The new generation of physicians is savvy in the use of multiple social media platforms, and these platforms can be harnessed as tools for medical education.
In a recent study published in the journal Gastroenterology, Ryan Madanick, MD, of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill, offered 12 tips to integrate social media into medical education.
1. Identify goals for using social media.
2. Select a particular social media tool based on these goals.
3. Establish a level of comfort with the platform, and then begin contributing.
4. Create connections in the social community.
5. Understand and apply social media guidelines.
6. Build your own guiding principles.
7. Always ensure all patient information is private.
8. Carefully handle "friend" request from trainees.
9. Share credible information.
10. Engage, learn and teach on your chosen platform.
11. Research and expand your professional network.
12. Use social media to mentor and be mentored.