Dr. Shazma Mithani

Health information today spreads through algorithms, influencers and viral trends. In this environment, attention often drives what people believe more than evidence does. As a result, misinformation can spread rapidly, shaping health behaviours and influencing how people interact with the healthcare system. In this keynote, emergency physician Dr. Shazma Mithani explores how the modern attention economy influences the way health information is produced, shared and consumed. Drawing on examples from viral health trends and real-world patient encounters, she explains why misleading health claims can gain traction online and why credible medical evidence often struggles to compete. This talk helps audiences better understand the forces shaping today’s health information landscape and offers practical strategies for identifying credible information and navigating health advice in a digital world. Learning Outcomes: • Understand how social media algorithms and online platforms shape health information • Recognize why misinformation spreads quickly in digital environments • Identify common characteristics of misleading health claims • Develop strategies to critically evaluate health information online

Trust is one of the most important foundations of healthcare. Yet in recent years, public trust in health institutions and medical information has been challenged by misinformation, conflicting information and increasing system pressures. In this keynote, Dr. Mithani examines the factors contributing to the growing trust gap in healthcare. Drawing on her experience as an emergency physician and health communicator, she explores how communication, transparency and health literacy shape the relationship between patients and healthcare professionals. This talk provides a thoughtful look at how trust is built, how it can be lost and what healthcare professionals, leaders and institutions can do to strengthen trust with patients and communities. Learning Outcomes: • Understand the factors influencing trust in healthcare institutions and professionals • Recognize how misinformation and communication gaps contribute to mistrust • Identify strategies to strengthen patient-provider relationships • Explore ways healthcare systems can communicate more effectively with the public

Health literacy plays a critical role in how people make decisions about their health. When patients struggle to understand health information, it can affect treatment decisions, adherence to medical advice and when or where people seek care. In this talk, Dr. Mithani explores how health literacy influences patient outcomes and healthcare utilization. Drawing on examples from emergency medicine, she illustrates how gaps in understanding can shape patient experiences and contribute to system pressures. This session highlights the importance of clear communication in healthcare and explores how individuals, healthcare professionals and institutions can help improve health literacy across communities. Learning Outcomes: • Understand the concept of health literacy and its impact on health outcomes • Recognize how health literacy affects patient decision-making and healthcare utilization • Identify barriers that prevent people from understanding health information • Explore strategies to communicate health information more clearly and effectively

Healthcare professionals occupy a unique position of trust in society. Increasingly, they are also being called upon to engage in public conversations about healthcare policy, medical misinformation and the realities of modern healthcare systems. Yet many clinicians struggle with how to participate in these conversations responsibly. Questions about professionalism, institutional expectations and digital communication can make public engagement feel uncertain or risky. In this talk, emergency physician Dr. Shazma Mithani explores the evolving role of physicians as communicators and advocates. Drawing on her experience in emergency medicine, organized medicine and public health communication, she examines why physician voices matter in shaping public understanding of health and healthcare systems. This session provides practical insights into how healthcare professionals can contribute to public dialogue while maintaining professional standards, navigating digital platforms responsibly and strengthening trust with patients and communities. Learning Outcomes: • Understand the evolving role of physicians in public communication and advocacy • Recognize the opportunities and challenges of engaging with media and social media as healthcare professionals • Identify strategies for communicating evidence clearly to public audiences • Explore ways clinicians can responsibly contribute to public conversations about healthcare policy and misinformation • Develop approaches to maintaining professionalism while participating in public dialogue