Mayo Clinic Sets International Challenge for Social Media Training

The Mayo Clinic.  To most, the name triggers disease and heartache.  But for the organization, they are choosing to use their name as a powerful tool for a social media healthcare network.

In creating a social media healthcare network, the clinic's online presence may be based out of Minnesota (like the clinic) but will be targeted to reach an international audience.  The purpose of this forum is is to educate other organizations and individuals on how social media can be used wisely in the medical community.  The Mayo Clinic originally implemented their social media 'center' only a few months ago. 

More specifically, the global social media training that they will offer revolves around workshops, training, and consulting.  Advice on blogging, Twitter, and YouTube are overflowing on their site.  It also seems that patient/doctor interaction is a strong motivation in the development of the center, along with spreading the mission of the healthcare provider.  In just a short time, they have already made many connections within the U.S., along with a few European healthcare systems.  Mayo hopes to branch out and reach nearly every continent with their advice/expertise on social media within healthcare.

I was interested in reading this article because my initial thought was, "Why do I want to see Facebook and Twitter postings about surgeries and billing?"  But in taking a look closer, I realized that this isn't so much about the Mayo Clinic saying 'DO THIS' or 'LOOK AT US' as much as it is them saying, "Do it the right way."  Although I'm a little skeptical on why they consider themselves to be experts after only three months of trial, I applaud them for their desire to implement effective guidelines for healthcare administrations to follow.  What will be the real challenge is the international and cultural boundaries that must be adjusted to fit the social media crowd.

Either way, I think it's a good initiative.  They understand the importance of social media in their field, but they realize that it cannot prosper within that community until the proper instruction has been given.  As long as they're sticking to meaningful uses, I think this is going to significantly change the face of modern medicine...modern social medicine. 

Facebook and the War on Terror

My big brother, Tyler, is currently serving his first tour in, as he calls it, 'Afghanistanland.'  At the end of last week one of his best friends (and college roommate), 1LT Eric Yates, was killed in combat.

So, it got me thinking.  How different is the War on Terror?

Throughout American history, each war has somehow been branded by the technology that is (or is not) present at the time.  For those like my grandfather, letters and telegraphs were the staple of communication with those back home.  But now, Facebook has given military families instant contact with loved ones that are time zones away.

In doing some digging, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites were not permitted in the military community (Afghanistan, Iraq, etc.) from 2007 to 2008, but were allowed beginning in June 2009.  Here's an orginal article-check it out.

I know what you're saying to yourself--yes, I was a little hard on Facebook and its users in my last post.  Bottom line, it does have the ability to connect those who would otherwise have little contact, including military personnel and their families. 

Initially when Tyler went overseas, I assumed that we would be lucky to talk with him every couple of weeks.  However, Facebook has allowed us to not only write him a quick message, but keep up with how he's doing, and even view photos from where he's stationed.  Although this is a great tool for those guys and gals to share their story, there have been service members that have posted too much online.  Specifics on location, protocol, and combat missions are directly prohibited by the military.  It is my understanding, through Tyler, that whenever someone releases too much information, Facebook usage is eliminated on base for a few days.

But then, also look at all the memories Facebook can preserve for those killed in battle.  I was fascinated to read all the postings that appeared on Eric's wall, his brother's, and even my brother's the last few days. Facebook has created something that is almost tangible when someone passes away--a place to just go and say hello, share fond memories, and grieve with those who loved that person, too.  A place to say, "We won't forget you." I've seen it before, pages left up for a couple years that friends and family still write on, still love on that person as if they were here.

"Never forget you Yates, 6 years as buddies, 2 years in 252 Northeast Hall....too many memories and so much war left to fight."

"I have a letter for you that's been sitting on my desk for two weeks, I just couldn't find a damn stamp. I don't know what to do with it now."

That, is what Mark Zuckerberg could have never predicted.

Eric Yates, 2008 WKU ROTC grad. Here's to you, Eric.  Thanks for being such a wonderful friend to my brother, and above all, for your selfless service to this country.   We will miss you.

University Bans Social Media for One Week

I recently found an interesting article pertaining to the ban (only one week!) of social media sites at a university in Pennsylvania.  More specifically, I was amazed to find that it was a school actually specializing in science and technology. After the 'experiment' students are asked at the end of this week to write a reflective summary about their life without social media. 

We have never been without Facebook. I mean, it's hard to imagine that we never had this strong desire for constant communication.  But we did.  We lived without it.  So much of what we do, think, say is based off of other people's perceptions of us via the internet.  Who we're dating, where we are, and who we're with are major concerns of our peers. 

Although tools like Facebook make connecting (or re-connecting) a ton easier, it takes away some of the personal aspects of interacting with someone.  I am thrilled if someone even takes the time to call me anymore, let alone sit down and write me a letter.  As a communication major, I find it shameful to observe how college students communicate with one another.  If you want to always be by yourself when communicating...live in the desert!

I'm not saying that technology is all bad, but when it runs wild, we allow it to consume our lives.  Believe it or not ( I have to keep telling myself this) people only care what's going on in your life for one reason--so THEY have something to talk about.  We're only making it easier for people to know our every move. 

Maybe we could take a few pointers from Harrisburg University. Lose they keyboard and gain real communication skills!

Be sure to check out the article on CNN. com http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/social.media/09/14/university.bans.social/