From Authority to Ally: Reframing the Role of Health Providers

In today’s healthcare landscape, healthcare providers and clinical professionals are important voices in a broader conversation that now whether looked at as positive or negative- includes TikTok creators, Reddit threads, and podcasts. According to Monica Oss (2025), 45% of Gen Z’s health decisions are shaped by people without medical credentials. This shift calls for a new approach—one grounded in partnership.

At CSBMG, our staff welcomes an inquiring presence from those served, and will discuss online question/tools, explore them collaboratively with clients, and provide evidence-based guidance with empathy. We also understand the value of delivering information in familiar formats—online, mobile, and peer-to-peer.

As Dr. Stuart Buttlaire emphasized, health systems must be “present” in the youth health ecosystem. That means engaging on the platforms youth already use, offering trustworthy, verified voices, and ensuring that our messages remain honest—even when the answers are complex. At CSBMG, we are committed to showing up as a reliable, compassionate partner in that space.

Reference:
Oss, M. E. (2025, May 21). The advice challenge. OPEN MINDS. https://www.openminds.com