A Characterization of Ophthalmology Residency Program Social Media Presence and Activity

Abstract

Objective To determine the presence and activity of ophthalmology departments associated with residency programs on social media platforms and the use of these social media platforms by residency applicants. Design Cross-sectional online assessment of ophthalmology training program departments' presence and activity on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Participants A total of 120 accredited ophthalmology residency training programs and 498 ophthalmology residency applicants. Methods Each department was evaluated by (1) searching for social media links on the department's Web site, (2) searching for the department on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and (3) searching on Google. A simultaneous survey was conducted to assess social media platform use of 2019 to 2020 ophthalmology residency application cycle candidates. Main Outcomes The presence of ophthalmology departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as well as the total number of followers and posts during January 2020. Results Of 120 programs evaluated, 45 programs (37.5%) had a Facebook page, 29 (24.3%) were on Twitter, and 22 (18.3%) had an Instagram page. Among top 20 Doximity-ranked ophthalmology programs, 80% had at least one social media page on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram compared with 33% among the remainder of programs (chi-square test = 15.2, p < 0.001). Top 20 programs also had more followers compared with others on Facebook (4,363 vs. 696, respectively, p < 0.0001) and Twitter (3,673 vs. 355, respectively, p = 0.007) but not on Instagram (1,156 vs. 1,687, respectively, p = 0.71). Among 498 residency applicants to Bascom Palmer Eye Institute from the 2019 to 2020 cycle, 159 (31.9%) responded to a survey regarding their use of social media during the application process. In total, 54 (34%) responded that they used social media to evaluate residency programs. Conclusion Departments of top 20 ophthalmology residency had both a greater presence and following on social media compared with other departments. While Facebook was the most used platform by ophthalmology departments, applicants most commonly used Instagram. As applicants come to use these social media resources more frequently, ophthalmology residency programs may increasingly benefit from maintaining an active social media page.

Social media and ophthalmology: A review

“…Evaluation of 120 formally accredited United States ophthalmology training programs significantly associated program ranking with use of social media: 80% of the 20 top‐ranked programs used Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram versus 33% of lesser ranked programs 73 . One‐third of 159 applicants to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in 2019 to 2020 had used social media to evaluate residency programs during the application process, 73 and one‐half of 214 applicants to Pennsylvania State University Department of Ophthalmology in 2015 to 2017 reported that social media platforms—including Student Doctor Network (SDN) 74 —provided information that was helpful in guiding their preferences 75 . The latter survey indicated that applicants often did not find adequate information on program websites and would have liked more information distributed by social media, suggesting platforms are being under‐utilised in this area.…”

“…Evaluation of 120 formally accredited United States ophthalmology training programs significantly associated program ranking with use of social media: 80% of the 20 top-ranked programs used Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram versus 33% of lesser ranked programs. 73 One-third of 159 applicants to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in 2019 to 2020 had used social media to evaluate residency programs during the application process, 73 and one-half of 214 applicants to State University Department of Ophthalmology in 2015 to 2017 reported that social media platforms-including Student Doctor Network (SDN) 74 provided information that was helpful in guiding their preferences. 75 The latter survey indicated that applicants often did not find adequate information on program websites and would have liked more information distributed by social media, suggesting platforms are being under-utilised in this area.…”

Does social media have a place in ophthalmology practice?

“…8 Of 120 ophthalmology residency programs evaluated, 37.5% had a Facebook page, 24.3% were on Twitter, and 18.3% had an Instagram page. 9 Among the ophthalmology residency programs ranked as top-20 by Doximity, 80% had at least one social media account compared to only 33% of the remaining programs. 9 Additionally, the top 20 programs had a greater social media following.…”

“…9 Among the ophthalmology residency programs ranked as top-20 by Doximity, 80% had at least one social media account compared to only 33% of the remaining programs. 9 Additionally, the top 20 programs had a greater social media following. 9 This study highlights that ophthalmology institutions are making an active effort to reach out to medical trainees via social media.…”

“…9 Additionally, the top 20 programs had a greater social media following. 9 This study highlights that ophthalmology institutions are making an active effort to reach out to medical trainees via social media.…”