JoVE - Journal of Visualized Experiments
JoVE Visualize
Contact Us

The Impact of Social Media for Hand Surgeons: A Prevalence and Correlation Study With Online and Academic Reputations

  • 0Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online +

|

February 24, 2025

|

February 24, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Orthopedic and plastic hand surgeons active on social media generally receive higher online patient ratings. Increased social media presence correlates with more reviews and comments, boosting online visibility for surgeons.

Area Of Science

  • Medical specialties
  • Orthopedics
  • Plastic surgery
  • Digital health

Background

  • Physician online presence is increasingly important for patient perception.
  • The impact of social media on hand surgeons' online reputation and academic standing is not well understood.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the relationship between social media engagement and online patient ratings among orthopedic and plastic-trained hand surgeons.
  • To assess the association between social media activity and academic productivity (h-index) in these surgical subspecialties.

Main Methods

  • A cohort of orthopedic and plastic surgeons with hand surgery fellowship training was identified.
  • Social media activity, online ratings (Healthgrades, Google, Vitals), and h-index (Scopus) were systematically collected.
  • Surgeons were categorized based on social media presence, with the top 20% analyzed separately.

Main Results

  • Plastic surgeons exhibited higher social media activity than orthopedic surgeons.
  • A positive correlation was observed between active social media profiles and higher Healthgrades ratings.
  • Top social media users in both orthopedic and plastic surgery cohorts showed significantly better ratings and more online engagement compared to their peers.
  • Plastic surgeons using Twitter/X demonstrated a higher h-index.

Conclusions

  • Social media engagement positively influences surgeon online ratings, reviews, and comments.
  • Web-based marketing remains underutilized in hand surgery, particularly among orthopedic surgeons.
  • Encouraging strategic social media use may enhance surgeon visibility and patient perception.

Keywords: