Table I.

Tips to maximize the benefits of social media as a medical professional

Mindfulness	•Turn off all social media notifications—do not let your device dictate your life •Schedule time each day to interact with social media at a time when you are engaged and not distracted •Recognize when you are forming an emotional response and take time away when necessary •Develop habits to reinforce not interacting with electronics first thing in the morning or before sleep
Productivity	•Follow professional organizations to receive up-to-date vetted information •Follow journals of interest for the latest publications •Follow leaders and mentors in the field
Reaching a target audience	•Provide valuable content •Use common hashtags when posting information •Incorporate links to longer format articles or online resources •Use pictures, videos, gifs to increase engagement •Comment on posts from other accounts •Repost interesting or important information from other accounts •Answer questions when posed
Professionalism	•Maintain patient privacy at all times •Never provide individual medical advice; can direct toward general information or recommend contacting one's personal physician •Avoid cursing, strong political statements, or religious affirmations •Think twice before posting—once you hit send, it can never be completely deleted •Your opinions DO reflect your employer, even if stated otherwise; be aware of existing social media policies at your workplace
Balancing clinician wellness during COVID-19	•Engage in non–professional-related online endeavors, ie, podcasts pertaining to areas of interest •Find social groups of similar interests to your own and engage or simply follow •Seek out groups and friends with positive, uplifting messaging •Implement social media to share resources, such as PPE access •Use social media to promote kindness to others and connect with those who are socially distanced