Doctors Use Social Media To Make Virtual House Calls

Few remember that doctors used to make house calls back in the 1940s and 1950s. But, the spirit of that service is still alive and well thanks to social media –– some doctors are embracing the online world and using it to connect to patients.

As expectant mom Kristi Francisco nears her due date, time with her obstretrician, Dr. Jeff Livingston, is at a premium. But, the Grapevine mother knows a way she can ask him a question anytime, anywhere.

“If my grocery store and my favorite restaurant is on Facebook, then my doctor should be as well,” Francisco said.

Dr. Livingston agrees. He’s one of only a few north Texas doctors who has embraced the social media world.

“If we want to make a connection, we need to talk to them in the way that they want to talk to us,” said Dr. Livingston.

In between delivering babies and seeing patients, Dr. Livingston hops onto the MacArthur OB/GYN Facebook and Twitter pages to answer questions posted by patients. One, for instance, asked how soon one can find out a baby’s gender. Another poster wanted to know if you can eat fish while pregnant.

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Scholarship in Memory of Dr. David Wollenman

Dr. David Wollenman was an icon for obstetrics and gynecology here in Irving, TX for over 33 years and brought over 7000 babies into this world. He brought cutting edge surgical techniques to Irving that he learned through experience and at continuing education programs. It was largely due to his influence that we have many of the continuing education goals and current practices here in Irving. He passed from this world last year in July after battling against an aggressive form of brain cancer. Because of his love for the Irving area, the medical field, continuing education and medical advancements, and just because of the person he was, MacArthur OB/GYN is honored to sponsor a scholarship in his memory.

The scholarship is awarded to an Irving ISD graduating senior with academic achievement with an emphasis in math and science and current or previous participation in a teen pregnancy program. This year, the scholarship was awarded to Elvira Mancillas of Nimitz High School.

Elvira, smiling big in the middle of the picture above, is standing here with some of the MacArthur group and Dr. Wollenman’s wife, one of his sons, and his two daughters. Elvira is more than deserving of this scholarship. She will be graduating in the top 15% of her class and plans on pursuing a career in nursing. Her goal is to become a maternity nurse. Elvira knows that goals don’t just happen, so she has a plan and is working hard to make her goal a reality. She plans on completing her prerequisites at Northlake and El-Centro before transferring to TWU to pursue her nursing degree. Elvira has taken Advanced Placement/Honors classes to help prepare for her upcoming education. She is a leader in school and has served as captain of her volleyball team. She has also been involved in track and field and in basketball. For those of you lucky enough to have known Dr. Wollenman, you know what a sports aficionado he always was… “I’m a homer,” he would always say when referencing his love for his local sports teams.

Elvira is one of eight children in her family and really understands what it means to work hard. Not only has she excelled in academics and athletics, but she has been able to hold a job in customer service relations for Pizza Hut. Having been her doctor, I can see how she’d be perfect in a job where people skills are needed. Elvira really is a people person and this will help her as a nurse. She says that perseverance is her main personal strength. I agree and think that she is just tougher than she looks. I took care of her and delivered her daughter just a little over a year ago. Elvira says that she did have to grow up quickly at age 17 when she had her baby girl. Undoubtedly she struggled, but she persevered, worked and is working hard, and has done so well for her and her daughter. I am really proud of her and was happy to hear that she was picked to receive this scholarship.

Dr. Wollenman is the reason I ended up here in Irving, so he has forever impacted my life. He was a mentor to me and to many, and I can’t say enough great things about him. I am so grateful to have known him. Also, I was fortunate to be Elvira’s doctor and deliver her baby. And I am proud of this wonderful young lady and am happy that our practice is helping her get a little closer to achieving her goals, while honoring Dr. John David Wollenman.