UnitedHealth Group Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President Margaret-Mary Wilson, MD, has been leaning into social media — and thinks other healthcare leaders should consider getting vocal, too.
In a recent episode of the “Becker’s Healthcare Podcast,” Dr. Wilson discussed what’s driving her participation on these platforms, including Instagram, and the future of the healthcare workforce.
As a physician executive at the world’s largest healthcare company, Dr. Wilson’s engagement could be seen as even more pressing given continued workforce shortages in the sector. By 2036, she said, the U.S. will have physician and nursing shortages of 86,000 and over 250,000, respectively.
Dr. Wilson explained that efforts to address these gaps should be twofold: addressing administrative burden and other major factors related to clinical burnout, as well as amplifying messaging that highlights the broad scope of professions in healthcare.
“We really need to make a concerted effort to show the next generation of healthcare workers that this is a sustainable and it’s a fulfilling career with multiple workforce options that are expanding beyond the traditional physician and nurse,” she said, emphasizing how social media could be one way of reaching future healthcare leaders.
Over half of adults, particularly younger adults, use social media for health information, according to a 2025 KFF poll. However, less than 10% actually trust most of that content. Dr. Wilson said there is a real opportunity to share trustworthy health information in a relatable way.
“Human conversations — they spark meaningful engagement when you have them in a social media space, which is not the typical space where healthcare conversations would occur,” she said.
As some healthcare leaders consider direct engagement strategies, Dr. Wilson said, “people aren’t really expecting perfection.” However, transparency, humility, authenticity and an open mind are what attract people.
“When all that comes together, particularly as it relates to social media engagement, that’s when we begin to engender and strengthen trust and also humanize healthcare,” she said. “There are lots of voices out there. I think it’s a question of each leader figuring out what they have to contribute to the conversation, identifying their lane and letting their passion come through.”
Dr. Wilson said the onus can be on today’s healthcare leaders to decide when and how they engage in different forums.
“Find the conversation and engage where it’s happening,” she said. “Don’t expect the conversation to come to you.”
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