How do you vet Experts?

• We define vetting as our review of the information provided to us, specifically the qualifications outlined in the Expert application. This includes: credentials, their online presence (website, social media, etc. to review at a high level to ensure it doesn’t violate our code of conduct with anything violent, sexist, harmful, etc.), and the category an expert chooses to apply to, etc. Other sources are not consulted. We vet to establish that the qualifications of Experts meet our minimum threshold to speak with expertise in their respective categories. These thresholds will evolve over time.
• Our vetting is focused on the above items. We are not legally or otherwise responsible for what an Expert puts out on this platform, however, our processes for dealing with harassment and misinformation involve community participation, and we will work together to mitigate issues that may arise.

Our Process is as follows:

• Expert submits an application through the platform (either when onboarding or through the Settings tab), which we receive in the administrative portal.
• Expert applies to one Category that they feel best represents their level of expertise, and states the credentials that allow them to be an Expert in that area (a list of Categories and related credentials can be found here, but are also on the website and within the app).
  • If they are an Expert in more than one Category, they choose the one they prefer the most, and the other ones can be listed in their title and/or profile bio.
• We establish that the professional has met the minimum credentials/criteria to speak with expertise in their chosen category.
• We have a comprehensive and transparent list of what certifications/qualifications we consider to be relevant to be considered as an Expert in each category. This list will continue to be refined with input from our Experts.
  • This list can be found on our website and on the app under the Settings tab.
• We provide a place for Users and Experts to submit new certifications or standards that they feel should also be considered as minimum criteria for Expertise.
• We also review their online presence through their website and social media accounts to ensure nothing goes against our code of conduct (e.g., nothing harmful to others, racist, sexist, etc.)
• We then message through the social media account provided, to confirm the Expert is the owner of the account.
• We then notify the Expert that they are now considered an Expert on the platform, they will be labelled as such, and in addition to posting content as Experts, they can also run live chats “GoodTalks” if they’d like.
• We will work to amend this process over time with the help of Experts and the overall community.

What to include on your application?

To make the Expert application process seamless, make sure to fill in all of the information accurately and include your credentials, website, and social media. When filling out your Expert application, we ask that you include the following on the application itself or link to your website and/or social media where we can find the following information:

• Medical background (degree, certificate, qualification), degree(s) (MD, Bachelor, PhD., Diploma, Masters, Residency, etc.), and/or certification(s) program you possess.
• The number of years of training/expertise that you have in your field(s).
• Membership in association(s),organization(s) and/or specialized groups

How do I apply to be an Expert once already signed up as a User?

To change from User to Expert, go to Settings > Account, and complete the Expert application.