Date: 2015Date 7, None disclosed.