Content creators are influential figures online who choose to share some aspect of their lives with their followers. While some influencers opt to dedicate themselves fully to social media, others choose to blend their online platform with their existing careers. 

As a member of the latter, Dr. Robyn Roth decided to pursue content creation tailored to her career as a breast radiologist via her account @theboobiedocs. Through Instagram alone, she has built a community amassing 23k+ followers.

It all began with Roth’s personal desire to find a creative outlet where she could combine her passions for healthcare and journalism. Roth had originally planned to pursue journalism as a career, but ultimately decided to strive for medical school during her freshman year of college. Roth notes that engaging in content creation was a key decision that allowed her to reconnect with her creative side and revisit her interest in telling stories. 

In addition, Roth sought to educate social media users who obtain their health information online. Social media is full of knowledge, but unfortunately, a lot of the time this information is not fact-checked and creators are not monitored for credentials. Therefore, it is crucial for verified professionals with online platforms to combat health misinformation. 

This is no easy feat, given the presence of misinformation online and its widespread reach. In fact, 46% of adults in the United States have reported seeing false or misleading information online on a daily basis. 

“It’s been hard to defend science in a world where people are going for clickbait and shock value,” said Roth. “It’s really easy for someone to offer advice, especially if they’re trying to sell you something.”

Along with debunking misinformation, Roth has filmed content that highlights different aspects of her career like showing her day-to-day life as a radiologist. This range of videos has allowed her to attract a broad audience, from patients seeking to learn more about breast cancer to medical students considering radiology as a specialty. 

Roth has also been open about her own experiences as a “patient” by publicly discussing her perspective on receiving an abnormal mammogram herself earlier this year. Roth notes that providing this level of transparency for her audience was difficult early on in her social media career. But now, Roth emphasizes her authenticity as a major priority of her platform. 

“The more that I share, the more people want to listen. And to go through an abnormal mammogram as a breast radiologist is very impactful,” said Roth.  

What is most rewarding for Roth is seeing how her account helps her audience. Social media has allowed Roth to extend her reach to people who might otherwise have limited access to healthcare literacy. 

“I get messages all the time of people being like, something that I learned on your page has helped me find my breast cancer early,” said Roth. “And that’s really why I’m on social media…now I’m realizing that I’m able to help women from across the globe.”

Furthermore, Roth has expanded her impact by serving as a guest speaker on various news television channels like FOX 29 and PBS News. Roth has also initiated other creative projects like starting her own podcast and organizing an annual fundraising event called the Boobie Bash. This year, the Boobie Bash was held on October 18th and was the event’s third anniversary, during which Cherry Hill East’s very own Stay Tuned A Capella group performed. Proceeds from the event benefitted Inspiring Life Together, a non-profit organization that supports families with mothers undergoing breast cancer treatment. 

To other prospective healthcare influencers, Roth recommends starting their journey early and staying consistent. 

“I do wish that I started earlier and documented all the struggles that I had during my training,” said Roth. “I talk about them in retrospect now, being on the other side of it, but I do think there is something valuable to document things in real time.”

It is clear that this is only the beginning of Roth’s success. Her hard work and dedication have had a widespread impact and will continue to do so in the future.