In the first instalment of our “People Behind Words” series, we spoke with Dr. Carlos Santos on his experience as a Medical Doctor producing digital content.
Carlos Santos, MD, is celebrating his second year as part of Articulate’s Healthcare writing team. Aside from his job saving lives as a medical doctor, radiology technician, and health and safety technician, he finds the time to share his knowledge with thousands of readers and followers.
In this interview, the first installment of our “People Behind Words” series - on the people creating meaningful digital content - we get to know his career path, daily inspiration and why it is so valuable for Dr Carlos Santos to share his experience with the world.
Why do you write?
Dr. Carlos Santos: I write because I believe there is a gap in Portugal between those who can understand basics medicine concepts, and are able to live a healthier and happy life, and those who cannot. I think the Internet, especially social media and brands blogs are here to bridge this gap, so if we put effort in creating meaningful and relevant content that certainly will add practical value to people’s lives.
What do you try to convey with your content?
Dr. Carlos Santos: I see more and more health care brands taking the step to create content that will have a positive impact in society. What I try to do with the content I produce, which are mostly blog posts and eBooks, is to have people learn something new by the time they are through reading it. I ask my readers for a couple of minutes of their time to read my content and, in return, I feel obliged to give them back something that they can use in their daily life.
Often times, it is simple, yet relevant advice: maybe on the proper way to bathe their kids, maybe it’s to pay attention to skin rashes, and much more. I take pride in the fact that, since I started writing, I have helped thousands of people, who have been impacted by what I wrote. I love when I read their comments thanking me, that really keeps motivated to continue.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Dr. Carlos Santos: I draw inspiration from my daily life at the hospital and at the health care center, such as what worries my patients, what I talk about with my peers and what I read about in medicine magazines. I guess somehow it all comes together when I am writing.
What major challenges do you face when writing?
Dr. Carlos Santos: My greatest challenge is to find the right balance between the technical aspects of medicine and creating appealing content for my readers. That can be a challenging task indeed, but it is the most important part of my work.
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