This dumpster fire of a study published by @JVascSurg has generated a lot of blowback from #MedTwitter. The take home message: medical professionals shouldn't post inappropriate #SoMe content. So, what is "inappropriate"?

Let's look at a reference they used to create standards of professionalism. I've highlighted a few interesting "unprofessional activities".

References to unprofessional behaviour at work/in professional capacity.

For all those who use #MedTwitter to comment on or call out misogyny, racism, & other forms of hate & discrimination, cut it out.

Apparently that is unprofessional.

Advocating or supporting the use of drugs.

Thinking of posting about that clinical trial that found a cure for #COVID19?

Think again.

That's unprofessional.

Political or religious content.

Want to post about universal healthcare? Nope.

It doesn't matter if you are for or against a healthcare delivery model, keep your mouth shut.

No one should hear from medical professionals about stuff like that.

Well, unless you authored this paper & then it is okay to post about your political views.

Gun control or abortion.

According to this study, healthcare professionals should stick to their lane when it comes to guns.

But the same doesn't apply to abortion because that's politics & not healthcare. Apparently. I guess...

All this twisting & turning is making me dizzy.

Politics or religion.

This is so important they've listed it multiple times. Either that or someone didn't proof read the paper. Given the questionable content, the latter is entirely possible.

Sex.

The last thing we want doctors to talk about is sex. It's dirty & shameful & does not belong on the internet.

If you agree, don't go to the internet. It's like 99% sex. The other 1% is people complaining about sex.

What I find fascinating about these papers is the claim that the listed activities are contrary to professional standards. And yet, they are not.

Respect for others means standing up to & speaking out against hate & discrimination, in & out of the workplace.

Ignoring prejudice & not discussing it in public -- including #SoMe -- is unprofessional & unethical.

Being accountable to patients & society means advocating for their best interests. This necessitates having public discussions about violence, abortion, healthcare systems, politics, etc.

#SoMe allows professionals to interact & reach a large audience, including the public.

To avoid these discussions in public is elitist, condescending, & unprofessional, & it certainly isn't in the interest of society or patients.

Calling out people for what is subjectively perceived as inappropriate attire is insensitive, which is what these papers do.

Imposing their own ideas of professionalism while ignoring the standards they propose to support is the height of irony & arrogance.

Despite the negativity & sarcasm of this thread, I am optimistic. It's heartening to see so many on #MedTwitter stand up & speak out against this bullshit.

That's right. I cursed.

If you think that's offensive, you'd hate my #MedBikini pic.