Executive Interview: David Chou-Social CIO

So a few weeks ago, I started digging around online to see what healthcare executives were up to in social media. Not surprisingly, I didn’t find a lot of activity — likely because the concept of the rock star CEO hasn’t really caught on in healthcare (thankfully). But I think it’s also because patients and healthcare consumers just aren’t apt to fall in love with health brands (if falling in love with a brand is even possible.)

It’s most important to frame the discussion of healthcare content marketing around exactly how people engage with modern healthcare (health technology and health online) as opposed to asking how healthcare marketing should be performed online. In that vein of thought, I got a chance to interview David Chou, CIO at Mississippi Medical Center and as a few questions about his approach to social media and technology.

You’re very active in social media…more than most healthcare executives. What do executives have to gain from engaging more?

Social is a great platform for collaboration and learning.  It is a good way for executives to engage with the organization, external customers, and others.  Executives need to play a role in social because that is where every industry is moving towards.  I believe that the organizations that do not embrace social will fall behind in their line of business.

What role do you see technology playing in the future of patient engagement in healthcare?

Technology is an enabler that will help engagement in healthcare.  It should be a platform for everyone to collaborate collectively and technology can be a huge customer satisfier.

Patients can be very skeptical of technology and information safety in healthcare settings. How can organizations be proactive in combating that?

This is a trust and brand factor.  The healthcare setting must establish the trust with the consumers.  Once the trust factor has been established then we can alleviate any skepticism.   The world is moving towards a digital trend where we will have information everywhere and it is ok as long as we trust the brand.

David’s emphasis on learning from social media (as opposed to just adding to the echo chamber) and technology as an enabler (as opposed to an innovation itself) is absolutely crucial. He is that rare breed of healthcare executive whose voice is active on social media, but who is also listening. You can read more about him and his take on technology in healthcare here. Also, make sure to follow him on Twitter @dchou1107

A big thanks to David for taking the time out of his busy schedule to share.

by Megan Williams, MBA