Louisville Medicine Volume 64, Issue 11 | Page 22

SOCIAL MEDIA AS A MEDICAL RESOURCE

Amber Shadoan

I

grew up in the time when technology was really making its big debut . I saw the beginning of household computers as a young child , and the popularity of games like “ Oregon Trail ” at school . At the time , the vast possibilities provided by technology were unfathomable . Through middle school , I saw the rise of more individualized computers ( rather than one for the entire family ), and by high school , social media websites such as “ Zynga ” had cropped up . This was an exciting new time for teenagers , as we were given our first real opportunity to speak to the world . Now , social media is not simply one website to express your thoughts , rather , it is a culture that has fundamentally changed the delivery of news , individual communications and the spread of popular ideas . Social media now comes with many negative connotations - the word bringing to mind spread of gossip , inaccurate information and celebrity news . However , I challenge you to see social media in a different light .
This time last year , I was in a grueling battle , one for medical school acceptance . Spending years working hard to become a strong candidate , trying to convince interviewers of my abilities had somehow left me questioning them myself . Upon receiving the news of my acceptance , I was elated . However , it wasn ’ t long until my excitement gave way to anxiety . I found myself wondering if I was good enough to be a someday doctor , wondering how much would be expected of me initially , and whether I could stand up to the enormous pressure everyone talks about . I finally turned to what is my generation ’ s go-to : the internet . I found my way to a blog created by the University of Louisville School of Medicine , where medical students at different stages wrote pieces about their experience . Reading from their perspective reminded me that they are just normal people , and that medical school is not some terrifying feat that only few make it out of . My anxiety diminished , and I was able to embark on a journey that continues to make me truly happy . Because I was able to find the support of other students whom I had yet even to meet , I was given the courage to move forward and believe in myself .
One of the great things about social media is that it is fluid . There is no defined boundary for what it should be . People can create a new platform whenever innovation strikes . A wonderful example of this is the relatively new app called “ Figure1 .” This is a social media construct that is designed for those in the medical profession to interact with each other about patient cases . Upon registration , you disclose your status as a medical student , physician , nurse or lay person . You then have access to a stream of photos uploaded by medical providers describing cases . Some upload photos to get advice on a case they are stumped on , allowing viewers to comment with their differential . Some professionals post photos simply for the educational benefit of others . This platform is fundamentally changing the way we learn and practice medicine .
Through TV shows and sometimes real life , physicians ’ egos have gained an unsavory reputation . We can be seen as too proud to ask for or accept the help of others in our field . Social media is helping to turn that opinion around by allowing doctors to show a bit of the good they do in a day — and ask for help when they need it .
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