Social Media in Orthopedics: How to Use It Professionally

While it may be some time before the traditional lecture is obsolete, a new review article, “Social Media and Its Use in Orthopaedic Surgery Resident Education and Training,” highlights various social media platforms and how they might be effectively used to engage with the orthopedic community, review cases, and network, among other things. The study, performed at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana, appears in the November 2021 edition of JBJS Reviews.

Co-author Mary Mulcahey, M.D., associate professor of sports medicine, knee and shoulder arthroscopy at Tulane University explained to OTW the genesis of this study. “Social media is used broadly in medicine. It’s a fantastic way to network with peers and to interact with people that we may not otherwise have the chance to meet. From a clinical perspective, social media can be used for networking, discussing cases, and sharing research. It is an incredible educational tool for medical students, residents, and practicing physicians/surgeons.”

“Orthopaedic residents have so many tools at their disposal for learning about orthopaedic conditions/injuries and surgical techniques. Given that residents are incredibly facile with social media, the variety of content that can be shared on these platforms, and the ease with which it can be accessed, I was very interested to get a better understanding of the different ways in which social media could be used to supplement orthopaedic resident education. This was the impetus for the study.”

“In this review, we summarized the most different social media platforms and examples within the field of orthopaedic surgery. Among the most important information that we share is our recommended social media platforms and their recommended uses.”

These, says Dr. Mulcahey, include:

• Online and professional networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn): “To engage with the orthopaedic community in a professional manner, discuss cases in a HIPAA-compliant manner, build professional networks, and foster mentorship.”
• Video-sharing platforms (the Journal of Medical Insight, AAOS Orthopaedic Video Theater, YouTube, VuMedi): “To prepare prior to surgical cases; peer-reviewed platforms are preferred.”
• Podcasts (The Orthobullets Podcast, Nailed It Ortho, JBJS Podcast): “To complement and broaden the scope of orthopaedic resident education as a form of opportunistic engagement.”
• E-learning (Orthopaedic Trauma Association Online Curriculum, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Resident Curriculum): “To supplement learning while rotating through the specific subspecialties during residency; can be used to improve knowledge base and surgical technique.“

Regarding posting comments and photos, the authors caution about the maintenance of patient privacy and the potential for distrust from the general public in the event that anything untoward/unprofessional is posted. They also note, “Residents should be careful to avoid learning from videos and sources with inaccurate information. This risk can be minimized by watching videos from academic institutions and official orthopaedic societies.”

“Our hope,” Dr. Mulcahey told OTW, “is that with this detailed summary of educational resources available to orthopaedic surgery residents on social media, that both residents and orthopaedic faculty will seek ways to incorporate this into resident education. This is in no way meant to replace the very important learning that takes place in clinic, the operating room, and during case discussions; however, it is a great supplement that is very easily accessible to orthopaedic residents.”