*Please note that this is my opinion and does not represent any party besides myself; I am always open to engaging in discussions!*
In this modern age, social media plays a huge role in determining how people perceive the world and others, especially in social activism. Most people get their information from social media so it is very easy to skew perspectives and create false narratives with outrageous posts, especially those who are uneducated about the matter. Thus, it is equally as important to navigate and operate social media in a professional manner. As people who have built our whole careers around helping people, I think that silence should be considered ignorance. Getting educated about a topic is in the palm of your hand in modern society. Medical professionals hold a very powerful position in communities as leaders so it is crucial that we act as leaders and don't stay quiet on important manners. Therefore, complete silence about injustices around the world is NOT an option. This leads to a very thin line that people in training must navigate. I know many of you will say "I don't even want to go to an institution where my beliefs don't align or that these things will not be discussed" but you are forgetting that you are not the one setting up the interviews, they are. You do not want one post to destroy your chances of residency but you should also stand up for what is right so it is crucial that you post in a professional manner.
First and foremost, it is important to acknowledge that in medicine, professionalism is always emphasized so you must understand why some might feel uncomfortable to express opinions on social matters even if they believe it in their hearts. Instead of judging your peers, try to help them understand why it is important to speak up and how their stance matters as leaders in the community.
This delicate balance between professionalism and social activism has led to a lot of internal conflict for me and I decided to do some research on how one can maintain professionalism while also engaging in social activism. This post is meant to engage professionals in training who might feel lost right now can engage in a discussion without feeling the stresses of the professional world. The AAMC states that "While there will always be those students absolutely absorbed in their academic development, the socially engaged future physician leaders will continue to create a path for the rest by extending the boundaries of traditional medical training". However, the question each student should ask themselves is how do I balance social activism with professionalism?
One of my most important findings during my research is that the way you take a stance is crucial, especially in an environment where professionalism is emphasized. Here are the general themes I found during my research to take a stance against injustice in a professional manner:
1) Share posts that are purely FACTUAL and from WELL-REPUTABLE sources. This is singlehandedly the best way to educate your peers and make them think for themselves. Below is a powerful example of a graphic that makes individuals think:
Graphics like these let people come to their own conclusions; your main role is to PROVIDE EDUCATION on the topic. When you are not letting people come to their own conclusion and perhaps attacking held beliefs, people might become more stubborn which might hurt your cause.
2) One of the best ways to raise awareness and actually make a difference in a professional manner is by donating to the cause and promoting donations by putting it in your social media as seen with this graphic below:
This helps people understand the situation that the oppressed are facing while also giving them a way to help out. You are explicitly stating that you are concerned about what these oppressed individuals are facing rather than creating an opinion about a world issue. I would refrain from labeling either side or writing your own opinions about the topic and posting it since some might consider it as hateful speech. Your words can be misconstrued and used against you in the future. People who read your words might react in a negative or positive way as very rarely do people stay neutral.
3) Another good way is by attending protests or raising awareness of protests. Once again, this gives people a way to take action into their own hands while also raising awareness.
The simple fact is, people make opinions on others through the things that they post. Everyone has the right to post what they want, but you should also be ready to face the consequences.
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