Matteo Bassetti argues medical professionals must engage in public health communication

Matteo Bassetti, director of the Infectious Diseases Clinic at San Martino Polyclinic in Genoa, stated during the second Health Journalism Forum in Naples that modern medicine requires active public communication. Speaking at the Cardarelli Hospital event, Bassetti emphasized that public trust is built through a combination of expertise and accessibility.

He noted that while traditional media like television and newspapers have largely abandoned dedicated health reporting in favor of audience shares, people are increasingly seeking authoritative health information on digital devices. Bassetti argued that many online creators lack the necessary medical background despite having large followings, making it essential for qualified doctors to provide authentic information through their own channels.

Addressing criticism from colleagues who label doctors as ‘influencers’ for engaging in digital outreach, Bassetti asserted that failing to disseminate information is a failure to fulfill the medical profession fully.