If you thought TikTok, the popular social media platform owned by Chinese company ByteDance, was just for dance trends and viral challenges, think again. In the ever-evolving social media landscape, TikTok has emerged as a surprising but powerful platform for medical professionals. With 1.59 billion monthly users, TikTok presents physicians with a unique opportunity to reach a massive audience with bite-sized medical insights. However, as more doctors join the app, questions arise about the impact of their presence. Who are the most popular physicians on TikTok today? And what are the pros and cons of their digital influence?
Meet the TikTok Docs
Here are some standout physicians who’ve mastered the art of short-form medical content:
- Dr. Muneeb Shah (@dermdoctor): A board-certified dermatologist and founder of Remedy Skincare, Dr. Shah has garnered more than 8 million followers on TikTok alone. He has built an audience by simplifying complex dermatological concepts, debunking myths, and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their skincare.
- Dr Mike Varshavski (@doctormike): With 2.5 million followers on TikTok (and twice that on Instagram), family physician Dr. Mike began posting during residency. His commitment to improving health literacy and dispelling misinformation has made him one of the most trusted physicians online.
- Dr. Sandra Lee (@drpimplepopper): Dermatologist and founder of SLMD Skincare, Dr. Sandra Lee has nearly 17 million TikTok followers. Dr. Lee gained fame for her oddly satisfying pimple-popping videos, and her content continues to blend education with entertainment, making dermatology accessible to a wide audience.
- Dr. Karan Ranzan (@dr.karanr): An NHS surgeon and educator with more than 5 million followers, Dr. Ranzan debunks health myths through a mix of educational and entertaining content.
- Dr. Anthony Youn (@doctoryoun): A self-proclaimed “holistic” plastic surgeon, Dr. Youn uses his platform to educate about procedures and promote his skincare line and nutritional supplements.
- Dr. Adam Goodcoff (@seethemedlife): As an emergency medicine resident during the pandemic, Dr. Goodcoff gained fame by sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of hospital life, study tips, and motivational content. He has since founded Medfluencers, the first and largest marketing agency for healthcare provider influencers.
- Dr. Shonna Gaskin (@shonnamissymehd): An anesthesiology resident, Dr. Gaskin focuses on guiding pre-med students through the medical school journey. Her content is especially popular among aspiring healthcare professionals.
- Dr. Jennifer Lincoln (@drjenniferlincoln): An OB/GYN who uses her platform to discuss reproductive health, Dr. Lincoln’s audience praises her evidence-based approach and commitment to debunking myths.
- Dr. Austin Chiang (@austinchiangmd): An author, gastroenterologist, and Chief Medical Officer at Medtronic Endoscopy, Dr. Chiang has over half a million followers. He’s known for breaking down complex GI topics and promoting public health awareness.
- Dr. Vicki Chan (@vickichanmd): An ophthalmologist, wife, and mom, Dr. Chan uses her platform to share the reality of all three roles converging. She enthusiastically supports other professional women in pursuing their dreams.
These influencers have amassed millions of views and followers across multiple social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. While many physicians cross-post, each one offers a unique environment best suited to a specific type of content. For example, YouTube is ideal for in-depth, long-form content intended for users seeking information on a specific topic, while physicians use Instagram to post more static, portfolio-like content. TikTok, on the other hand, rewards dynamic interaction, and its algorithm allows new users to discover physicians more easily. TikTok is best suited for physicians who are comfortable speaking off the cuff and eager to reach younger, highly engaged audiences.
The Pros of TikTok for Physicians
TikTok offers unique advantages for doctors who want to reach broader audiences and make a meaningful impact in the following areas:
Far-Reaching Health Education. TikTok empowers physicians to use humor and trends to make complex topics more relatable and digestible. From explaining vaccine science to debunking diet myths, physicians can easily disseminate accurate, evidence-based information that resonates with younger audiences.
Combating Misinformation. With health misinformation rampant online, doctors on TikTok serve as trusted voices. According to an Edelman survey reported by Newsweek, nearly half of Gen Z trust social media over traditional physicians, and one-third have acted on influencer advice — even when the influencer lacked medical credentials. The presence of board-certified physicians on TikTok helps counteract pseudoscience and promote critical thinking around medical topics.
Building Trust and Accessibility. Physicians on TikTok often present themselves in casual, relatable ways — dancing, joking, or sharing personal stories. This humanizes them and helps break down the intimidating barriers often associated with clinical settings.
Engaging Younger Audiences. According to Pew Research, 63% of US teens use TikTok. Over half (57%) say they use it daily, and 16% say they are on it “almost constantly.” The platform provides a powerful tool for reaching young people with preventive health messages. It can also serve to demystify the path to becoming a physician. This can be especially empowering for underrepresented groups in medicine.
Professional Networking and Education. Some physicians use TikTok to connect with peers, share research, and discuss medical cases. These digital relationships can lead to collaborations, speaking engagements, and broader influence.
The Cons and Cautions for Physicians on TikTok
Like all social media platforms, TikTok has its pitfalls, and physicians must proceed with caution.
Oversimplification of Complex Topics. TikTok’s short-form format can lead to oversimplified messages. Content creators may reduce nuanced medical issues to catchy soundbites, which can be misleading or incomplete.
Professionalism and Boundaries. Physicians must navigate the fine line between being relatable and maintaining professional decorum. Missteps can damage reputations or violate ethical standards. While many physicians benefit from TikTok exposure, others have faced disciplinary action or reputational damage due to controversial posts.
Credibility Confusion. Not all medical influencers are licensed or practicing clinicians. The blurred lines between entertainment and expertise can confuse viewers and dilute the credibility of legitimate physicians.
Burnout and Pressure to Perform. Creating content regularly can be time-consuming and emotionally draining. The pressure to stay relevant and engage followers may distract from clinical duties or personal well-being.
Legal and Privacy Concerns. HIPAA violations and privacy breaches are real risks. Even well-intentioned posts can inadvertently reveal sensitive information, leading to legal consequences.
Tips for Physicians Considering TikTok
- Start with a Clear Purpose: Are you educating, advocating, mentoring, or marketing? Define your goals before posting.
- Keep It Ethical: Avoid discussing specific patients, and steer clear of promotional content that could compromise trust.
- Stay Evidence-Based: Use reputable sources and cite studies when possible.
- Engage with Comments Thoughtfully: TikTok is interactive — responding to questions can build credibility, but avoid giving personal medical advice.
- Have Fun, But Stay Professional: Humor and trends are great tools, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of your reputation.
TikTok has undoubtedly transformed the way health information is shared and consumed. Physician influencers have the power to educate, inspire, and connect. However, they must tread carefully. Doctors on TikTok are not just content creators. They’re ambassadors of modern medicine. Their success depends on striking a balance between entertainment and evidence, relatability and responsibility, and influence and ethics. As Gen Z continues to prioritize digital sources over traditional ones, the medical community must find a way to leverage the platform’s potential while safeguarding its own integrity.
If you are looking for a new physician job, the recruitment team at Jackson Physician Search is eager to learn more about you and share our insights on the current market. Contact us today or start searching for physician jobs online now.
Sources / Further Reading
“Doctors on TikTok to Follow in 2025.” BoardVitals, December 10, 2024. https://www.boardvitals.com/blog/doctors-on-tiktok/
Eddy, Kristen. “8 Facts About Americans and TikTok.” Pew Research, December 20, 2024. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/12/20/8-facts-about-americans-and-tiktok/
Gibbs, Amy. “Nearly Half of Gen Z Get Health Advice from Social Media, Not Real Doctors.” Newsweek, July 11, 2025. https://www.newsweek.com/gen-z-health-advice-social-media-tiktok-doctors-2097789
Singh, Shubham. “How Many People Use TikTok (Active Users Stats 2025).” DemandSage, September 12, 2025. https://www.demandsage.com/tiktok-user-statistics/
