The UK’s General Medical Council (GMC) has changed the Hippocratic Oath in response to the controversial use of social media by doctors during the pandemic.
Over the last two years, many doctors have expressed their frustration online with pandemic policies such as lockdowns and masks, while others have promoted unauthorized COVID-19 treatments and claimed vaccines do not work or may even cause harm.
The updated draft will now prohibit doctors from spreading “misinformation” online.
GMC’s CEO Charlie Massey said via The Telegraph:
“We’ve had feedback that doctors want more clarity on using social media. We’re already clear that doctors must be honest and trustworthy in their communications, and are now emphasizing that this applies to all forms of communication. The principles remain the same whether communication is written, spoken or via social media.”
The draft guidance also warns against “trolling” and prohibits doctors from discussing topics that are out of their expertise.