License temporarily suspended, long story, but basically vindicated, and awaiting some formalities for return of license, but the process can be slooowwww. In the meanwhile, well-informed on coronavirus and people are asking all kinds of general medical questions, for instance about epidemiology, rates of false-positive testing, societal implications, what's the best governmental response – etc. I was thinking of doing a type of virtual public speaking, e.g. Instagram or Facebook, and take questions, without engaging specifically to treat any individual. Obviously there's always some liability, what's the liability here? Is this "practicing medicine"?
Try asking your medical malpractice carrier. Their definition of what constitutes practicing medicine may be the most relevant, and whether speaking at events like the ones you want to speak at is covered by your insurance policy.
Ask the state medical board.
I would certainly think you could not hold yourself out as a licensed physician until the licensing issue is actually cleared up. Lots of people are out their giving advice, qualified to do so and not, so you can offer what you want but do not mislead people that it is coming from a licensed physician until that status is restored. I honestly do not know whether it is "legally" practicing medicine any more than if I lecture is that practicing law without taking the time to do more research. (BTW, re-directing your question to the Bd. of Registration in Medicine may give you a more definitive answer). At minimum, ethically and morally it is "practicing" if people will rely upon it and look to me as an expert. What we don't form answering these questions is attorney-client relationships, and neither will you form doctor-patient relationships, but I consider it "practicing law" to answer questions given the possibility of detrimental reliance.
