It’s becoming increasingly important for medical professionals to combat the horrifically inaccurate conjectures circulating in the media. Whether you’re a student, physician, nurse, therapist, technician, or anyone else in healthcare, social media is the way of the future. It’s how you’ll connect with your patients, market your services, and disseminate your expert opinions among the masses.
I’ve had potential employers discover my social media and asked me to delve deeper into something I shared or created. In the last year alone, multiple strangers say: “Hey, are you that Rishi? I follow your blog!” Its been a great way to break the ice and start conversations. Plus it gives people who are otherwise strangers some insight about who I am, what I like, and my perspectives. 🙂
These days when I peruse social media, I’m accustomed to finding users who have chosen the route of anonymity (especially during interview season). Often times these are the same accounts which publish content of questionable professionalism. Then again, that’s the beauty of being anonymous, right? With no regard for the consequences of what one actually shares, one can vent about their employer, argue incessantly, post egregious commentary, and the like.
So what’s my point? Aim to associate professionalism with an identity. It’s the perfect opportunity to build your digital voice and gain a following of patients and colleagues with whom you’ll not only learn from but also build the pillars of your healthcare foundation.
When I connect with people across social media, it’s so much nicer when I can associate them with a name and face. Something as simple as that has profound implications in being able to trust people. Instead of “oh, some third year medical student”, I know I’m talking to John Smith, a third year from medical school ‘x’ interested in the field of ‘y’ who enjoys hobbies ‘a’, ‘b’, and ‘c.’
Yes it’s possible to share and curate quality content from an anonymous profile, but there’s so much more value in putting a face to your efforts. 🙂
I’d love to know your thoughts on the merits or drawbacks to anonymity. Drop me a comment below!
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