“I’m a current applicant and I’ve joined #MedTwitter, what now?”

A thread on using twitter during your application cycle

#MedStudentTwitter

Congrats

You at some point (maybe two days ago, maybe two years ago) decided to join the wonderful world of Twitter! Now you’re thinking about ways to best use this platform as an applicant. I’m here to help!

But first – why should you take my word as law? Trick question – you shouldn’t! I have no special training in social media strategies. I grew up on Xanga and Myspace like many of you.

However, I did find #MedTwitter to be helpful when I applied #MedPeds

Here’s how:

I connected with mentors and people I admire like @luiz_sayha and @DrRayMD. I reached out to residents like @maxabillioncruz and @HannahObasi. I learned about specific programs from @nmpra.

I’m plotting to make @MikeRoseMDMPH my best friend!

It is your job to determine goals for your #MedTwitter presence! So take or leave my advice – either is totally okay with me.

Let’s go!

Anon or nah? I choose to engage with #MedTwitter on a public account that is tied to my identity. I recognize that my tweets can be read peers, programs, patients and the general public. For me, I find this the best way to represent who I am and share what I’m interested in.

Do what’s best for you! I find it easier to advise folks who are on public accounts that is tied to their identity because I know who I’m talking to.

To DM or not to DM

Residents

Students

Faculty

Program Leadership

To DM or not to DM

I consider students and residents to be peers. I would only message faculty if they explicitly tweeted that they were okay with applicants reaching out. I only communicated with program leadership via email. I felt this was the best way to protect myself.

So you’ve decided that you wanted to DM.

What on earth do you say?

My script: Hi, your profile says that you are a MP resident! I am applying MP and was wondering if I could ask a few questions.

If they said yes, I’d ask about the best method of communication (email, DM or call)

If they said no, I might re message (I miss stuff all the time) or keep it moving

Okay – but how do I actually interact with people on here?

Find and build community

Share what interests you

Engage authentically

Find and Build Community

Participate in Twitter chats and Follow Fridays. Don’t be shy about saying you are a #MedPeds applicant.

Also – did you peep that hashtag use? Most specialties have one so use it! Let people know that you are applying!

Share what interests you

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I like to talk about running, #MedEd and issues around social justice. Not every tweet falls neatly into one of those categories, but those are my big themes.

Engage authentically

Comment on what you find interesting. Share articles you enjoyed reading. Let people know that you appreciate their work. Celebrate your friends!

When I met @DrigoMunoz in person, I felt like I knew exactly who he is bc he’s so personable in his tweets!

Don’t expect that your presence on #MedTwitter will make your more of a valuable applicant than someone who isn’t. Don’t read meaning into someone following you or how quickly they respond. Assuming these things will just cause you more stress.

Do connect with other applicants within your field (looking at you @Anna_G_Downs) and people outside of your field (Mr. Sunset @alexjestrella and Chi Town Queen @BaillieBronner). Connect with old friends ( @TAustinWitt and @Grant_L_Lin) and new ( @gabmayer).

Okay, so that’s a lot for one night. I’ll stop here! Fee free to ask questions