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.
20 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE