During the Activities of the "First Medical Awareness Day" at Benha National University: A "Educational Seminar" on Medical Rumors

Benha National University organized its "First Medical Awareness Day" with the aim of increasing awareness among its students. The day featured an "Educational Seminar" titled "Rumors, Prescriptions, and Wrong Medical Practices Spread Through Social Media: Challenges and Ways to Counteract Them." This was followed by the performance of the "White Coat Pledge" by the students of the medical faculties, a practice endorsed by the university as a means to instill respect for the honor of wearing the white coat and to ensure that future doctors and medical professionals uphold the rights and responsibilities associated with their profession.

Dr. Soheir Shaarawy, Vice President of the Board of Trustees at Benha National University, emphasized the university’s commitment to launching various seminars and awareness activities aimed at developing students' cognitive and practical skills while instilling university values. She pointed out the university's focus on launching the "First Medical Awareness Day" as a platform to deliver educational topics to students.

She further highlighted that the university continuously involves students in all activities related to these events, whether through media presentations, showcasing their artistic talents, or taking on organizational roles. This approach helps nurture student talents, fosters teamwork, and strengthens awareness about various social issues.

Dr. Gamal Sosa, Acting President of Benha National University, explained that the university launched "Medical Awareness Day" to contribute to shaping the awareness of students as part of its role in educating and preparing students while deepening their intellectual, scientific, and cultural capacities. He added that the university aims to prepare a knowledgeable, enlightened generation that is proud of its heritage, committed to building its future, and able to compete globally. To achieve this, the university regularly holds awareness seminars and events that shape the minds and values of its students.

Regarding medical rumors, Dr. Sosa mentioned the spread of numerous rumors during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, pointing out that the spread of misleading medical information online was faster than the spread of the virus itself. He noted that such misinformation can undermine efforts in public health, creating confusion and fear, and that the consequences could be life-threatening.

He also acknowledged that this challenge extends beyond the healthcare sector, as the spread of misleading information online encompasses various fields and poses a significant challenge in today’s digital age.

During his speech, Dr. Gamal Sosa announced the launch of a medical campaign to provide free health check-ups for students from several schools in Obour, focusing on dental and physical therapy services. This initiative is part of the university’s commitment to community engagement, providing support to local communities, and fostering social responsibility among students.

Dr. Mohamed Salah El-Badry, a member of the Health and Population Committee of the Senate, gave a lecture titled "The Role of Legislation in Combating Medical Rumors and Wrong Practices," in which he highlighted the state's efforts to combat TV programs offering misleading medical information to the public. He explained that while various media regulations exist, it is challenging to control such content completely, especially with broadcasting often originating from other countries.

Regarding telemedicine, Dr. El-Badry advised students not to offer medical diagnoses or prescriptions via phone or social media platforms, as doctors must physically examine patients to accurately diagnose their symptoms and avoid causing harm.

Dr. Osama El-Said, a media expert and editor at Al-Akhbar Newspaper, also delivered a lecture titled "Wrong Medical Practices on Social Media: The Chaos of Medical Programs and How to Combat It." He discussed the dangers of medical rumors on social media, describing the COVID-19 pandemic as a "double battle" where the world was not only fighting a virus but also an "information pandemic" spread through misleading content online. He highlighted that such rumors could cause serious harm to patients, even leading to death.

Dr. El-Said proposed solutions for addressing medical rumors, including promoting health media literacy, training doctors in effective communication, encouraging them to share credible content, and strengthening professional oversight and legislation.

The seminar saw high levels of student engagement and an open discussion with the attendees. At the conclusion of the "First Medical Awareness Day," Dr. Gamal Sosa, together with the students of the medical faculties (Medicine, Dentistry, and Physical Therapy), performed the "White Coat Pledge." The ceremony was attended by Dr. Soheir Shaarawy, Vice President of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Suleiman Mustafa, Acting Academic Vice President, Dr. Hossam Abdel-Azim, Acting Program Director at the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Samia El-Azb, Acting Program Director at the Faculty of Dentistry, Dr. Walid Talaat, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Therapy at Benha, and other faculty members, staff, and stakeholders from the university, along with distinguished guests from the dental profession.