#mayoragan Social Media Healthcare Conference – Part 1

This past week, I attended the Third Annual Social Media for Healthcare Conference in Rochester, MN at Mayo Clinic. This is my second time attending this event. The conference was a gathering for mostly Marketing and PR employees from hospitals and clinics. Social Media Healthcare leader, Lee Aase, kicked off the conference, while Mayo Clinic CEO, wrapped up the event.

I was fortunate enough to attend a session during the pre-conference this year and listen to a panel of four doctors who are currently using social media to create their digital footprint. Christian Sinclair (@ctsinclar) and Jen Dyer (@endogoddess) were the most influential for me on the panel. I thought Sinclair brought professionalism and passion to the room as he shared his business mindset and strategy behind his digital work while Dyer’s enthusiasm was contagious. I loved that her digital footprint was a mix between business, and who she is as a person. Her online presence comes across very genuine, which makes it easy for others to relate. I believe this strategy works well for her, but would not be appropriate for every doctor. It takes talent, intelligence and understanding of the balance between professional life and personal passions.

A key takeaway from the panel was that social media has no age restrictions. If you can type in Word, send an email, or text on your mobile phone; you are capable of having a digital footprint. However, you cannot force individuals to participate in social media. It takes intrinsic motivation to be part of the online conversation. While it may click for some, it does not for others. Remembering that social media is not for everyone is something I have to remind myself everyday in my professional and personal life as well. 

Another interesting point Jen Dyer made during the panel was she finds herself better educated because of Twitter. I would have to agree with her. The people, experts and organizations I follow on Twitter allow me to be more connected to blogs, articles and other experts I would otherwise not be aware of.

Stay tuned for part two blog post from the conference!

To follow notes from the conference, search the hashtag on Twitter: #mayoragan