Dr. Google
Internet symptom checker
Dr.
Google is the practice of searching online for medical information instead of consulting a physician.
The term is usually mildly disparaging, suggesting amateur diagnosis: I looked up my symptoms and Dr. Google says I have cancer.
Sometimes used self-deprecatingly: According to Dr. Google, I'm either fine or dying.
Indicators of disease
- WebMDMedical information website
- cyberchondriaAnxiety from online symptom-checking
- hypochondriaExcessive illness worry
- misdiagnosisIncorrect identification of ailment
health anxiety · symptom checker · self-assessment · worst-case scenario · rare diseases · confirmation bias · overdiagnosis · patient portals
Bogus methodology posing as factual
- quackeryFraudulent medical practice
- miracle curesFraudulent health claims
- anti-vaxAgainst protective injections
- snake oilFraudulent cure-all
conspiracy theories · fake testimonials · fear-mongering · anecdotal evidence
Shared online humor
- satireMockery exposing vice
- self-deprecatingBelittling one's own abilities
- comic reliefHumor easing dramatic tension
Understanding medical information and systems
- patient advocacySupporting medical care rights
- medical knowledgeUnderstanding of health and disease
- research skillsAbility to find information
- second opinionAdditional expert consultation
symptoms
Indicators of disease
- WebMDMedical information website
- cyberchondriaAnxiety from online symptom-checking
- hypochondriaExcessive illness worry
misdiagnosis · health anxiety · symptom checker · self-assessment · worst-case scenario · rare diseases · confirmation bias · overdiagnosis · patient portals · differential diagnosis
pseudoscience
Bogus methodology posing as factual
- quackeryFraudulent medical practice
- miracle curesFraudulent health claims
- anti-vaxAgainst protective injections
snake oil · conspiracy theories · fake testimonials · fear-mongering · anecdotal evidence
meme
Shared online humor
- satireMockery exposing vice
- self-deprecatingBelittling one's own abilities
- comic reliefHumor easing dramatic tension
health literacy
Understanding medical information and systems
- patient advocacySupporting medical care rights
- medical knowledgeUnderstanding of health and disease
- research skillsAbility to find information
second opinion · evidence-based · Mayo Clinic · peer-reviewed
Dr. Googlemedical doctor
Licensed healthcare practitioner
MD · family physician · primary care physician · attending physician · family doctor
Dr. Googleoffice visit
Scheduled healthcare appointment
clinical examination · physical exam · doctor's appointment · doctor's visit · physical examination
Dr. Googleevidence-based medicine
Clinical care guided by research
clinical guidelines · medical journal · medical literature · expert opinion · second opinion
doctoral, doctorate, doctorates, doctoring, doctored, Google, google, googled, googling