Hi HIFA Members,
This group often discusses interesting and novel ways to address challenging issues. Has anyone used engaging social media (SM) to disseminate accurate information and call out disinformation? A US physician (ophthalmologist by trade) on Instagram https://linktr.ee/dr.glaucomflecken presents and corrects medically-related facts in a humorous, engaging way and has received wide acclaim, including from Elizabeth Warren, venerable liberal US Senator who appeared as his guest to discuss current issues with US healthcare. He also discusses recent important research results in a conversational way, making them much more compelling and easier to digest and remember.
His posts are much more viral (in the SM sense) than the usual dry public health information. Most young people, at least in the US, spend more time on SM than other possible news sources (not that SM is usually a good source), so it’s a way to reach a wider audience, if the posts are engaging enough to hold and attract viewers. He recently posted about how physicians can use SM to reach a larger audience https://www.instagram.com/p/DVeD3XeEgF9/?img_index=1 . As he puts it, "Why not put your expertise to good use and be a beacon of accuracy in a sea of dubious health advice?" (I haven't contacted him and I have no affiliation with him, but I imagine he would be pleased to be contacted by this important group.)
Is that something you’ve discussed or would consider discussing as a way to reach a broader audience?
Best wishes,
Margaret
Margaret Winker, MD
eLearning Program Director
Trustee
World Association of Medical Editors
***
wame.org
WAME eLearning Program
@WAME_editors
www.facebook.com/WAMEmembers
HIFA profile: Margaret Winker is Trustee and Past President of the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) and Director of the WAME eLearning Program. She is based in the US. Professional interests: WAME is a global association of editors of peer-reviewed medical journals who seek to foster cooperation and communication among editors, improve editorial standards, promote professionalism in medical editing through education, self-criticism, and self-regulation, and encourage research on the principles and practice of medical editing. margaretwinker AT gmail.com