Allergies, Social Media, and Dispelling Misinformation with Dr. Zachary Rubin

In this special episode of The Immune Edit Podcast, Dr. Doug Jones sits down with Dr. Zachary Rubin—pediatric allergist, social media star with over 4 million followers, and author of the upcoming book All About Allergies. They discuss Dr. Rubin's journey into allergy/immunology, the origin of his viral hula-hooping content, fighting widespread misinformation online, rebuilding public trust in healthcare, and practical advice for patients navigating allergies.

Introductions and Background

Dr. Doug Jones: Welcome today we have a very special guest. I'm excited to have Dr. Zach Rubin with us. Zach, you and I have known each other for a few years now, right?

Dr. Zachary Rubin: Yeah, we've met in person at different conferences and chatted on the sidelines for a long time. You've been a mentor of mine for OIT—it's been really awesome getting to know you.

Dr. Doug Jones: It's been great watching you evolve as social media merges with healthcare. You're obviously a big personality—why don't you introduce yourself, your background, training, and what you're doing now in the Chicagoland area.

Dr. Zachary Rubin: I grew up in the Chicagoland area. I went to medical school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, did my pediatrics residency at University of Illinois in Chicago, and completed my allergy/immunology fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis. I finished right as the pandemic started, so I had to figure out how to grow a practice when everything was shut down. I turned to social media and saw the tremendous amount of misinformation—not just about COVID, but also food allergies, unproven tests, and treatments where nuance is lost. I started on Twitter, then expanded to TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube—sharing evidence-based information, doing some silly hula hooping, and giving physician perspective on patient stories. Slowly but surely, I've grown to over four million followers and have a book coming out called *All About Allergies*.

The Origin of the Hula Hoop Content

Dr. Doug Jones: When did you start hula hooping? Childhood passion or pandemic boredom?

Dr. Zachary Rubin: It started when I was about nine years old at bar mitzvah parties with hula hoop contests. I was terrible, so my mom bought me two green hula hoops. I taught myself for hours in the basement and became the kid who dominated those contests. I kept it hidden for many years until the pandemic. Everyone was dancing on TikTok—I thought, "Why don't I hula hoop?" Especially as a male doctor with a bow tie. It became a spectacle I pepper into my content to bring levity and show that if you put your mind to something, you can accomplish surprising things.

Social Media, Breaking Barriers, and Fighting Misinformation

Dr. Zachary Rubin: The hula hoop also helps break down barriers. Doctors are often seen as inaccessible on an ivory tower. By being goofy and silly, when new patients come in who follow me, we've already established rapport and trust before I walk in the door.

Dr. Doug Jones: I love that it started from genuine passion. Find that within you, develop it unapologetically—that's what makes you unique.

Dr. Zachary Rubin: The more time and effort you put into something, the more likely you succeed. Don't copy someone else—find what's uniquely you.

Challenges in Healthcare and Rebuilding Public Trust

Dr. Doug Jones: As doctors, we face major challenges: government, insurance, and influencers spreading misinformation. What do you see personally and globally?

Dr. Zachary Rubin: The biggest challenge is public trust—at an all-time low. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed systemic problems in communication. Early messaging was rushed and lacked humility when knowledge evolved. Politicians and influencers capitalized on that, leading to decreased vaccine uptake and increased distrust.

Additional burdens include:- Diminishing reimbursements- Rising costs (syringes, staff)- Prior authorizations (unpaid time)- Corporatized healthcare and private equity- Administrative overload leading to burnout

Final Advice: Zach Rubin's Top Edits for the Public

Dr. Doug Jones: As you see vast amounts of misinformation, what are your top 2–3 edits the public could make to calm down, trust more, and know who to trust?

Dr. Zachary Rubin:- Verify before you amplify. Check credentials, biography, and expertise before sharing.- Turn to reputable medical societies (ACAAI, AAAAI, AAP) for evidence-based guidelines.- Be cautious online—many accounts are bots or paid trolls.

Closing Thoughts

Dr. Doug Jones: Thank you so much for your time today. It's been awesome catching up, and I'm looking forward to your book launch. Keep doing what you're doing—you're making a huge impact.

Dr. Zachary Rubin: Likewise. It's an honor to work with you as a colleague and friend.

Thank you for tuning in to The Immune Edit. This show is separate from my clinical practice at Global Allergy Immune Network and is for educational purposes only—not a substitute for professional medical care.

Listen to the Full Episode

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Disclaimer: This show is separate from my clinical practice at Global Allergy Immune Network. The opinions expressed are those of the host and guests. This show is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you need help, seek a qualified healthcare practitioner.

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