If social media sinks its fangs there may not be an antedote

Facebook is a public forum. This rather obvious truth is often overlooked. Doctors who have impeccable professionalism at the office neglect to bring that same level of professionalism to their online communication. Accepting patients as social media friends and followers is a dangerous game because it leaves little room for human error.

Recently Yahoo.com ran a front and center story about an OB-GYN who in a moment of frustration posted an annoyed update about a patient's tardiness. Colleagues responded with sympathy suggesting to drop the patient. At which point the OB-GYN revealed sensitive personal information about the patient's prior stillbirth. This probably felt like a private conversation. It wasn't. It was out there and eventually it made its way to Yahoo reporters.

The doctor's actions are currently under review. It seems likely that she will escape with mild slap on the wrist. But, that does little to soothe the eroding effects of bad publicity. Who is going to request a doctor known to blab on FB?

A patient's privacy is a sacred thing and fiercely defended. However, it is not a two-way street. Doctors are provided with none of a patients protection. Bad press doesn't have to come from professional reporters. Social media fallout can be damaging enough. And the amount of license doctors have online seems to be shrinking.

We implore doctors to use their Facebook accounts (professional versions) for censored work topics only. Post about these safe zone healthcare media topics and stay away from virtual finger pointing.

• General questions related to your specialty
• Special offer promotion
• Discuss your research endeavors and academic publications
• Direct patients to helpful resources
• Promote blog posts