DIY Or Die Trying? Why Ontario Doctors Are Sounding The Alarm On Self-Diagnosis Culture

Across Ontario, a worrying trend is emerging: more and more people are bypassing professional medical advice and turning to social media, restrictive diets, and herbal remedies to treat everything from skin conditions to chronic disease. But according to the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), this surge in DIY medicine is doing more harm than good—and it’s prompting doctors to speak out.

“People aren’t intentionally avoiding care—they’re frustrated with the system,” says Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman, President of the Ontario Medical Association. “More than 2.5 million Ontarians don’t have a family doctor. It’s no wonder they’re turning to TikTok or Reddit for answers.”

To better understand this shift, the OMA recently hosted a virtual media briefing featuring leading Ontario physicians from across disciplines, including endocrinology, psychiatry, and oncology. Together, they explored the consequences of self-treatment and the critical need for accessible, evidence-based care.

“We’re seeing patients delay care for infections, mental health issues, even cancer, often after trying online suggestions that don’t work—or worse, cause harm,” says Dr. Abdurrahman. “One of the most troubling outcomes is when someone finally does seek help, and their condition has progressed to a point where treatment becomes more complex or invasive.”

While the movement toward self-management may stem from genuine attempts to take control of personal health, misinformation is rampant. “Social media has become an informal consultation room,” says Dr. Abdurrahman. “But what seems like harmless advice—whether it’s a trending supplement or a DIY hormone cleanse—can interfere with prescribed medications or mask more serious issues.”

Trust in the system, she acknowledges, has eroded. “And that mistrust is valid. Long wait times and a shortage of physicians have left people feeling unheard,” she says. But the solution isn’t to self-diagnose—it’s to advocate for systemic improvements and build care teams that patients can rely on.

The OMA is calling for greater access to longitudinal care, where patients can build lasting relationships with medical professionals, and for expanded team-based care models to help bridge the current gaps.

“We’re not here to scold people for trying to manage their health,” says Dr. Abdurrahman. “We’re here to guide them toward safe, effective care—even if that starts with a virtual clinic instead of a family doctor. Your health is too important to leave in the hands of the algorithm.”

Her advice to those considering DIY routes: be transparent with your doctor about anything you’re trying, from supplements to meditation techniques. “Complementary therapies aren’t off the table, but they need to be integrated safely into your care,” she explains.

Ultimately, Dr. Abdurrahman believes trust is rebuilt not through judgment, but through consistent, compassionate action: “Patients deserve to feel heard, respected, and supported. It’s on us to make that happen.” —Noa Nichol