Deciding on a doctor is one of the most important decisions that potential patients will make. Most potential patients will employ a series of eliminators such as cost, availability, location, and services provided while making this decision. However, the dollar conscious potential patient will use another vital criterion to reach this decision – level of expertise.

The creation of a bond of trust between the physician and the patient is one of the easiest ways to build confidence and to secure repeat visits from patients. This relationship can foster a certain reliability which patients associate with their doctors. And the best way to build reliability is by projecting yourself as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and the best source of medical information in your area of specialization.

Potential patients want an EXPERT. Although cost will always be a major deciding factor, potential patients will not shy away from spending more if you can assure them that they are going to work with a doctor who is not just good, but the best out there. This is the kind of doctor they will also refer their family and friends to.

Easy ways to get noticed as an expert in your area specialization

Become the “go-to-expert” – You can harness the power of blogs, articles, webinars, videos, and social media to communicate your level of expertise to potential patients. You can cover everything from cause to treatment options, and preventive measures, to medication, etc. to establish your knowledge in your area of specialization.

Identify what Patients WANT and NEED – Remember a search over the internet for a doctor is not always about treatment options. In most surveys where patients are quizzed about the one thing they want most from their doctors, a staggering majority always say they wish their doctors would listen to them more. For some patients forming a deep bond with the doctor can prove to be instrumental in greater treatment success. Different patients have different needs and if you can understand their needs and gain their trust, then you will become an automatic choice of source for health queries and advice.

Augment your Skills and Level of Expertise – Medical inventions and advancements are an on-going process. Keeping yourself updated and abreast with changes in your area of specialization is imperative if you want to retain your base of brand evangelising fans.

Create a Highly Visible Brand Presence – Building a strong brand presence which is viewed as relevant and dependable both online and offline is one of the best ways to ensure visibility for your medical practice. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest allow you to establish yourself as an expert in your area of specialization in the minds of your target audience. You can alternatively also work with recognized marketing experts to enhance your medical practice brand.