Do you know how long it typically takes for a piece of research to make its way into clinical practice?
16 years. Some say 17.
That's an entire generation of medical graduates before evidence becomes routine care. It's far too long—and that's where tools like social media can help bridge the gap.
I'm Cian McDermott, an emergency medicine doctor, and I'm passionate about the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). I'm also very active on social media, where I regularly promote the integration of POCUS into everyday clinical practice.
Later today, in about half an hour, we'll be hosting a social media workshop focused on how these platforms can help you become a more active, engaged clinician. We'll share practical tips on how to use social media effectively and ethically in your professional life.
One inspiring example I often share involves a colleague who interviews patients about their experiences in the emergency department or ICU—stories like a mother whose child had meningitis. These interviews are posted online and serve as valuable educational tools, not only for clinicians but also for patients and families.
For me, the greatest power of social media is that it creates what I call a Personal Learning Network. It connects you to a global community of informed, intelligent, curious, and engaged professionals.
And many of them are smarter and more experienced than I am—which is exactly why it's so valuable. I can learn from them, exchange insights, and contribute back to the community. It's not just about receiving information—it's about participating in the conversation.
One example of this power is a live Twitter debate that dissected a newly published paper within hours of its release. That kind of immediate, global discussion is what we mean when we talk about closing the knowledge translation gap. Instead of waiting weeks or months for feedback through traditional academic channels, we now have real-time engagement.
And it's not just the younger generation. More and more doctors across the age spectrum are beginning to see the value of social media in medical education and practice. At first, many think: "This isn't for me—it's too complicated, too time-consuming." But once they spend even a little time exploring, they often discover it's incredibly rewarding. You can learn more, faster, than you could from a single journal or even a conference.
Social media is not a distraction—it's an opportunity. And it's changing how we learn, share, and practice medicine.
