Doctors on Social Media w/ Dr. Dana Corriel of SoMeDocs (Ep. #21)

From Medicine to Media: Dr. Dana Corriel’s Journey to Transform Healthcare with SoMeDocs

In an era where digital presence is crucial, Dr. Dana Corriel, a board-certified Internal Medicine physician, has emerged as a trailblazer. Transitioning from clinical practice to digital consultancy and entrepreneurship, Dr. Corriel founded SoMeDocs, a platform connecting health experts with companies and patients, and helping physicians build their personal brands. With a significant following and a voice that resonates in the healthcare community, Dr. Corriel’s journey and initiatives offer valuable lessons for medical professionals navigating the modern digital landscape.

A Unique Path in Medicine

Dr. Dana Corriel's journey began with her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience from UCLA, followed by medical school at Tel Aviv University in Israel. This choice, influenced by her birthplace and cultural connections, provided a rich blend of American and Israeli medical training. After completing her residency in New York City, Dr. Corriel continued to stay connected with her Israeli roots, balancing her professional life in the United States with personal ties abroad.

Feeling discontent with the traditional healthcare system, Dr. Corriel decided to pivot from clinical practice to using her voice for change through social media. Her dissatisfaction with the systemic issues in healthcare led her to explore new talents and hobbies, which eventually culminated in the creation of SoMeDocs. This platform has allowed her to leverage her medical expertise and social media skills to advocate for improved healthcare systems and support for physicians.

Emphasizing Physician Well-Being and Autonomy

The grind of medical practice can often leave physicians feeling overwhelmed. Dr. Corriel emphasizes the importance of finding joy and balance in one’s career. She advocates for ownership and control in healthcare, promoting models like direct care and concierge medicine that reduce reliance on middlemen and insurance companies. Through SoMeDocs, Dr. Corriel empowers physicians to reclaim their autonomy and focus on their well-being, which in turn enhances patient care.

Dr. Corriel’s financial acumen and strategies, which enabled her to retire at 33, will be a highlight at the upcoming Physicians Financial Summit in Chicago in 2024. Unlike typical financial events, this summit focuses on actionable strategies that simplify financial planning for doctors. As a guest speaker, Dr. Corriel aims to equip physicians with the knowledge to navigate their financial journeys, emphasizing the importance of taking control of one's financial future.

Building a Brand Identity Online

In today’s digital age, building an online identity and brand is crucial for physicians. Dr. Corriel argues that doctors should be at the forefront of healthcare, maintaining continuity of care and strengthening patient relationships through a strong digital presence. SoMeDocs serves as a platform for doctors to showcase their expertise, connect with patients, and assert their roles as central figures in healthcare.

SoMeDocs offers various tools and resources for doctors to build their brands and businesses. With free membership for US physicians and additional benefits for paid members, the platform fosters a community where doctors can grow and support each other. Dr. Corriel highlights the importance of business and marketing education for doctors, filling a gap often left by traditional medical training.

Addressing Systemic Issues in Healthcare

Dr. Corriel compares the current healthcare environment to an unhappy and unproductive Disneyland, where systemic issues cause frustration for both doctors and patients. By creating SoMeDocs, she provides a platform for doctors to voice their concerns, share knowledge, and advocate for systemic changes. This initiative aims to improve the overall healthcare experience by empowering doctors and enhancing patient care.

Future Directions and Innovations

Looking ahead, Dr. Corriel is expanding SoMeDocs to include directories for students and other healthcare professions. This expansion aims to provide transparency for third parties seeking experts and to continue fostering a supportive community for healthcare professionals. With upcoming features like a student section and a job portal, SoMeDocs is set to further revolutionize how doctors connect, learn, and grow.

Dr. Dana Corriel’s journey from clinical practice to digital entrepreneurship demonstrates the power of adaptability and innovation. By founding SoMeDocs, she has created a platform that empowers physicians, enhances patient care, and advocates for systemic changes in healthcare. Her work underscores the importance of digital presence and financial empowerment for doctors, offering valuable insights for medical professionals in the digital age.