Publisher Spotlight: KevinMD
This week, we’re proud to have the chance to profile the recipient of the 2008 Best Medical Blog Award. Fortunately for us, he also uses Lijit on his site. Dr. Kevin Pho is a board-certified Internal Medicine doctor who’s been blogging for almost five years. His blog is a platform to inform readers on various health care issues and to provide commentary from a doctor’s point of view. Whether he’s sharing his opinion about what’s really wrong with health care, weighing in on recent medical news, or explaining some of the background behind popular procedures, Dr. Kevin does an effective job of shining a light into the dark corners of the medical community. Enjoy the dose of information that he provides!
How long have you been blogging and what made you start?
I’ve been blogging since May of 2004. I wanted to blog in order to give instant physician opinion on medical news that was reported by mainstream media. Many times, there would be an inaccurate or incomplete interpretation of a study, and the blog allowed me to give a more informed medical commentary to patients.
What has been the greatest thing you’ve gotten from blogging?
The opportunity to promote a physician point of view in the national health care dialogue. Many journalists and mainstream media outlets cite and read my blog, and I have had opportunities to regularly write for USA Today, as well as be interviewed by the CBS Evening News, Wall Street Journal, and Forbes.com. I would not have had these opportunities without journalists reading the blog.
Of all the posts you’ve written, what has been your favorite and why?
It’s hard to pick just one, since there’s over 16,000 to choose from. I’m particularly proud of my Open Letter to Barack Obama and John McCain, which I wrote during the Presidential campaign. I summarize the problems facing primary care doctors (of which I am one), and how important a solid primary care foundation is needed in any health reform initiative.
How do you see blogs helping the medical community?
The strength of blogs is to dynamically provide commentary and opinion on breaking medical news. Scores of studies are released and reported daily, and many reporters do not have the medical background to provide relevance to patients. Blogs can fill that niche, and provide informed medical opinions to patients.
Furthermore, medical blogs provide insight into the problems that physicians face. Often times, what goes on behind closed doors in a doctor’s office and hospital is a mystery. Blogs can pull that curtain back and expose what’s really going on with American health care.
How has Lijit helped you as a blog publisher?
With over 16,000+ posts, Lijit provides a way for both my readers and myself to accurately search through posts. I particularly like the Re-Search feature, as many readers find my blog through a Google search. Using Re-Search, they are able to navigate through more pages than they would have without Lijit.
Be sure to check out KevinMD for even more information about your health concerns. Dr. Pho answers the questions you’re afraid to ask (Does masturbation really cause prostate cancer?) and shares the pictures you’re afraid to look at (When ear piercings lead to keloid formation). Follow him on Twitter and rest assured that this is one Lijit doctor.