Social media – do’s and don’ts for medical practitioners

Medipeople • July 8, 2017

Social Media – Do’s and Don'ts for Medical Practitioners

Have you ever thought about how social media can highlight your credibility and reputation as a Medical Practitioner?

Are you interested in engaging in online communication with patients, colleagues and other potentially beneficial contacts for support, information, assistance and education? Or would you prefer a personal, online presence rather than a professional one? Whether you are considering using social media as a professional tool or for a personal pastime, there are many issues that need addressing prior to engaging in online communication. You can also read our article about 10 great ways to deal with negative online reviews.

Ethical and Legal Orientation

As a medical practitioner you are obliged to conduct professional and personal matters with an unfailing ethical and legal orientation. Being wary of your online presence (especially on social media) can help rather than hinder your credibility and reputation, no matter if it’s your professional and/or personal integrity at stake.

Below is a guideline of some of the ‘dos and dont’s – not only for medical practitioners but also medical students and trainees. AHPRA has a strict code of conduct for registered medical practitioners that must be adhered to without question. Every deviation whether online or not, will be assessed and if necessary, disciplinary action will be taken. Consistently, high standards of Duty of Care is paramount not only among patients but the community as a whole.

Being a medical practitioner comes with 24/7 professional standards and responsibilities that impact on personal life and wellbeing. Don’t be the next legal case that the media reports on or students use for studies. Using social media is widely acceptable and advantageous amid medical practitioners, if used with caution and appropriate resistant.

Dos

1. Set up boundaries and stick to them

Do engage in online communication, including on social media. No matter who you are communicating with (whether patient, colleague or public), making sure your boundaries are clear, will enable you to engage in a two-way beneficial, informative support and assistance outcome scenario with long term, career building rewards and contacts.

2. Know your privacy settings

Do post and share. Being aware that what you say and how you say it, may be shared and made public, should influence your content considerably. Being mindful of what you say and share whether comments, photos or videos, will help you to maintain a credible, professional reputation.

3. Think what is good for all of mankind and you

Do Duty of Care. Mankind is your ticket, so treat everyone with the humility and professionalism you would if they were your only patient, colleague, contact or friend. You can restore the high quality expectations everyone has of medical practitioners by simply looking after your own communication content. This will also be beneficial for building your patient base if you’re a GP. Remember you can be googled by your present and/or future employers, colleagues, as well as family, friends and the general public for any reason at all. And social media is one of the first places people will look for information about you.

Don’ts

1. Professional vs Private Accounts

Don’t be naïve and think your personal, online account is your freeway to let your guard down. It is just as important to display and encourage appropriate behaviour as with your professional account. To maintain acceptable standards as a registered medical practitioner, student or trainee this must always be your guiding factor for untainted life/work relationships and reputation.

2. Say it only if you want to share it

Don’t be fooled by the delete button. Once you have posted something on social media, that’s it. Someone may have read it or shared it before you realised the implications and deleted it. It is recommended by site administrators that if you do not want certain information shared, do not put it online, cyberspace has an uncanny ability to store data for a very long period of time.

3. Confidentiality vs Confessions

Don’t breach patient confidentiality, no matter how much you really want to impress or impart that particular information online. The implications are far more reaching and debilitating than you think, with negative consequences impacting on your personal integrity as well as your professional status.

Your Thoughts on Social Media

Are there any more ‘do’s and dont’s’ you would add? How are you currently using social media in your medical profession?

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Fast-Track Pathway for UK Psychiatrists to Work in Australia

March 13, 2025

UK-based psychiatrists now have an exciting opportunity to fast-track their career in Australia through a new Expedited Specialist Pathway, designed to reduce barriers and help internationally trained specialists transition seamlessly into the Australian healthcare system. Medipeople is on hand to secure your job in Australia and guide you through the registration, visa and relocation process. From 23 December 2024, psychiatrists with UK qualifications will be able to apply directly for specialist registration with Ahpra (the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and the Medical Board of Australia, enabling them to begin practicing sooner and contribute their expertise to Australian patients. Eligibility for Psychiatrists UK psychiatrists are eligible if they hold the following qualifications: Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (MRCPsych) Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Psychiatry Awarded under an approved RCPsych curriculum (from August 2007 onwards) after satisfactory completion of a GMC- or Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board-approved psychiatry training program in the UK. This pathway allows highly skilled psychiatrists to transition quickly into Australia's healthcare workforce, ensuring access to critical mental health services for patients across the country. Why Consider Australia? Australia offers: A world-class healthcare system with excellent professional development opportunities. Competitive remuneration packages and benefits. The chance to live and work in vibrant cities or picturesque regional areas, with a lifestyle renowned for its balance of work, leisure, and outdoor living. The Application Process The Expedited Specialist Pathway builds on the success of the October launch for general practitioners, which saw 96 UK-based GPs apply within two months, with 80% of applicants already progressing through the system. Similar efficiency is anticipated for psychiatrists, making this pathway a reliable and attractive option. What’s Next? The Expedited Specialist Pathway will soon expand to include other specialties such as general medicine, general paediatrics, and diagnostic radiology, providing more opportunities for UK specialists to join the Australian medical workforce. This initiative reflects the commitment to making it easier for professionals from comparable healthcare systems, such as the UK, to relocate and practice in Australia. Start your journey today and be part of a healthcare system that values your expertise. Applications open 23 December 2024.

Updated: Fast-Track AHPRA Registration for General Practitioners

By Chris Tsolakis • March 5, 2025

AHPRA has launched the Fast-Track Specialist Pathway , providing a streamlined process for internationally qualified GPs and other medical specialists to obtain specialist registration in Australia. This new pathway is significantly faster and more cost-effective than traditional routes, reducing the time to start practicing in Australia from 12 months to approximately 4–6 months. At Medipeople, we are actively supporting GPs through this new process and ensuring smooth transitions into high-quality medical positions across Australia. Latest Updates March 2025 – Key Highlights & First Approvals The first successful Fast-Track application was approved in December 2024 after a two-month processing period, setting a promising precedent for future applicants. GPs must still complete visa and Medicare provider number processing before starting work. As more applications are processed, the timeline and requirements are expected to become even more efficient. Eligibility Criteria & Accepted Qualifications This pathway is currently open to GPs with qualifications from the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand, including: MRCGP + CCT (UK) – from 2007 onwards MICGP + CSCST (Ireland) – from 2009 onwards FRNZCGP (New Zealand) – from 2012 onwards Additional specialties such as anaesthetics, obstetrics, and psychiatry are expected to be added in December 2024. How the Fast-Track AHPRA Pathway Works Key Steps in the Application Process: Specialist Registration (With Conditions) – Bypass the RACGP assessment and apply directly to the Medical Board of Australia. Supervised Practice (6 Months) – Includes orientation, cultural safety training, and workplace-based assessments. Workplace-Based Assessments – Supervision reports required at 3 and 6 months. Full Specialist Registration – Following completion of supervised practice and assessments. Processing Timeframe: AHPRA assessment: 6–8 weeks Overall process (including AMC, EPIC, visa & Medicare): 4–6 months This is a significant improvement over the traditional RACGP PEP Specialist Pathway, which takes 9–12 months. Key Considerations for GPs Supervision & Job Requirements You must secure a job offer before submitting your application. A supervisor must be nominated by your employer as part of the process. The supervised practice plan is more detailed than traditional pathways, requiring specific training activities. Does This Avoid the 10-Year Moratorium? No, GPs on this pathway must work in a DPA area or secure a 19AB exemption. Exception: New Zealand medical graduates who were citizens or permanent residents on the first day of medical school are exempt from the moratorium. Next Steps: How Medipeople Can Help At Medipeople, we specialise in assisting UK, Irish, and NZ-trained GPs with navigating the Fast-Track AHPRA Pathway, securing roles in trusted, high-net-worth practices across Australia. We provide expert guidance on the AHPRA, visa, and Medicare process. We match you with top-tier GP roles in sought-after locations. We ensure seamless supervision arrangements with practices that support international GPs. Get Started Today! To find out more about how Medipeople can help you secure a fast-tracked GP role in Australia, get in touch today!