Purpose: To provide a better understanding of the administration of OB/GYN GME social media accounts.
Background: With virtual interviewing, Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs needed a new way to showcase themselves to prospective applicants. In a survey of GME applicants, more than half interacted with GME social media platforms (1). Despite this, there is little guidance on how to administrate GME social media accounts (2).
Methods: Administrators of OB/GYN GME Instagram accounts were asked to complete an anonymous survey between 3/25/21-4/15/21. Results were downloaded to a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for analysis.
Results: Of the 80 respondents who ran Instagram accounts, 60 (75%) were run by residents only, 4 (5%) by program administration only, 13 (16%) by residents and program administration, and 3 (4%) by others. 48 (60%) of respondents reported having guidelines provided, but only 18 (22.5%) received training on how to run a professional account. 4 (5%) were given administrative time, with 45 (56%) spending over 30 minutes weekly on the account. 19 (24%) reported following prospective students and 9 (11%) reported looking at students’ accounts. 59 (74%) reported engagement through private direct messaging, 50 (62%) through stories (ie. polls, Q&A), and 46 (58%) through public comments.
Discussions: Instagram is becoming a popular way to market programs to prospective applicants. It is an example of an endeavor that residents have primarily undertaken without instruction or allocated time. We propose that guidance be provided with regards to applicant engagement so as not to violate the Match Code of Conduct.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2022, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Professionalism, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, GME, UME,
Stephanie L. Kass, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University / Cooper University Hospital; Yon Sook Kim, MD
