Venezuelan Internal Medicine Society Warns Against Influencers Promoting False Health Information

The Venezuelan Society of Internal Medicine has warned about a growing stream of health messages from social media creators and influencers who lack medical training.

In a statement published on Aug. 31 by the society’s president, Mariflor Vera, the organization rejected false information, unsupported remedies and recommendations without scientific evidence. Vera said medical diagnoses, treatments and preventive measures come from research, clinical trials and international academic consensus.

“Evidence-based medicine does not respond to fashions, trends or the interests of digital visibility,” Vera said. She added that medical practice rests on the best available evidence and aims to protect people’s lives and health.

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Evidence-based medicine does not respond to fashions, trends or the interests of digital visibility.

The society cautioned that turning to unqualified individuals for medical guidance can have serious consequences. It cited the interruption of vital treatments, delays in timely diagnoses and severe health complications.

“Let us remember that health is not entertainment content; medical communication demands responsibility, ethics and professional credibility,” Vera said. The organization called on Venezuelans to check the sources of health information, avoid sharing questionable material and seek guidance from qualified specialists. It also reaffirmed its commitment to ethical, scientific, humane and rigorous medical practice.

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Let us remember that health is not entertainment content; medical communication demands responsibility, ethics and professional credibility.