Background: Radiologists are often assumed to be far removed from patients and providers, mainly serving as consultants who issue faceless reports. However, the role of the radiologist is changing with the increasing presence of social media. Societies have called on Breast imaging radiologists to take on the role of screening mammography advocates. Breast imagers have a unique role on the breast cancer team, with the ability to educate referring providers and patients about imaging modalities and procedures, introduce new technologies, and clarify cancer screening recommendations. In this presentation, we illustrate how we found success with our breast health social media platform as an educational tool for patients and providers, and have turned our experience into a successful Podcast, national television appearances, and lecture invitations at prestigious hospitals and cancer organizations.
Learning Objectives: The purpose of this exhibit is to: • Learn how to stand out on social media and find your voice • Illustrate how to grow your social media following in an authentic and meaningful way • Highlight the differences between Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and how each of them is important in reaching targeted audiences • Demonstrate how we use social media to connect and educate both patients and physicians • Show how to create a podcast (it’s easier than you think!)
Abstract Content/Results: In this presentation, we will highlight how we found success across social media platforms and how others can follow suit. We illustrate how our social media has evolved over the last three years, connecting us with patients and physicians in a meaningful way through education and open discussions of important women’s health topics. Engagement and collaboration with medical students through our social media platforms has led to an increased interest in radiology as a specialty and breast imaging as subspecialty. We have a growing team of medical student volunteers who help with all aspects of our platform. Team building and wellness activities are exciting byproducts of our social media engagement, with increasing involvement of residents, technologists, and physicians both within and outside of the Radiology department, leading to continued success of our mission.
Conclusion: The growing role of social media, particularly for Breast imaging radiologists, cannot be underemphasized. Gone are the days when radiologists are anonymous and hidden in dark reading rooms. We highlight how Radiologists can step into the light and use social media to create a more meaningful and successful career track.
