Can we talk about the dynamic of social media and how current #medicalstudents reach out to physicians (residents and non-trainee alike) in a casual way for advice/mentorship/etc. This application cycle I've had my DMs flooded on all apps by strangers requesting everything:

reading of applications, reviewing ERAS, help with their application list, general pep talks, phone calls to discuss CHOP and my experience, practice interview requests, etc. First: I wonder if this is my exclusive experience as a Black woman in medicine.

As we know, people often feel comfortable burdening Black bodies. Second: I wonder why these requests are so casual - "Hey Aji/Ajibike" as though I've not worn this hard earned MD MPHTM for 2.5 years at this point. Third: I wonder why (in the space of a pandemic) ...

that the angst of medical trainees (because yes we are an anxious bunch) has amplified to a degree that decency is compromised. And by that I mean: I'm in an application cycle myself (well a job hunt) and when I asked for letters of reference, I initiated my request with...

a very genuine couple of lines about how I hope the attending is faring during these times of racial injustice, economic instability, concerns about transitions of power, and a wild virus -- and I've been especially thoughtful re: what I've requested from my attending of color.

And I've noticed that none of these FB messages, IG messages, Twitter DMs hold any of that warmth. I'd love to hear from you guys about 1) is this your experience, 2) SM extends reach and disrupts barriers but does it have to compromise respect and ...

3) what's the ideal way for an individual to ask you (a - loving - stranger) for help during these tumultuous times. I'd love to hear your thoughts genuinely and potentially craft a guide for applications on how to professionally forge mentorship connections online. #MedTwitter

Yikes! Guide for *applicants Someone needs to remind me to spellcheck!