It’s the age of medical disconnect. The disconnect describes the emotional and intellectual detachment that physicians feel from their patients and patients from their doctors. This disconnect is the result of a confluence of factors, some from within the profession itself, others are more broadly social and economic. To understand the disconnect you need look ... Continue Reading about The Disconnect
Doctors with Purple Hair
It's July 1st, a time of year when third year American medical students take the step from auditorium to clinic. It's a time of sorting out. Every medical school deals with their share of students appearing on clinical clerkships showcasing their unique brand of personal expression. Meetings ensue. The argument is always the same: 'I can be a good doctor with ... Continue Reading about Doctors with Purple Hair
The 21st Century Physician Spokesperson
I spoke with a physician friend recently about an offer to serve as a spokesperson for a small nutrition company. After getting off the phone I thought about the future of the physician spokesperson. I can't help but think that the way it's been done for a couple of generations is now out of synch with the way the world shares information. Company hires PR firm. ... Continue Reading about The 21st Century Physician Spokesperson
Should Twitter be Restricted at Scientific Meetings?
This NCI Cancer Bulletin article on the use of social media at this week's American Society of Clinical Oncology is worth reading. It showcases how a major medical organization sees social media unfolding at a national meeting. I’ll be following #ASCO11 closely where some sources predict the Tweet count could reach 10-15,000. What caught my eye was discussion ... Continue Reading about Should Twitter be Restricted at Scientific Meetings?
Unprofessional Physician Behavior on Twitter
I woke up this morning to a couple of DMs from physicians alerting me to the Twitter thread seen below (tweets read bottom to top). Is it unprofessional? Decide for yourself. Whether you change details or not, the use of the social space at the comical expense of those we’re called to treat is irresponsible. While the detailed depiction of the patient's problem ... Continue Reading about Unprofessional Physician Behavior on Twitter
Twitter and Medical Meeting Vendors
I've been to several major medical meetings recently and Twitter is beginning to see traction. Slowly but surely Twitter hashtag use among doctors at meetings is growing. The meeting vendors are there, too. I attended AGA/Digestive Disease Week this week and I have been unimpressed with the attempts of vendors to participate in the back channel. Those trying seem ... Continue Reading about Twitter and Medical Meeting Vendors