I thank you for addressing this super important topic in medicine - it is extremely important to address modernizing medicine and one that many young healthcare workers struggle to answer. My parents have often told me not to post anything on social media about healthcare and that I should do my best to remain neutral. Furthermore, I have even told me that my future patients won't find me approachable if they know my opinions on certain topics - including COVID or vaccines. Professors and healthcare administration will advise physicians and medical students not to engage in social media because residencies and hospitals may judge us on what we share, impacting our careers. And yet some physicians and healthcare workers are verbal on social media and active, encouraging others to also be active and help spread factual medical information. Looking at the situation, it seems as if there isn't a correct answer. Should we let our careers in medicine dictate how often we can share our opinions on social media or with the public? Are we responsible for the words we share online in the same way as we are for the medical education and information we share in the clinic or an appointment? When we post on social media, how can we clarify things being shared that are personal vs. what is shared and is medically accurate? The phrase Dr. Sevilla shared at the beginning of the talk struck me: "Physicians have an obligation to share information on social media." While not everyone may agree with this statement, Dr. Sevilla explained his point very well. Medical professionals have a new, unique opportunity to reach their communities and share information to help them through social media. When used correctly, social media can be a powerful tool to help spread medical information, dispute fraudulent medical information, and increase medical literacy. With this perspective, Dr. Sevilla seems to be addressing the ethical component of beneficence, or "doing good for the patient". In other terms, beneficence can also be thought of as medical practitioners having a moral duty to promote information on what they believe is in the best interest of their patients. Usually, we may think of this solely in the clinical or 1:1 setting where a patient is being counseled by his physician on the best treatment options, etc. However, by posting correct and updated information on social media, physicians and healthcare professionals are fulfilling their moral duty to share information on what they believe is in the best interest of their patients - their community. Helping spread correct and supportive healthcare information for everyone in the community is doing a great service to those communities and provides information to those who otherwise may not have seen it.
I think it can be controversial whether or not healthcare providers, specifically physicians, should have a presence on social media. And if they do, where is the line between personal and professional? I think it’s healthy to have that line separating personal and professional but the truth is that physicians are held to high standard and what we say and do personally can have lasting impacts on us professionally as well. Social media is a great tool and I have seen a lot of good come out of it including education. It is so hard to make sure the information you are finding on the internet is legit or fact checked but physicians can give their insight and in itself fact check the information based on their education and experiences. We have this power to educate as well as correct misinformation out there about certain issues like the ones mentioned above. This unique access to education has empowered a lot of patients to speak to their own doctors about specific matters and issues. I think as social media progresses and evolves so will the unspoken rules about etiquette and professionalism regarding this topic. However, I personally believe that it can be a great tool to use as a healthcare provider in order to educate and empower patients.
I cannot tell you how strongly I agree with your statement that medical professionals have the responsibility to be on social media. I am doing the same work as you for physical therapists. Dispelling myths is only one of the compelling reasons we all should be online and very visible. Thank you for this important message!
Nice TED Talk, the focus of patient care should really be focused on patient education and patient communication, which can be increased by using social media and video. Thank you for sharing.
You asked the audience "why" am I still having this conversation with families about autism and vaccines. You attribute it to the power of the internet and online social media. But, what about the continual rise in the incidence of autism? This is a fact, as you know. Is that not why you are still having this conversation with your patients?
