Twelve tips for using social media as a medical educator

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Medical Education
• Professionalism

Background:

• Social networking sites are integral to modern life, used by over half of adults for personal and professional engagement.
• Health professionals and trainees must navigate the digital world, balancing risks and opportunities in social media use.
• Professionalism lapses on social media can have severe consequences, necessitating guidance for safe and effective engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide best practice tips for health professions educators, trainees, and students.
• To establish a framework for navigating the digital world while upholding professional values.
• To enhance the use of social media for professional development and education.

Main Methods:

• Synthesizing current evidence and policies.
• Incorporating authors' practical experiences.
• Developing actionable guidance for social media use.

Main Results:

• Practical tips facilitate entry into social media for newcomers.
• Users can successfully contribute, engage, learn, and teach on social platforms.
• Professional behaviors can be modeled effectively through social media engagement.

Conclusions:

• Social media offers significant opportunities for health professionals and trainees.
• Adhering to best practices promotes professionalism and enhances learning.
• Navigating social media requires a proactive approach to maximize benefits and mitigate risks.