Social Media: A Primer for Physicians
Written for FlipMD
I used to think social media was not a place for a physician to be. The thought of putting my professional self on the internet seemed like a way to possibly tarnish a reputation I was still trying to build. However, as time goes on and our use of social media grows, I’ve learned that it can be an essential tool for education, advocacy, research, and making connections—especially right now amid the isolation from the COVID-19 pandemic.
From a 2021 survey, the Pew Research Center estimates that 7 in 10 Americans use at least one social media account, with specific platforms growing more quickly than others. Based on their research, the top two most used social media platforms are Youtube and Facebook, with Instagram coming in third place. Other platforms with lower usage include LinkedIn, Twitter, and the increasingly popular TikTok.
With so many options out there, how do you get started toward reaching your personal and professional goals?