Dear Readers,

Social media is all around us. There is hardly anyone not present on the social media platforms, be it Facebook or Instagram or Twitter and so on. While on one hand this is a great medium to communicate with the world, it could also prove to be disastrous if not used judiciously.  As physiotherapists, this platform provides an ever evolving and exciting opportunity to further engage with patient community & fellow physios. The catch however, lies in how to use the power of this medium to the fullest. While it could prove to be highly beneficial, it might also lead to waste of time if you indulge into unnecessary gossip. 

There is ample opportunity to network with like minded professionals, educate the general public and develop your online reputation and grow your practice. 

However, there are a few areas that needs to be taken care of while communicating online.

1. Separate your personal profile from that of your clinic profile. Strike a delicate balance with social media: Your personal posts should not put your patients or your professional online brand at risk. 

2. Patient oriented social media - here social media is used as a tool for information, promotion and education.

3. Profession-Oriented Social Media - Social media provides a medium for discussion with peers about treatment options, access to professional development updates and assessment and treatment techniques from other practitioners. 

4. Professional Conduct - Maintain professionalism at all times while engaging on social media. Your posting may be viewed by your patients and other healthcare professionals apart from your friends and family. Your reputation hinges on the comments and conduct used in the communication. Expressing frustration about your own field through social media is unadvisable. Not only are you portraying yourself to have poor professional judgment, but it may be considered defamation of your own fraternity.  Always present yourself professionally in photos that are going to be posted online. 

5. Interpersonal Respect : As in live conversations, it is best to practice social etiquette at all times. Clear, concise,
accurate information will add value and expertise to a conversation. Readers respect this style of communication versus rants, false proclamations, or self-promotion.

Today, we are living in the era of information deluge. Reputations are built and destroyed Online within fraction of seconds. Remember, you are responsbile for everything you post and everything you post will be a reflection of you. Be alert. Be concious. Be disciplined. 

To your good health & comfort,

Mukesh Nayak