Adapted from presentation by Wes Glinsman with the Oklahoma State Medical Association.

Why physicians want to participate in social media

• Low cost
• Gives you a chance to reach people where they are and to reach out to your community
• Lets you get your information out on search engines, above the physician ranking sites
• Allows you to combat the misinformation online, giving you the chance to provide the facts
• Allows you to post specials (physicals, vaccines, etc)
• Great opportunity to express opinions, reach legislators, etc.
• Provides a resource to research and keep up with new information
• Provides an opportunity to network with your colleagues.

Why physicians may not want to participate

• It takes time
• There can be a cost, although it is minimal
• There are risks (HIPAA, public disagreements, etc)
• If you have nothing to say

How to start

• Determine your goals
• Make sure you are providing regular, timely updates
• Have fun with it. The key word is “social,” it should be a conversation.
• Don’t reinvent the wheel, utilize your office staff and colleagues who are already using social media
• Be proactive, reach out to others to gain likes and followers