Dr. Mikhail Varshavski—Dr. Mike to his followers—started posting on social media to provide vetted health information with an easy-to-understand approach. Amid shifting recommendations from U.S. government agencies, “people are more confused than ever and looking for a trustworthy source,” says Varshavski, a family medicine physician with Chatham Family Medicine in Chatham, N.J. “We’ve been very effective in talking even to people who disagree.” He’s gained more than 14.5 million followers on YouTube, 5.3 million on Instagram, and 2.7 million on TikTok. Last year, his debate with 20 anti-vaccine activists racked up nearly 1 billion views across platforms. Other notable posts include an animated explainer on smallpox, a confrontation with a doctor promoting controversial brain scans, and a survey of over-ordered medical tests. “To be able to reach people with valuable information in this day and age—responsibly, without attacking anyone, and leading with empathy and transparency—is the biggest badge of honor,” he says.
