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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Journal of Academic Ophthalmology 2020; 12(01): e41-e45
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1709178
Editorial
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Social Media in Ophthalmology: The Educational and Professional Potential for Medical Students

Gabriella Schmuter
1   The City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, New York
,
Andrea A. Tooley
2   Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York
3   Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
,
Royce W. S. Chen
2   Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, New York
,
Janice C. Law
4   Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville, Tennessee
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
06 May 2020 (online)

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With the recent rise of social media usage,[1] it is becoming imperative to discuss its role in ophthalmology. Several articles exist to lay out guidelines surrounding social media use for ophthalmologists[2] [3] and medical professionals overall.[4] [5] [6] The role that social media plays in providing medical students with greater exposure to smaller fields, such as ophthalmology, is often overlooked.

As a medical student at a newly established medical school, I (G.S.) have found it challenging to gain exposure to the field without the presence of an ophthalmology department or residency to give guidance. Fortunately, social media has been an effective source for finding enthusiastic mentors, discovering research opportunities, and learning about ophthalmology at large. For example, I found a lot of practical and meaningful advice in Dr. Andrea Tooley's YouTube[7] and Instagram[8] accounts, which documented Dr. Tooley's medical journey from medical school into her present fellowship. I was able to cultivate a passion for ophthalmology early in the first year of medical school through following various ophthalmology social media accounts, which guided me toward research opportunities and experiences with the intention of becoming a competitive applicant in the match.

Although the benefits of social media are largely anecdotal, the aim of this editorial is to describe the value that social media produces for medical students who are interested in exploring ophthalmology as a community and as a profession. This is particularly critical for students who do not have the institutional resources to extend experiences pertinent to the field. The authors ultimately believe that effective use of social media by both ophthalmologists and medical students will inspire more talented students to realize their passions within the field earlier. We additionally wish to offer guidance to medical students regarding potential risks of social media in professional use.