In this episode of I Did My Own Research, Dr. Fran sits down with pediatrician Sandeepa Raj to talk about what it’s really like practicing medicine—and parenting—in the age of social media. With over 20 years of experience in pediatrics across private practice, hospital systems, and volunteer work at free clinics, Dr. Raj shares how the landscape of pediatric care has changed and why misinformation has become one of the biggest challenges facing doctors today.

The conversation dives into the growing wave of vaccine misinformation online and how it has shifted real-life conversations in the exam room. Dr. Raj explains how social media has amplified fears around vaccines and other pediatric topics, often spreading persuasive but inaccurate information faster than evidence-based medicine can keep up. She also shares how pediatricians approach these conversations with parents—balancing empathy, trust, and science while addressing genuine concerns about children’s health.

Dr. Fran and Dr. Raj also explore why parenting spaces online are particularly vulnerable to misinformation. From “natural is always safer” narratives to dangerous wellness trends, they discuss how kernels of truth often get twisted into misleading health advice.

The episode also highlights how physicians can use social media as a tool to extend education beyond the clinic and “take the doctor home” with patients through accessible, evidence-based content.

Beyond medicine, the conversation touches on the realities of modern parenting—how to talk to children about difficult world events, how doctors’ work shapes their perspective on empathy and privilege, and the complicated decision of whether or not to share kids on social media.

This episode is a candid look at pediatrics, misinformation, and the responsibility of doctors to show up—both in the clinic and online—to help families navigate an increasingly confusing health information landscape.

Dr. Raj's social media: @FriscoPediatrician

Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

Longevity, biohacking, peptides, supplements—social media is full of promises about how to live longer. But how much of it is actually backed by evidence?

In this episode of I Did My Own Research, Dr. Fran is joined by geriatrician Dr. Stephanie Rogers (Age Well with Dr. Steph), Associate Chief of Geriatrics Clinical Programs at UCSF. Together, they unpack what actually helps people age well—and what the internet is getting wrong.

They discuss why “longevity medicine” often misses the bigger picture, the reality that most of us will experience some level of disability if we live long enough, and why building healthcare systems and communities that support aging is just as important as trying to extend lifespan.

Dr. Rogers also breaks down common medication pitfalls in older adults, including surprising risks of medications, and explains why some widely used drugs may be doing more harm than we realize.

The conversation also dives into:

• Why biohacking and supplements are so appealing online
• The difference between lifespan vs. healthspan
• How doctors actually learn from each other on social media
• The biggest predictors of aging well (hint: they’re not peptides)
• Why hearing loss, muscle mass, and social connection matter more than most people think

Plus, rapid-fire questions on the most harmful medications for aging, underrated longevity habits, and the best things you can start doing in your 30s and 40s to age well.

If you’ve ever wondered what actually matters when it comes to longevity—and what’s just internet hype—this episode is for you.

Dr. Steph's social media: @AgeWellWithDrSteph

Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

In this episode of I Did My Own Research, I’m joined by Dr. Emily Pfender, a PhD-trained health communication researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, to break down what’s actually happening with women’s health information on social media.

From viral birth control fear-mongering to preeclampsia misinformation shared by self-identified “medical providers,” Dr. Pfender walks us through how her team analyzes online content—and what they’ve found when they put that content in front of real patients.

We dive into why extreme, emotional videos outperform nuanced medical information, how even researchers can feel pulled in by misleading trends, and what it means when clinicians themselves contribute to misinformation.

If you’ve ever wondered whether social media is a net positive or negative for reproductive health—or how to tell who’s truly qualified to give advice—this conversation is a must-listen.

Dr. Pfender's social media: @EmilyPfender

Dr. Fran's social media: @PagingDrFran

When misinformation about decreased fetal movement nearly cost her nephew his life, Sarah RN (@Labor_Junkie_RN) knew she couldn’t stay silent.

In this powerful episode of I Did My Own Research, Dr. Fran sits down with Sarah—better known online as LaborJunkieRN—an experienced high-risk OB nurse with over a decade at the bedside and more than 1.3 million followers across social media.

Sarah shares the terrifying story that pushed her into online education, how social media both empowers and endangers patients, and what it’s really like navigating birth in the age of TikTok. Together, they unpack the tension between informed advocacy and fear-based decision making, the importance of building trust in obstetrics, and how clinicians can restore agency without fueling polarization.

They also dive into their very different birth preferences—elective induction and epidural vs. low-intervention, movement-focused labor—and model what respectful, judgment-free conversations about birth should sound like.

Plus: oversupply struggles, donating 10,000+ ounces of breast milk, navigating grief, creating a labor room at home for education, and the community behind medical content creation.

This is a candid, nuanced conversation about trust, trauma, choice, and what happens when real-life medicine collides with the online world.

Sarah's Social Media: @Labor_Junkie_RN

Fran's Social Media: @PagingDrFran

The podcast 'I Did My Own Research' explores the impact of medical misinformation and the role of healthcare professionals in combating it. Dr. Fran shares her personal journey, the challenges of residency, and her engagement with medical content on social media. The podcast addresses the spread of misleading medical information, patient frustration, and the need for open conversations to combat misinformation.

Takeaways

• Medical misinformation
• Social media impact

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Medical Misinformation
• 06:47 Advocacy and Impact on Social Media
• 11:50 Impact of Healthcare Systems on Patient Perception
• 17:26 Bringing in Experts to Combat Medical Misinformation