Ranking, feedback, and other Web sites may offer patients insight into physician training and office practices... Physicians should consider doing routine surveillance  of their online presence by searching for their names, and they should correct inaccurate information."


On Googling patients: "Digitally tracking the personal behaviors of patients, such as determining whether they have indeed quit smoking or are maintaining a healthy diet, may threaten the trust needed for a strong patient–physician relationship. Commentators encourage physicians to consider the intent of the search, whether it affects continuing therapy for the patient, and how to appropriately document findings with implications for ongoing care."

And it cautions doctors to pause before they post controversial or negative content. Certainly good advice for everyone!