Along with being a physician, I am an artist.
I had reached a point in my medical career where I was burnt out and really wanted to step back from my clinical work and be known as an artist… and start selling my work as a way to help me get out of medicine.
I started scouting some physician FB groups for the same.
I came across one where another physician was doing well as an artist advertising and got into contract with the admin of the group for advertising my work.
Based on our conversation, for an initiation fee of a 4 figure amount I would be allowed to advertise a few times a year (which were in addition to holiday sales If I wanted to) as long as I didn’t spam the messages, and for every sale there would be a commission (2 figure percent commission).
Even though I found it high, I gave in. I was desperate at the time to be someone other than a physician. It was a conscious decision to go ahead with it.
After the first initial advertisement, I tried to advertise some many months later and was refused, and then asked for an additional fee for each time I would want to advertise (which was not a small amount again).
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This was not as was discussed.
What bothered me was that there was no integrity, as not only were they dishonest and went back on their initial word, but when I was struggling to figure out why I was not being able to advertise again the communication was extremely bad (it took ages for a response).
I was angry and hurt and sad that a peer was doing it, someone who should be able to understand our struggles as a physician.
As physicians, we go through immense struggles and I think we as humans should support each other as much as we are able to.
I am not saying that one shouldn’t run their business, but it should be run with honesty and integrity.
What bothered me was that there was no integrity
Sonal Kamalia, MD
What bothered me was that there was no integrity
doctorsonsocialmedia.com
I thought I knew what I was getting into, but I was so wrong.
The intention turned from being a supporting space, really became about the other thinking just for themselves.
I wonder, had I made any sales from my initial ad would the outcome have been different.
I was angry and hurt and sad that a peer was doing it, someone who should be able to understand our struggles as a physician.
Sonal Kamalia, MD
I was angry and hurt and sad that a peer was doing it, someone who should be able to understand our struggles as a physician.
doctorsonsocialmedia.com
