1. Do not fear social media
It’s an amazing tool for advancing the greater good. I believe the greatest problem with medicine is not the lack of available treatments, but rather, a lack of patient education. Both patients and doctors are starved of candid unfiltered information. Social media does real, real well.
2. Never post anything when angry
Never is a big word but it fits well here. Just don’t do it. A corollary: Do not post while neurologically impaired – I’ve said some really dumb things in the haze that encompasses one right after a bike race.
2. Never post anything when angry
Never is a big word but it fits well here. Just don’t do it. A corollary: Do not post while neurologically impaired – I’ve said some really dumb things in the haze that encompasses one right after a bike race.
3. Strive for accuracy
People will read what you post. I’ve written many times that blog posts are not journal articles, but that doesn’t mean you should get lazy with words.
3. Strive for accuracy
People will read what you post. I’ve written many times that blog posts are not journal articles, but that doesn’t mean you should get lazy with words.
4. When in doubt, pause. Sleep on it. Re-read it
Remember the permanency of digital media. You are a doctor, not a journalist. You have time.
5. Don't post anything that can indentify a patient
Changing details of the case is not enough. It’s especially important not to post in real-time. Avoid terms like, “this morning,” or “today.” Don’t underestimate privacy.
5. Don't post anything that can indentify a patient
Changing details of the case is not enough. It’s especially important not to post in real-time. Avoid terms like, “this morning,” or “today.” Don’t underestimate privacy.
6. Ask permission
If you want to write about a specific case, get permission from the patient.
7. Be respectful
Don’t say anything online that you wouldn’t say in person. If you are critical of someone pretend that you are going to run into him or her at a meeting next week. Put yourself in their shoes. Try to understand their position. You think they are conflicted; what about your conflicts?
8. Assume beneficence
I’ve been in healthcare for two decades and can testify that truly bad people are a rarity. Most of us aim to do what is right. Some say doctors are too protective of each other; but social media tempts one to toss stones. Resist that urge.
7. Be respectful
Don’t say anything online that you wouldn’t say in person. If you are critical of someone pretend that you are going to run into him or her at a meeting next week. Put yourself in their shoes. Try to understand their position. You think they are conflicted; what about your conflicts?
8. Assume beneficence
I’ve been in healthcare for two decades and can testify that truly bad people are a rarity. Most of us aim to do what is right. Some say doctors are too protective of each other; but social media tempts one to toss stones. Resist that urge.
9. Be careful "friending" patients online
I say careful because I don’t like rules. The lines here are blurry. My attempt at a solution is to have a DrJohnM Facebook page and a regular John page. I try to steer patients to the professional page. I am also a bit old-fashioned with Facebook. I try to avoid posting compromising stuff.
10. Educate yourself and ask questions
One of the best references for caregivers interested in learning more about social media is Kevin Pho’s new book “Establishing, Managing, and Protecting Your Online Reputation: A Social Media Guide for Physicians and Medical Practices.” Another nifty thing about social media is that many of the experts are approachable.
10. Educate yourself and ask questions
One of the best references for caregivers interested in learning more about social media is Kevin Pho’s new book “Establishing, Managing, and Protecting Your Online Reputation: A Social Media Guide for Physicians and Medical Practices.” Another nifty thing about social media is that many of the experts are approachable.
John Mandrola (@drjohnm; drjohnm.org) is a cardiac electrophysiologist practicing in Louisville Kentucky, USA.
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