Study results reveal potential ways to leverage social media to benefit your career.

Within ophthalmology, social media is flourishing as a space for patients, physicians and trainees to connect outside the walls of clinic. Our recent survey study¹ on social media use among trainees and practicing ophthalmologists found that 94% of respondents used social media professionally and 64% spent at least 1 hour daily on social media.

With so much of our time spent online, it’s no wonder that social media is emerging as a powerful tool for both personal and professional growth. By creating inclusive, accessible and engaging spaces, ophthalmologists can connect on mutual interests, share educational content and network with colleagues and mentors from around the world — much like our research team, as we first met on social media!

Herein, we summarize our study findings and highlight ways to leverage social media for personal growth and career advancement.

1. BUILDING COMMUNITIES OF SUPPORT

Gender disparity is well-documented in many medical and surgical specialties, including ophthalmology. In our study, women were more likely to experience gender-based workplace discrimination and work-life disharmony. Women also reported that social media was helpful for overcoming these challenges and supporting gender advocacy.

Social media can be leveraged to create communities of safety, support and allyship by encouraging healthy discourse and sharing stories of our experiences. Ultimately, by improving awareness of our multidimensional and diverse workforce, we can help to re-imagine the individuals embodying the ophthalmologist archetype.

2. FOSTERING PRAGMATIC CONTINUING EDUCATION

Practice management, financial planning and strategies for work-life harmony are seldom taught in medical school and residency, yet these skills are essential to building a thriving career in ophthalmology. Younger respondents in our study were more likely to report challenges with these topics, and they were more likely to utilize social media to seek ways overcome them. On the other hand, senior respondents were more likely to provide mentorship.

This dynamic suggests that social media can serve as an outlet for free, open-access mentorship on topics that are not necessarily covered in traditional medical education.

Some participants also stated that social media served as a versatile platform for learning at their own pace, highlighting the utility of social media as a tool for continuing education.

3. FACILITATING PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING

Several respondents commented on social media as a boon for enhancing access to professional networking and support, particularly during the pandemic and for individuals in remote communities. Respondents felt that social media was even able to replace the connections that develop at in-person meetings with a lower time and financial investment. The result: expanded access to networking for trainees and global colleagues who may be physically distant or have financial barriers to accessing in-person events.

These benefits extended to improving a sense of wellness and reducing burnout as well. Many respondents also mentioned that social media enabled a creative outlet to engage in lighter discussions such as life hacks or organization tips — a nod to the candid and multifaceted lives of ophthalmologists shared on social media.

CONCLUSION

From the ivory tower of medicine to the growing accessible digital spaces of Instagram and TikTok, the contemporary ophthalmologist is embracing social media as a powerful tool for personal and professional development. Whether you’re looking for mentorship and networking or parenting and life hacks, there’s a place for you in the ophthalmology community on social media. OM

REFERENCE

1. He B, Tanya SM, Costello F, et al. Navigating personal and professional development through social media in ophthalmology. Clin Ophthalmol. 2022 Jul 13;16:2263-2274.