When social media was making its meteoric rise a decade ago, physician social media disasters were exhibit A for why you need to remain silent and stay offline. As a result, early social media training in hospitals was made up of endless strings of doctor-as-jackass screenshots intended to scare residents straight. But the idea of Twitter as a place where good ... Continue Reading about The Value of Physician Social Media Disasters
The Fate of Fired Cleveland Clinic Resident Lara Kollab
Cleveland Clinic resident Lara Kollab was terminated last week after a trail of anti-semitic social media posts were identified under her name. In a statement issued yesterday with her lawyer, she issued a formal apology. MedTwitter has reflected a variety sentiments about the case, some of which are sympathetic and suggest that she deserves a second chance. But ... Continue Reading about The Fate of Fired Cleveland Clinic Resident Lara Kollab
Should We Screen Doctors for Social Judgment?
It’s a recurring story that played itself out again recently. A medical student takes pictures of a patient and posts them on Facebook. This time the alleged victim is an inebriated supermodel and the student, one who defied direct orders to cease and desist. The result is a $1.5m lawsuit, an embarrassed institution, a ruined career, and most importantly, a patient ... Continue Reading about Should We Screen Doctors for Social Judgment?
What Should Medical Students Know About Social Media?
As you may or may not know, I am responsible for fashioning a new curriculum in digital literacy and professionalism for medical students at Baylor College of Medicine. I’ll offer more details over the coming weeks. Until then, I need your help. Concerning digital communication tools and the growing public space for dialog, what the things that you believe a ... Continue Reading about What Should Medical Students Know About Social Media?
Role Models and Digital Professionalism
When you watch and listen to thousands of doctors talking, creating, curating and commenting, you’ll find that there those who maintain their presence with remarkable balance and equanimity. They talk to the point of being human but never to the point of being inhumane. They’re open enough that they’re different. They share to a degree that doesn’t represent ... Continue Reading about Role Models and Digital Professionalism
Death of the Digital Physician
I use the term digital physician to describe doctors in the context of changing patterns of work and thought. We're doing more with digital tools. The tools are redefining us. Right now we worry about all the bad things that come from our digital transition. Careers will be built confirming the tired bias that the internet is a place where good doctors go to ... Continue Reading about Death of the Digital Physician