Health

The Gruesome App That's Like Instagram for Doctors

Think: weird rashes, crazy x-rays, and other eye-popping ER images that docs share for diagnosis

by Erica Smith | COMMENT

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This is the age of Instagram. Where there's a meal/animal/sunset/skyline, there's a person whipping out a smartphone to snap, filter, and share it with friends.

Now, even healthcare professionals are jumping on the bandwagon with their own version of the app, called Figure 1. Created by Joshua Landy, MD, this free photo-sharing app is specifically designed for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare pros around the world to document interesting cases, learn more about specific conditions, and participate in discussions about the cases they see daily.

But unlike selfie-rampant Instagram, Figure 1 is all about anonymity in upholding doctor-patient confidentiality. The app automatically blocks out visible faces when a photo is uploaded, and has a special tool that allows users to remove any identifying characteristics, like tattoos. All the #nofilter uploads may seem cringe-worthy and gag-inducing to the average layperson, but for healthcare professionals, that bloody abscess and weird rash are just another day at the office.

Want to play doctor for a day? Click ahead to see what health professionals are posting and discussing on Figure 1. (Warning: If you're not a seasoned viewer of "House," proceed with caution ... some of these photos are graphic.)

SEE NEXT PAGE: Fig. 1

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