2 things doctors need before defining themselves online

A continuing series on physician online reputation.   For more KevinMD minutes, please visit my YouTube channel.

What do you need to do before starting your online presence with social media?

They are your bio and your head shot. Together, they will be your first impression to patients who find you on the web.

First, let’s talk about your head shot. Make sure it’s a high resolution image. Don’t crop it from a larger image. Don’t use a full body action shot. I actually think it’s worth spending some money to hire a professional to take great head shots of you.

Second, your bio. Make sure it’s a well written introduction to people who find you online. Every single social media site ranging from Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ — even physician rating sites, like Healthgrades and Vitals — will have your head shot and your bio featured prominently.

Make sure you’re happy with them. Spend some time to make them look good and a strong first impression on the web.

Kevin Pho is an internal medicine physician and founder of KevinMD.com, social media's leading physician voice.