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Our paper out in @JAMAInternalMed on attacks on physicians on social media. So proud of first author med student from @traependergrast!
This paper was the beginning of so many opportunities, and shows the power of #SocialMedia, +/-
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2774727
This paper was the beginning of so many opportunities, and shows the power of #SocialMedia, +/-
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2774727
We learned that 1 in 6 women physicians on social media had experienced sexual harassment. Approx 25% of respondents reported being personally attacked on social media. And this survey was completed pre- #COVID19 pandemic. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessicagold/2020/11/24/the-stress-of-being-a-young-female-scientific-expert-during-covid-19/?sh=1641c3cc5d66
We know that these types of attacks have amplified over the last year in the polarized environment of an election year, several public health crises encompassed within a pandemic, and physicians and scientists using their voices more than ever. https://www.modernghana.com/news/1051845/women-experts-suffer-cyber-harassment-death-threa.html
It's tempting to read our study and wonder, why take precious time away from family and friends and other work to engage on social media? I want to tell you the backstory of how the authors met, and how some have never met IRL, and share the power of this type of engagement.
Three years ago, I reached out to @NikiWoitowich and @traependergrast and suggested we create a social media study to assess the power of this medium in healthcare. I met @MDaware who introduced me to @FutureDocs and @MGottliebMD, and our collab began. https://twitter.com/FutureDocs/status/1346141112050843648?s=20
Since that time at the end of 2018, @FutureDocs and I have had multiple collaborations, some with colleagues I STILL have not met IRL @WrayCharles @ETSshow (although @aoglasser and I DID go to college together). https://www.pnas.org/content/117/39/24032
We also collaborated virtually to publish our work on the impact #COVID19 will have on #genderequity and scientists. @NikiWoitowich @FutureDocs https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7543905/
. @evebmd @LJoyZ_MD @garthwalkermd @alikhan28 @AmishaWalliaMD, @FutureDocs & I created @IMPACT4HC, an action/ amplifier organization focused on disseminating accurate, evidence-based info through this pandemic. Many of our founders STILL have not met IRL http://impact4hc.com
With the power of social media, we have been able to partner with @GetMePPEchi, co-founded by author @traependergrast, and help those in need get access to PPE throughout this pandemic, and amplify the mission of the org. https://getmeppechi.wixsite.com/getmeppechicago
Mentorship through social media has been key and our @IMPACT4HC interns (who we have not met IRL) have created infographics and other messaging that has had a broad reach. They have been able to inform the public and actively fight the #infodemic. https://www.impact4hc.com/impact-infographics
Social media has also enabled us to partner with other like-minded women-run organizations to fight the #infodemic and arm their followers with evidence-based information, like @DearPandemic and @BumpClubBeyond. @lindsleininger
SoMe has allowed us to engage, mentor, sponsor others from across the globe. This yrs @WIMSummit garnered 45 million impressions over 48 hrs, and with an intl audience, innovative opportunities for growth/ work products from these types of forums emerged.
https://www.ijam-web.org/currentissue.asp?sabs=n
https://www.ijam-web.org/currentissue.asp?sabs=n
I have been lucky to meet through #medtwitter some phenomenal individuals. I have found mentors, mentees, sponsors, opportunities, support, and a community that has allowed me to engage in healthcare in ways that I could not have imagined. @gradydoctor
https://bit.ly/2Mu5x3L
https://bit.ly/2Mu5x3L
That being said, I have been attacked, ridiculed, targeted, and trolled as well. Social media is not a perfect space, and it comes w pitfalls. But I want to continue to encourage #healthcareleaders to utilize this platform. Our voices are needed.
https://www.physiciansweekly.com/its-time-for-doctors-to-fight-for-their-communities/
https://www.physiciansweekly.com/its-time-for-doctors-to-fight-for-their-communities/
So while our study does show this type of engagement and work comes with its challenges, do not give up. If you need support or a community, find one of us. Let's enter 2021 by supporting each other and not fueling the trolls. We are #WIMStrongerTogether #StrongerTogether
