Podcasts for Medical: Medicine

The growth of information involving the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease is accelerating with no signs of slowing. This is a good thing. But that flood of information is a two-edged sword. As one who needs to send or receive that information, you are overwhelmed not just with the information itself but by all the media used to deliver it. Administrators, doctors, therapists, nurses, researchers and other professionals need constantly updated information. However, they all are confounded with an avalanche of undifferentiated messages that are unfiltered and do not stand out from the wall of meaningless chaff. With those who truly need your information are you sure they will get it? If you are podcasting, you can be sure that answer is yes.

Certainly, the medical community requires the news you provide. Your news may be critical to a segment. You spend a considerable amount of effort and money on announcements. However, your audience may or may not get your emails, newsletters, advertisements or brochures. If they subscribe to your podcasts, on the other hand, you are assured they get your message almost as soon as it’s created. Podcasts can be produced quickly, usually in less than an hour, and be available to deliver in moments. Video podcasts are a dynamic and compelling way to deliver your news. For example, if you as a medical device maker have just
patented a superior arterial stent, you can deliver that news the day the patent is granted. Instead of describing the device, you can show the product and demonstrate its use. High quality video, possible through podcasting, can reveal and highlight the finest details. As a pharmaceutical marketing manager, you can deliver a video podcast to doctors educating them on the benefits of your new drug. This will help prime physicians and free your sales consultants to sell more and have to educate less.

As a physician, nurse, therapist or other health care provider, you also can use podcasting to reach those who need your information. Indeed, individuals and organizations have been podcasting to deliver news to help individuals control weight, improve nutritional habits, execute appropriate exercises for injury recovery, and provide general pediatric information to new parents. Users are more compelled to view and retain information provided by video than by any other medium. This is vital for those under a supervised medical program and those caring for them.

Rather than allowing your important messages to get lost in the mire of communication inundating your target audience, consider the advantages of podcasting, its speed, its clarity, its affordability and its 100% reach.
"“…podcasts are just one way in which new technologies are being integrated into medical education."

Rebecca Tinkelman, Harvard Focus Online