In today’s digital age, health information is more accessible than ever. With just a few taps on a smartphone, quick online searches, and even artificial intelligence (AI) tools, some patients try to better understand what they are feeling before stepping into a clinic. For some patients, searching the web has become part of preparing for a medical consultation, helping them better understand their symptoms and ask informed questions.
According to Dr. Larry Sembrano, a family medicine doctor, having prior knowledge about one’s symptoms through online research is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, he sees it as complementary to professional healthcare.
“Actually maganda yon [paggamit ng AI] kasi complementary naman.,” Dr. Sembrano said during a press conference. “Ang madadagdag ko lang doon… puro theoretical [iyon] pero siyempre iba yung experience ng doktor e. Sometimes iba yung theory, saka yung clinical ay iba rin.”
While online resources may provide theoretical knowledge about diseases and symptoms, Dr. Sembrano emphasized that medical practice relies heavily on clinical experience and professional assessment. Information found online can guide patients, but it cannot replace the expertise developed through years of practice.
Dr. Sembrano also pointed out the limitations of online consultations and self-diagnosis. He explained that a physical examination remains essential in many cases.
“Kaya nga yung pag minsan… [sa] Messenger, may mga nagpapa-consult sa akin… Pero maganda pa rin kasi [kapag] may physical exam ka. Iba e!,” he explained. “Pag minsan nag-uubo ka tapos… sabihin magaan lang, pero pag-consult ko sa ‘yo, pag in-auscultate mo meron… sound na maririnig. So hindi lang siya basta-basta na ubo. So ano na pala: bronchitis and pneumonia.”
For example, symptoms that may appear mild to patients—such as a common cough—could reveal more serious underlying conditions when examined by a doctor through physical assessment, including listening to lung sounds using medical instruments. What seems like an ordinary cough could turn out to be bronchitis or even pneumonia.
Despite the abundance of medical information available online, Dr. Sembrano stressed that patients should avoid relying solely on internet searches for diagnosis or treatment.
“So sa akin, okay yon. Complementary, but you cannot totally rely on it. Iba yung clinical eye pa rin ng doktor,” he said.
Ultimately, while online health information can empower patients and encourage awareness, experts remind the public that digital knowledge should serve only as a guide—not a substitute for professional medical care. As Dr. Sembrano emphasized, “[The] best pa rin is to see a doctor pero… wala namang harm na meron kang knowledge beforehand. Pero kasi, iba pa rin yung nakita ka [at na-physical exam] ka ng doctor.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Sembrano is set to launch his newest project, ‘Itanong Natin Kay Dok Larry’, a sitcom-style medical series designed to bring health education closer to the public through short, comedic episodes running approximately 30 minutes each.
The series’ first eight episodes will focus on common illnesses in the Philippines, including dengue, pneumonia, asthma, diabetes, and animal bites. Dr. Sembrano also joins the cast, where he plays a doctor, alongside Divine Villareal, Enki Gray, Tabs Sumulong, and others, under the direction of Roman Perez Jr. The show will premiere on its official YouTube channel on June 13.
TATAK MNL 
Leave a comment