Now is an exciting time at The Medical Blog Network. With the launch of featured columns we have been talking with many smart people about blogging with us. One question comes up more than often:

How can I get time to regularly write a blog?

The real question is where is the value of blogging? What is the reason and purpose for a busy (healthcare) professional to spend valuable time sitting down and writing? Where is the return?

I am not asking this question of blogging trailblaizers (all the couple hundred of them). They are early adopters, not typical of the most healthcare folks (sorry if I offended anyone).

OK, but what is the value of blogs to Dr. Main Street?

Of course there is an opportunity to build your professional reputation on the Internet (what is the first thing that comes up when people Google you?). Fame is great and can certainly further careers, but many would still call it a nice-to-have, not a must-have.

How about using blogs to put out your "pet peeves"?

Dr. Lamberts has a great post, entitled: "Risk vs. Danger - the bad side of empowered patients". The story is familiar: a patient finds something on the Internet, comes to the office with a printout and starts asking questions based on incomplete or erroneous information. Soon 10 out of 15 minutes for the visit are wasted and no one is happy.

But can you complain if you have not gotten YOUR story out?

Consider an action plan. Start a blog. At every day's end think of a patient encounter you wish would have gone different. Think of what you wish patient knew before he or she came in. Post it on your blog (stripping out private info, of course). Let your Internet-savvy patients know about the blog, before they visit you and ask them to read up on the "issues of the season". Watch your practice become more fun and become famous and more trusted to boot.

The Internet has made life of many docs more complicated but now you can return to the driver seat.

Blog is a powerful communication tool. Now it can support practice of medicine on Main Street. Sign up and get started.