title: Twelve tips for using social media as a medical educator.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We now live, learn, teach and practice medicine in the digital era. Social networking sites are used by at least half of all adults. Engagement with social media can be personal, professional, or both, for health-related and educational purposes. Use is often public. Lapses in professionalism can have devastating consequences, but when used well social media can enhance the lives of and learning by health professionals and trainees, ultimately for public good. Both risks and opportunities abound for individuals who participate, and health professionals need tips to enhance use and avoid pitfalls in their use of social media and to uphold their professional values.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article draws upon current evidence, policies, and the authors' experiences to present best practice tips for health professions educators, trainees, and students to build a framework for navigating the digital world in a way that maintains and promotes professionalism.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These practical tips help the newcomer to social media get started by identifying goals, establishing comfort, and connecting. Furthermore, users can ultimately successfully contribute, engage, learn, and teach, and model professional behaviors while navigating social media.
authors.affiliation: George Washington University , USA.
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kind
authors.forename: Pradip D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Désirée
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lie
authors.forename: Katherine C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Chretien
mesh_terms: D003219:Confidentiality; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D005178:Faculty; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D057766:Policy; D024382:Professional Role; D061108:Social Media; D060756:Social Networking; D013336:Students, Health Occupations