Twitter is a wild and wooly place with few rules, fewer leaders, and little structure – and that’s probably why many doctors avoid it.

Twitter may appear to have little structure but the benefits cannot be ignored

And yet the number of tweeting doctors around the world is growing at remarkable rates. Those who ‘dare to tweet’ are finding out that they can accrue more influence, amplify their voices, and extend their reach simply by leveraging this social media platform a few times a day.

So here are five reasons why doctors should not avoid Twitter:

#1. To Connect with Researchers, Practitioners, Educators

Twitter is an incredible space to bump into amazing people that you would otherwise never meet. That includes researchers, other practitioners and educators in your field. Even if you work in an environment where you get to interact with numerous industry experts remember that there are many more out there (i.e. on Twitter) some of whom could add a ton of value to your medical experience.

#2. To inform

Twitter is a great place to amplify your voice and extend your influence beyond your obvious boundaries. If  you’re an educator for example there are ample benefits in using Twitter to improve education in your field, and to inform others about ground-breaking research, new ideas and opportunities that could help them.

#3. To lead

Kevin Pho is known as social media’s leading physician voice. His provocative and enlightening medical content reaches almost sixty thousand Twitter followers (and thousands more on other social networks) earning him enviable ‘Klout‘ as a major influencer in healthcare and medicine.

For doctors who desire thought-leadership Twitter allows you to demonstrate your leadership by providing content that is valuable and relevant to others. It’s amazing how people will follow you when you have compelling information to share.

#4. To share interesting experiences

For many patients (like me) the world of healthcare is complicated and obscure. We don’t know what goes on in there much less what to expect in the future. Heck we don’t even know our doctors!

So for every doctor who shares interesting experiences that reveal – just a little – what real life in a white coat looks like, there is much clarity and yes, even gratitude. And that makes you more interesting and more likeable to us.

#5. To find new career opportunities

Some doctors are stuck in a career path that leads to only one destination – retirement. Perhaps there ‘s one more career left in you before you hang up your stethoscope.

Twitter is a great place to find other opportunities around the globe. When you connect with other influencers around the world (see #1) you will have access to information that can transform your career and lead you to exciting new destinations. I know this because it happened to my doctor this past week.

Over to you: Are you a tweeting doctor? What are some of the reasons you joined Twitter?