Or, imagine a beaming new mother leaving your hospital with her newborn, and the father snaps a photo. The new parents distribute the photo to their 500+ followers on Instagram, noting that they got the best care ever from your hospital staff. You just got a very nice word-of-mouth endorsement.
As a medical provider, you have a voice that can spread. But keep in mind that whatever you say, and how you say it, could be a defining factor in your professional reputation.
Let’s say you’re someone who Tweets. Think about what you’d like to communicate, to whom and why. If you’re calling attention to a new study you think people should know about, that’s a useful Tweet coming from a medical professional. However, if you’re Tweeting that you’ll be attending a wedding today (yes, that’s a real example), ask if that’s what you want to broadcast to the general public. Maybe it is — if you see a purpose. Or is it banter that distracts from the things you’d really like to say to a potentially wide audience?
One way to gauge yourself: When you speak in public, what are the parameters you set for yourself? At the very least, it’s a good idea to stay within those same parameters when speaking to others via any widely accessible social media platform.