Social media can be a powerful tool for physicians when used thoughtfully and ethically. There are plenty of opportunities for using social media such as patient education, professional networking and continuing medical education etc. There are so many medical bloggers from Myanmar using their personal accounts. Physicians may encounter or inadvertently spread misinformation. It is important to verify sources and provide evidence-based contents, not just their anecdotal experiences which we encountered many times during the Covid era.
Doctors should avoid discussing specific patient cases or sharing any identifying information about their patients and workplaces. Doctors should maintain separate personal and professional accounts if possible. In the US, every state medical board and many hospitals have poliies regarding use of social media
We cannot stay away from social media in this day and age but we should follow general rules regarding avoidance of discussion on identity of patients and doctors as well as prevention of spreading misinformation on social media.
Dr Thaung Han Myint, MD
Tampa, FL
