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Daring discourse
Social media for the regional anesthesiologist: can we use it in place of medical journals?
  1. Bryant Winston Tran,
  2. Sabrina Kaur Dhillon,
  3. Astrid Regina Overholt and
  4. Marc Huntoon
  1. Anesthesiology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
  1. Correspondence to Dr Bryant Winston Tran, Anesthesiology, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; bryant.tran{at}vcuhealth.org

Abstract

The regional anesthesia community regularly uses social media for advocacy and education. Well-known leaders in the field are willing to share their opinions with colleagues in a public forum. Some visionaries predict that the influence of social media will soon transcend that of the traditional academic journal. While physicians support the use of social media, an trend may exist toward anecdotal information. Does a lack of online regulation along with a bias towards self-promotion cloud meaningful discussion? In order to avoid the pitfalls of social media, thoughtful communication will help regional anesthesiologists promote their subspecialty. Mindful dialog, promotion of academic journals, and professional etiquette will help maintain a collegial environment.

  • regional anesthesia
  • pain medicine
  • education

https://doi.org/10.1136/rapm-2019-100835

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    Footnotes

    • Twitter @BryantTranMD

    • Contributors BWT participated in the creation, preparation, and revision of the entire manuscript. SKD participated in the preparation of the medical journal discussion section of the manuscript. ARO participated in the creation of the manuscript Figures and Appendices. MAH participated in the preparation and final editing of the revision manuscript.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Competing interests Dr Marc Huntoon is the former editor-in-chief of the Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine journal.

    • Patient consent for publication Not required.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.