Editorial Commentary: Patients Don’t Care About Physician Social Media Presence

Abstract

The presence and perceptions of orthopaedic surgeons on social media demonstrates a disconnect in the content shared. Oftentimes, surgeons use social media for professional networking, research dissemination, and academic engagement. Although this may increase cache among peers, it does not translate for patients who seek education and simple explanations. Generating patient referrals or engagement from social media may or may not even be the goal for surgeons, but if digital clout among patients is the primary aspiration for some, then the recipe is clear: educate and explain. Ancillary streams, direct revenue, and indirect opportunities from the influencer lifestyle are unknown, but be prepared for patients to be unimpressed with the accolades other surgeons may find notable.