Dr. Fran Haydanek who went from OB/GYN to TikTok Influencer

4 June 2024

Franziska Haydanek / SWNS

Dr. Fran Haydanek, a 37-year-old board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist based in Rochester, New York, is not just helping deliver babies and care for women’s reproductive health — she’s also going viral online. With over a million followers on TikTok, the physician has carved out a powerful space for herself as one of the most respected health influencers on the platform. And she’s doing it while still working part-time at Rochester Regional Health.

It all started in 2021, when Dr. Haydanek noticed a disturbing trend: people were increasingly turning to social media for medical advice and often getting it wrong. From myths about birth control to fearmongering around menopause, misinformation was everywhere. “It was shocking how much inaccurate content people were consuming and believing,” Dr. Haydanek said in an interview. “I knew I had to do something.”

She launched her TikTok channel under the username @pagingdrfran, and began creating short, engaging videos explaining topics like how Plan B works, the difference between yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, and what to really expect during menopause. Her tone was smart, friendly, and no-nonsense the exact blend of clinical credibility and realness that viewers were looking for.

Initially, the channel was just a side passion project. While working full-time and raising three children with her husband, she posted educational content whenever she found time. But by 2023, her videos were pulling in millions of views, and brands started reaching out. That’s when things shifted.

Dr. Haydanek joined the TikTok Creator Fund and began collaborating with reputable companies mostly health-related, including supplements, menstrual hygiene brands, and wellness platforms. According to reports, by mid-2025, her earnings from social media had surpassed her $300,000 annual salary as a physician. She now brings in income through a mix of ad revenue, partnerships, and digital courses.

“It felt surreal,” she admitted. “I worked for years to become a doctor. I never thought I could earn that same amount or more by talking about the same subjects online.” But for Dr. Haydanek, it’s not about fame or fortune. The impact she’s making is deeply personal.

Her content doesn’t just educate it empowers. Many of her followers are women who’ve felt dismissed or misinformed by the medical system. She uses her platform to explain symptoms, clarify treatment options, and demystify taboo subjects. “So many women are afraid to ask these questions in real life. Online, they feel safe. That means everything to me,” she said.

Her success online also means more flexibility offline. Dr. Haydanek has reduced her clinical hours and now spends more time with her kids. She’s paid off her medical school debt, built an emergency fund, and is investing in retirement earlier than expected. But she has no plans to leave medicine. “I’m still a doctor first. TikTok just allows me to extend my reach beyond the clinic.”

At a time when social media is flooded with unqualified health advice, professionals like Dr. Fran Haydanek offer a refreshing and essential voice of reason. Her journey shows how trusted medical professionals can adapt to the digital age, using platforms like TikTok not just to entertain, but to educate, debunk myths, and truly make a difference in people’s lives.