Social media for medical professionals

This e-learning course will focus on the guiding principles around social media in the GMC's 'Good medical practice' (2024) and how they apply to situations for doctors in real life. We'll use fictional scenarios to help you consider how to avoid common pitfalls. We cover:

• communication with patients and colleagues
• promoting yourself
• representing the profession
• relevant legal and ethical obligations.

Course aim

This course is aimed at doctors who want to safely make use of social media in their private or professional lives, while being mindful of the ethical standards that apply.

Learning objectives

By the end of this course you should:

• be able to identify and evaluate patient confidentiality hazards associated with social media and know how to avoid them
• understand how to maintain professional boundaries with patients
• understand the GMC guidance that applies when using social media, including how to promote your practice effectively and ethically
• know when and how to respond to online criticism.

Not a member yet?

Find out more about the benefits of membership and how to join so you can access our e-learning.