5min Life Videopedia may appear like another of the million YouTube clones on the Internet. It, however, distinguishes itself from its competitors by focusing on brief instructional videos. The site builds on two premises: 1) “everybody is an expert in something and has something to teach others”; and 2) “any solution can be visually explained in no more than 5 minutes.” As a result, we have a great online video resource where users can provide or find answers to practical questions in a few short minutes.

The site has a Health category, which features informative health-related videos geared for the general public. The category addresses a breadth of topics, ranging from cardiology and dermatology to nutrition and first-aid. Some video clips demonstrate adult CPR, teach massage techniques, and discuss diverse medical issues (e.g., testicular pain, Golfer’s elbow, seizures in children, dealing with colic). There is also a section dedicated to performing self-exams, such as the testicular and breast exams.

Having launched only a few months ago, 5min is relatively new, yet its video catalog is quite impressive. As of today, the user affiliated with DrMDK.com, a pediatrics website, is the largest overall contributor to 5min (329 uploads) and its Health category (209 uploads). Most of the videos simply consist of pediatricians briefly speaking about a topic before a camera, which makes the thought of creating such videos less daunting. Teaching physicians, who are accustomed to engaging in lengthy discourse in their fields of interest, should have no problem.