MMC Guideline

How Doctors Must Behave Online

Official MMC Guidelines (V2/2025). Don't advertise yourself, don't mislead, don't expose patients, and make no superiority-type claims.

Introduction to the MMC Guidelines

A definitive standard on how registered medical practitioners must navigate social media, advertising, and digital communication ethically.

Official Authority

The “Dissemination of Information by Medical Professionals Including on Social Media” guideline is an official document issued by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC). It strictly outlines how registered medical practitioners should conduct themselves when sharing information across websites, social media platforms, blogs, and other digital channels.

View Official PDF

Not Just "Personal Opinion"

This guideline sits under the broader MMC Code of Professional Conduct 2019. It makes unequivocally clear that any information published by doctors online is subject to professional conduct rules, and is strictly not treated as casual content.

The 3 Golden Rules

In simple terms, the guideline mandates that doctors must always:

  • Communicate in a way that is ethical, respectful and truthful.
  • Protect patient confidentiality and uphold strict privacy standards.
  • Avoid self‑promotional advertising, misleading claims, or soliciting patients through online platforms.

Impact on Marketing

For clinics and digital agencies, every website, social post, ad, or content piece carrying a doctor’s endorsement must be explicitly aligned with this guideline, not just what is considered "good marketing".

Any breach can be investigated, potentially leading to disciplinary action.

Table of Contents

Ethics
Promotion
Publications
Charity
Commercial Activity
Digital Presence
Events
Facility
Mass Media
Media
Physical Assets
Practice
Print Media
Professionals
Public Relations
Social Media
Speaking

Ethics

EthicsRef: Section 3.1 - 3.2

Advertising & Canvassing

Q: Can I claim I am the best doctor in my field?

The Short Version:

Advertising your practice to get more patients is strictly forbidden. You cannot hire agents to canvas for patients, nor can you boast about being the 'best' doctor.

View Official MMC Clause
3. MMC CODE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
3.1 MMC Code Overview
The medical profession in this country has long accepted the convention that doctors should refrain from self-advertisement. Self-advertisement is not only incompatible with the governing principles of the profession but could be a source of danger to the public. Advertising may raise illusory hopes of a cure for vulnerable patients.
3.2 Advertising & Canvassing
The practitioner should refrain from:
a) Advertising, whether directly or indirectly, for the purpose of obtaining patients.
b) Advertising, whether directly or indirectly, for the purpose of promoting one's own professional advantage.
c) Procuring or sanctioning notices commanding attention to the practitioner's professional skill, knowledge, or qualifications.
d) Procuring or sanctioning notices deprecating the skill or knowledge of other practitioners.
g) Canvassing, or engaging any agent or canvasser, for the purpose of obtaining patients.
i) Being a party to, abetting, or condoning those who sanction canvassing (e.g., private hospitals, clinics, or institutions).
It is also unethical for practitioners to claim to be the best or the only one in a particular field of practice or specialty. Claims of "firsts" or "breakthroughs" are highly contentious and should only be made by professional or academic bodies, not the individual practitioner.
EthicsRef: Section 5.9

Association with Commercial Enterprises

Q: Can I associate my medical practice with a commercial enterprise?

The Short Version:

DO NOT directly associate yourself with commercial businesses selling products meant for self-diagnosis or self-medication. This is strictly forbidden.

View Official MMC Clause
5.9 Association with Commercial Enterprises
Direct association of a medical practitioner with any commercial enterprise engaged in the manufacture or sales of any substance which is claimed to be of value in the prevention or treatment of disease, and presented to the public in such a fashion calculated to encourage the practice of self-diagnosis and of self-medication or is of undisclosed nature of composition, is strongly disapproved and therefore not allowed.
EthicsRef: Section 5.11

Condolence or Congratulatory Message

Q: Can I publish condolence or congratulatory messages as a doctor?

The Short Version:

DO NOT publish condolence or congratulatory messages regarding a patient in the media. It is considered unethical indirect advertising.

View Official MMC Clause
5.11 Condolence or Congratulatory Message
The publication of condolence or congratulatory messages regarding a patient or inmate of a healthcare facility by a medical practitioner (or the facility) is considered a method of indirect advertising and is not allowed.
EthicsRef: Section 4.10

Display of Human Tissue Specimens and Photographs

Q: Can I display human tissue specimens or clinical photographs?

The Short Version:

Do not display biopsy parts or graphic patient photos in public areas of your clinic. It is seen as unethical boasting.

View Official MMC Clause
4.10 Display of Human Tissue Specimens and Photographs
The display of preserved human tissue specimens, like biopsy parts or excised lesions from patients, in special cupboards, or photographs of such specimens, or photographs of patients with diseases mounted as posters on the outside walls of clinics is considered poor taste, improper and disrespectful.
Such displays will be considered as advertising the skills of the doctor(s) practising in that clinic, and are not allowed.

Promotion

PromotionRef: Section 4.11

Announcement of Awards to Healthcare Facilities

Q: Can I announce awards received by my healthcare facility?

The Short Version:

You can announce official awards (ISO, accreditation) but do not overemphasize it. NO banners on roads shouting about your awards.

View Official MMC Clause
4.11 Announcement of Awards to Healthcare Facilities
Facilities are allowed to announce recognised awards received by the facility, e.g. ISO, hospital accreditation, national or international quality awards, initiative awards etc but not overemphasised to the extent of advertising.
Banners with such announcements along roads and public places are not allowed.

Publications

PublicationsRef: Section 4.14

Books and Publications for the Lay Public

Q: Can I publish medical books or articles for the lay public?

The Short Version:

You can write books, but DO NOT pose as the ultimate authority or let the book praise you. Mentioning your clinic is okay for clarification, but no big fonts.

View Official MMC Clause
4.14 Books and Publications for the Lay Public
Generally, contributions in books and publications could not fail to promote the doctor's or author's professional advantage.
The doctor should shoulder responsibility for any such result and be prepared if challenged to answer before a professional tribunal.
The publication of books and articles by a named author who poses as an authority on the treatment of a disease may contribute to self-advertisement and thus unethical ab initio.
Such material may lead to self-diagnosis by the lay reader, which is contrary to public interest.
It is thus important to emphasise on the importance of lay readers seeking consultation from a registered medical practitioner without self- diagnosing their illnesses based on books and publications.
The following guidelines should be adopted:
4.14.1 It is permissible for the author's name to be published. The name can be followed by a brief description of qualifications. The place of practice of the author is permitted for purposes of seeking clarifications by the readers. These should not be unduly emphasised by large font or heavy type setting.
4.14.2 There must not be any laudatory editorial references to the author's professional status or experience.
4.14.3 The author should not allow references to identify privately owned institutions with which he is professionally associated.
PublicationsRef: Section 4.15

Medical Publications/Journals/Newsletters

Q: What are the rules for publishing in medical journals?

The Short Version:

You can advertise your facility in medical journals meant for doctors. Max one page, photos allowed. DO NOT distribute these to the general public.

View Official MMC Clause
4.15 Medical Publications/Journals/Medical Newsletters/Magazines/Handbook
4.15.1 Information on healthcare facilities is allowed to be published in the above-mentioned publications of medical organisations for circulation to medical practitioners. The information published in these publications should not be reproduced or photocopied and distributed.
4.15.2 The size should not exceed one page, photographs and logos are permitted, and there is no restriction on frequency and colours used. Distribution is restricted to the practice or facility.

Charity

CharityRef: Section 5.12

Service Groups and Health Screening Camps

Q: What are the rules for organizing health camps or exhibitions?

The Short Version:

You can volunteer at free health camps, but your name and clinic CANNOT be advertised in connection with the event.

View Official MMC Clause
5.12 Service Groups and Health Screening Camps
Service groups or political parties often organise and offer free medical checkups to members of the public in villages and small towns. The names and places of practice of the practitioners conducting these free checkups should not be advertised.
Any queries by members of the public seeking additional information on where to seek treatment, etc., should be handled with tact by the service organisation.

Commercial Activity

Commercial ActivityRef: Section 5.14

Endorsing Health-Related Products

Q: Can I endorse or promote specific health products?

The Short Version:

DO NOT endorse products across any media platform. It compromises patient care and looks unethical. If you do, the product MUST be NPRA approved, and you CANNOT claim it cures specific diseases.

View Official MMC Clause
5.14 Health Related Products
5.14.1 Discouraged Activities: Registered Medical Practitioners (RMP) are actively discouraged from engaging in the promotion or endorsement of health-related products within their practice or across all media platforms. Such involvement may jeopardize their professional integrity, compromise patient well-being, affect the quality of care, infringe upon patient autonomy, and raise concerns about patient confidentiality.
5.14.2 Strict Constraints if Proceeding: Should any RMP wish to endorse any health-related products, it is essential that these products are evidence-based and have received approvals from regulatory authorities, such as the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) or Medical Device Authority.
5.14.3 Prohibition of Claims: Medical practitioners must refrain from making unsubstantiated claims or asserting that health-related products can "cure" specific diseases, as such practices can mislead the public and pose serious risks to patient health.

Digital Presence

Digital PresenceRef: Section 4.17

Clinic Websites and Homepages

Q: What information is allowed on my clinic's website or homepage?

The Short Version:

Your clinic website must be purely informative and simple. You cannot use it to boast or make laudatory remarks. All content must be pre-approved by the Medicines Advertisement Board.

View Official MMC Clause
4.17 Website and Homepage
Websites and homepages are accessible worldwide by anyone and are usually not security coded. As such, the information disseminated through electronic media has to be carefully designed and worded.
4.17.1 Informative and Simple: The information regarding healthcare facilities and services, registered medical practitioners (including names, photographs, qualifications, and specialties) must be informative and simple, without laudatory remarks.
4.17.2 Design Allowances: There are no restrictions on color, logos, and address of location.
4.17.3 Mandatory Approval: The contents must be submitted to the Medicines Advertisement Board (Lembaga Iklan Ubat) for prior approval before going live.
4.17.4 Social Media Limitations: Standard website rules apply differently than interactive social media platforms (refer to Section 6 for specific social media guidelines).

Events

EventsRef: Section 5.13

Public Forums

Q: Can I participate in public forums or town hall meetings?

The Short Version:

You can speak at public forums (like in shopping malls) as long as it benefits the public. However, the MC or organizer CANNOT use laudatory remarks to introduce you (e.g., 'the best doctor in town').

View Official MMC Clause
5.13 Public Forums
5.13.1 Private Facilities Allowed: Private health care facilities are known to conduct public forums either in their own hospital premises or in public places like shopping centres and malls. Medical practitioners are allowed to participate in public forums beneficial to the public at large provided they comply with the ethical guidelines laid down for lectures to the lay public.
5.13.2 Introductions: In introducing the medical practitioner(s) participating in these public forums, the organizer or chairman should be circumspect and avoid any laudatory remarks about the practitioner(s).

Facility

FacilityRef: Section 4.8

24-Hour Clinic

Q: What are the requirements for a clinic to be called a 24-hour clinic?

The Short Version:

Doctors must always be available. If on emergency, the nurse MUST inform patients, stop taking new ones, and direct them to the nearest clinic.

View Official MMC Clause
4.8 24-Hour Clinic
Notification of the availability of professional service for 24 hours should be on the doorplate pertaining to consultation hours.
Registered medical practitioners should be available at all times in the 24-Hour Clinic.
In the event that an emergency arises requiring the practitioner to be called away, the practitioner should instruct the clinic nurse to do the following:
4.8.1 to inform patients turning up that the doctor is away on emergency duty and is not available;
4.8.2 not to accept any new patients until the practitioner is back in the clinic: and
4.8.3 arrange for the patient to go to the nearest clinic for treatment.
FacilityRef: Section 4.9

Essential and Emergency Services Clinics/Facilities

Q: How should I advertise essential or life-saving medical services?

The Short Version:

Emergency/Maternity centers can list doctors and specialties in brochures to help the public. DO NOT promote individual skills!

View Official MMC Clause
4.9 Essential and Emergency Services Clinics/Facilities
For the ease of accessibility of essential and emergency services by members of the public, clinics and facilities, such as Surgical, Maternity, Accident & Emergency, and Rehabilitation Centres, are permitted to list names of doctors, credentials, registrable qualifications and field of approved specialty, in brochures.
Photographs of registered medical practitioners are allowed. Promotion of any individual practitioner's skills, knowledge and experience, is not allowed.

Mass Media

Mass MediaRef: Section 5.8

Broadcasting, TV, and Electronic Media

Q: What should I consider when participating in TV or radio broadcasts?

The Short Version:

You can participate in TV and radio programs, but you cannot use it to give yourself an advantage over other doctors. Be very careful discussing treatments; audiences might misunderstand and self-diagnose.

View Official MMC Clause
5.8 Broadcasting, TV and Electronic Media
5.8.1 Participation Allowance: Medical practitioners who possess the necessary knowledge and talent will be permitted to participate in programmes through radio, TV, and electronic media, provided they observe appropriate ethical standards and do not seek to place themselves in an advantageous position over their colleagues.
5.8.2 Caution on Disease Theory: Great caution is necessary in public discussion on theories and treatment of disease. Misleading interpretations may be formulated by an uninformed public, leading to subsequent embarrassment of the individual doctor and the individual patient.

Media

MediaRef: Section 5.4

Discussion on Mass and Social Media

Q: Can I participate in mass media discussions on medical topics?

The Short Version:

You can discuss healthcare topics online/on TV, but your advice MUST be evidence-based, scientific, and rational. No pseudo-science!

View Official MMC Clause
5.4 Discussion on the Mass and Social Media
Registered medical practitioners may discuss topics related to healthcare in the mass and social media, but must ensure that their discussions are evidence-based, scientific and rational.
MediaRef: Section 4.1

Photographs

Q: Can I use patient photographs in my marketing or publications?

The Short Version:

You cannot use patient photos without consent. Don't post photos of surgical procedures. Avoid photos that boast about your skills in the press.

View Official MMC Clause
4.1 Photographs
A practitioner's photograph and his designation may appear in connection with any interview or an article published in the lay press on professional subjects provided every reasonable precaution has been taken to ensure that such photographs do not draw attention to his professional skills.
Patient's photographs should not be allowed without their consent or the consent of their next-of-kin.
As a rule, photographs of practitioners performing surgical or investigational procedures on patients are not allowed.
MediaRef: Section 5.7

Press Interviews

Q: What should I keep in mind when giving press interviews?

The Short Version:

Avoid giving personal opinions on diseases to the press directly. Route interviews through an official association or hospital.

View Official MMC Clause
5.7 Press Interviews
5.7.1 Medical practitioners engaged in active medical or surgical practice should avoid giving interviews expounding their personal opinions on diseases and their treatment to reporters of the print, electronic or airwave media, except through an Association, an authorised organisation or institution. It may be more appropriate for the practitioner to refer the member of the press seeking the opinion to a respective professional or academic body or healthcare facility.
5.7.2 The responsibility for the contents of such interviews rests on the medical practitioner or the body mentioned above.

Physical Assets

Physical AssetsRef: Section 4.6

Banners

Q: What are the rules for using banners and buntings for my clinic?

The Short Version:

Only temporary banners for opening a new clinic are allowed (max 1 month before, remove 1 week after). Cannot advertise services or awards on banners!

View Official MMC Clause
4.6 Banner
A temporary banner to announce the opening of a new healthcare facility may be allowed for the purpose of public information provided it conforms to any local government requirement.
The size should conform to that allowed for a signboard.
It should not be displayed for a period longer than one (1) calendar month prior to the date of opening and should be removed within one week after the opening of the facility.
The banner is only permitted to be displayed at the entrance to the premise.
It should only contain the date of the opening and the name of the clinic or hospital.
Any other information is unethical. Banners of any dimension announcing services provided by the facility, including clinics and hospitals, or special equipment and diagnostic services, or any awards or recognitions, displayed outside the premises, are not permitted.
Physical AssetsRef: Section 4.3

Clinic Signboards

Q: What are the restrictions on clinic signboards?

The Short Version:

You can have a maximum of two signboards. The total size cannot exceed 3.0 square meters (approx 32 sq ft). They must serve simply as guidance, not as a tool to solicit patients.

View Official MMC Clause
4.3 Clinic Signboards
A signboard should serve to provide guidance and information about a clinic. It should not be used as a means for soliciting for patients. The use of a large signboard to indicate a medical practice is considered unethical in many parts of the world, but is prevalent in Malaysia to help patients locate a clinic. It is recommended their use continue, provided:
4.3.1 Quantity Limit: There shall not be more than two (2) signboards on the premises of the clinic to indicate the identity of the practice.
4.3.2 Illumination: Signboards may be illuminated in a style that is appropriate for a medical practice.
4.3.3 Size Constraints: The total size of the signboard or signboards (if there are two) shall not exceed 3.0 sq. meters.
4.3.4 Wall Painting: Where signs are painted on walls, the perimeter of the lettering shall not enclose an area in excess of those specified above.
4.3.5 Illegal Symbols: The use of the Red Crescent or Red Cross on any private medical premise is a contravention of the Geneva Convention and is illegal.
Physical AssetsRef: Section 4.4

Directory Sign Board in Commercial Complex

Q: Are directory signboards allowed in multi-storey buildings?

The Short Version:

If your clinic is in a mall, you can be listed in the lobby directory. You can show clinic name, doctors, qualifications, specialty, and hours.

View Official MMC Clause
4.4 Directory Sign Board in Commercial Complex
When the practice is within a commercial complex, there is no objection to the clinic name appearing in the general directory signboard in the lobby.
The name of the clinic, name(s) of registered medical practitioner(s), registrable qualifications, specialty and consultation days and times are permitted to be inscribed/written on such boards in commercial complexes in which the clinic is located.
Board(s) with only the name of the clinic and consultation hours, and with directional arrows leading to the clinic in multi- storey premises are allowed.
The dimension of the board should be appropriate.
Physical AssetsRef: Section 4.7

Name Plate / Doorplate

Q: What information can I include on my clinic's name plate?

The Short Version:

Must be plain and under 1 sq ft. Includes your name, qualifications, and consultation hours.

View Official MMC Clause
4.7 Name Plate/Doorplate
A name plate should be plain and not exceed 930.25 sq cm (1sq ft).
It may bear the practitioner's name, his approved registrable qualifications, and titles, if any.
The consultation hours should be indicated on the same name plate.
If there is more than one practitioner working in the same clinic, separate name plates will be permitted for each practitioner, and the above rules will also apply.
A visiting practitioner working in the clinic may have a name plate.
Physical AssetsRef: Section 4.5

Road Directional Signboard

Q: Can I put up road directional signs for my clinic?

The Short Version:

You can have directional signboards (45cm x 90cm, non-illuminated) leading from the main road if it complies with local council rules.

View Official MMC Clause
4.5 Road Directional Signboard
The use of directional signboard/s with the word "Clinic" and an arrow pointing in the direction of the clinic leading from the main road is permissible if it conforms to local government regulations.
The size of the signboard should be 45cm by 90cm. and should not be illuminated.
The name of the clinic may appear in such a directional signboard, which should be within the distance of one (1) km of the clinic on the main road and comply to local government regulations.
Directional signboard within the town or city is only permitted if the clinic is off the main road, and should comply with the guidelines as above.

Practice

PracticeRef: Section 5.10

Traditional & Complementary Medicine (T&CM)

Q: How do guidelines apply to Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM)?

The Short Version:

Do not promote unproven traditional products. If you practice traditional medicine, you must be registered with the TCM council.

View Official MMC Clause
5.10 Traditional & Complementary Medicine (T&CM)
The RMP should not be involved in the publicity of traditional/complementary medication, unless such products have been properly researched and found to be safe and efficacious.
In addition, any RMP wishing to practise TCM should be registered with the TCM council.

Print Media

Print MediaRef: Section 4.12

Family Practitioner/GP Clinics in Print Media

Q: Can general practitioners advertise in print media?

The Short Version:

GPs can publish their name, address, hours, and a MyKad-sized photo in print media. Content MUST be approved by the Medicines Advertisement Board.

View Official MMC Clause
4.12 Family Practitioner/General Practitioner Clinics in Print Media
The name, address, telephone numbers and consultation or opening hours of Family Practitioners/General Practitioners clinics may be published in the print media.
The registrable and recognised qualifications of the medical practitioner may be published after the name.
Photograph of the practitioner of 'MyKad' size is allowed.
Prior approval must be obtained from the Board on the material and the size and form of the information to be published.
Such announcements are permitted without restriction on their frequency of publication.
Print MediaRef: Section 4.16

Lay Press and Newspapers

Q: Can I write articles for the lay press or newspapers?

The Short Version:

You can publish information about your clinic's services in newspapers. You can use colors, photos, and logos, but the ad's size and content MUST be approved by the Medicines Advertisement Board.

View Official MMC Clause
4.16 Lay Press (Newspapers)
4.16.1 General Allowances: Licensed healthcare facilities may publicise in the lay press information on the services available, without restriction on frequency.
4.16.2 Design Freedom: There will be no restriction on the colours used, photographs, and logos of the facility.
4.16.3 Board Approval: The size of the information layout and the contents of the material have to be approved by the Medicines Advertisement Board (Lembaga Iklan Ubat).
4.16.4 Classified Constraints: Specifications may have to comply with those of standard Classified Advertisements.
Print MediaRef: Section 4.13

Pamphlets and Brochures

Q: Can I distribute pamphlets or brochures about my clinic's services?

The Short Version:

You can use whatever colors, photos, and logos you want in brochures, and hand them out freely—BUT the text inside must be pre-approved by the Medicines Advertisement Board.

View Official MMC Clause
4.13 Pamphlet and Brochure
4.13.1 Design Elements: There is no restriction on the colours, photographs and logos of the institution in pamphlets and brochures.
4.13.2 Content Approval: The contents shall be approved by the Medicines Advertisement Board (Lembaga Iklan Ubat) and the pamphlets/brochures are allowed to be distributed without restrictions.
Print MediaRef: Section 4.2

Professional Calling Cards and Letterheads

Q: What information is allowed on my professional calling card?

The Short Version:

Keep your business cards simple: Name, MMC/NSR number, approved qualifications, designation, and contact info. Do not put overly boastful awards unless approved.

View Official MMC Clause
4.2 Professional Calling Cards And Letterheads
4.2.1 Circumspection: Medical etiquette demands that medical practitioners be circumspect about their qualifications, awards, and honours when including these in their calling cards, letterheads, and rubber stamps. In cases of doubt, the practitioner should consult the Malaysian Medical Council before printing.
4.2.2 Allowed Information: The calling cards and letterheads should only contain:
1. Name of the practitioner
2. MMC number (and NSR number for specialists)
3. Registrable and approved professional qualifications as listed in the Fourth Schedule
4. Designation
5. State and national awards
6. Home and practice addresses, e-mail address, telephone and facsimile numbers.
4.2.3 Logos: Logos may be printed as long as they are appropriate for the medical practice, and are sensitive to religious, ethnic, and social sentiments.
4.2.4 Specialty Limit: A medical practitioner may claim to practise as a specialist in two registrable specialties, but this information should be available in only one and the same calling card.

Professionals

ProfessionalsRef: Section 5.1

Public Health Medical Officers

Q: What are the specific guidelines for public health officers?

The Short Version:

Public health officials can be publicized if it's for public duties, as long as it's not for personal advancement.

View Official MMC Clause
5.1 Public Health Medical Officers
Publicity is necessary in carrying out the duties of Medical Officers of Health and other medical practitioners who hold office in the public health or other public services.
Provided that this is not used for the individual's advancement in his profession, this may be rightly allowed.
ProfessionalsRef: Section 5.2

The Holding of Public Office

Q: Can I hold public office while practicing medicine?

The Short Version:

You can hold public office, but DO NOT use your political position to advertise yourself as a doctor.

View Official MMC Clause
5.2 The Holding of Public Office
The holding of public office by a medical practitioner is recognised as part of his right as a citizen in public life.
It is essential that the holding of public office is not used as a means of advertising himself as a doctor or his professional services.

Public Relations

Public RelationsRef: Section 5.3

Statements before the Public

Q: What are the rules for making public statements as a doctor?

The Short Version:

You can make public statements with authority, but absolutely avoid methods intended to get patients or promote yourself.

View Official MMC Clause
5.3 Statements before the Public
It is conceded that practitioners may make statements before the public with authority.
In so doing, the practitioner must avoid methods which could be fairly regarded as for the purpose of obtaining patients or otherwise promoting his own professional advantage.

Social Media

Social MediaRef: Section 6.1 - 6.7

Social Media, Internet & Emerging Technologies

Q: What are the rules for using social media as a medical professional?

The Short Version:

You can use social media, but DO NOT share patient info, DO NOT post offensive content, and DO NOT use it to advertise your services or solicit patients.

View Official MMC Clause
6. GUIDELINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA, THE INTERNET AND OTHER EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
The use of social media, the internet and other emerging technologies by registered medical practitioners is rapidly evolving. These technologies offer new opportunities to communicate with patients, colleagues and the public, but must be used in an ethical, evidence-based and professional way.
Key considerations for ethical and responsible use:
6.1 Adherence to Professional Standards: Always comply with the MMC Code of Professional Conduct when using social media. This code is as relevant online as it is in traditional medical settings.
6.2 Respect for Patient Privacy: Patient confidentiality is paramount. Refrain from sharing any patient-specific information on public platforms, especially if there is a chance of identifying the patient. Always be sensitive to privacy.
6.3 Transparency and Identifiability: Clearly identify yourself as a medical professional when discussing health topics online. Avoid actions that could reflect poorly on the profession.
6.4 Respectfulness Towards All Parties: Avoid sharing content or making statements that could be discriminatory or offensive, including being mindful of images posted.
6.5 Avoidance of Advertising: Direct or indirect advertising for personal gain, such as patient solicitation or self-promotion, is not appropriate on social media.
6.6 Awareness of Legal Obligations: Stay informed about laws governing digital technologies and remain vigilant about risks such as hacking or cyberbullying.
6.7 Commitment to Evidence-Based Information: Any health-related information shared publicly should be accurate, scientific, and evidence-based to uphold the credibility of the profession.

Speaking

SpeakingRef: Section 5.6

Lectures to Doctors

Q: Can I give lectures to other doctors and healthcare professionals?

The Short Version:

Organize talks only through professional bodies or hospitals. Do not let the press report unproven treatments you discussed with colleagues as public advice.

View Official MMC Clause
5.6 Lectures to Doctors
5.6.1 Medical practitioners may be in a position to educate their fellow colleagues, or present some new method of treatment or innovation. Such talks must be organised only through professional bodies or hospitals.
5.6.2 Information about such talks may be circulated through the professional bodies or hospitals only.
5.6.3 The practitioner must caution against any press reporting any unproven modalities of management or treatment such that it appears that he advocates such treatment to the public.
SpeakingRef: Section 5.5

Lectures to Lay Public

Q: What are the guidelines for giving medical lectures to the public?

The Short Version:

Speak freely, but tell the MC not to over-hype your skills. You CANNOT sell healthcare products or direct the audience to your clinic!

View Official MMC Clause
5.5 Lectures to Lay Public
5.5.1 A practitioner who proposes to deliver a lecture is required to request the chairman beforehand to be circumspect in any introductory remarks concerning his professional status or achievements.
5.5.2 When a press reporter is present, the practitioner must indicate that he does not desire any report of the talk to emphasise on any special skills or expertise of the practitioner.
5.5.3 Publicity about the lecture can be in any media to inform the public of the name and appointment of the speaker as well as the venue, date and time of the lecture. The place of practice of the speaker should not be published.
5.5.4 Doctors should be cautious on promotional activities, including the sale of healthcare related materials, door gifts of healthcare products, the availability of investigations at discounted rates, or directing persons present to the practitioner's place of practice.
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Legal Disclaimer

Lamanify is an independent marketing agency and is not affiliated with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC). We are not legal advisors. The guidelines presented here are direct, unaltered translations of the facts contained in the official MMC document, provided solely to ease understanding and compliance for medical practitioners. For complete and binding rules, always refer to the Official MMC PDF.

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