Navigating personal and professional development through social media: a cross-sectional survey of ophthalmologists

Background Despite its popularity in ophthalmology, the role of social media as a tool for networking, mentorship, and community support amongst ophthalmologists remains unknown. The objective of this study was to elucidate how ophthalmologists use social media for personal and professional purposes. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey study whereby a 40-item questionnaire investigating the role of social media for personal and professional use was developed and distributed to residents, fellows and practicing ophthalmologists in Canada and the United States. Responses were analyzed using descriptive and basic statistics. Results 149 respondents (67% women) completed the survey, with 56% of participants between the ages of 25-35 years old. Women were more likely to report experiencing workplace discrimination (p<0.005) and work-life disharmony (p<0.05) compared to men, and social media was found to be useful in overcoming those challenges (p<0.005 and p<0.001 respectively). Younger respondents (<45 years old) cited more challenges with practice management (p<0.005) and turned to social media for corresponding guidance (p<0.05). Compared to late career ophthalmologists, trainees were more likely to report difficulties with career advancement (p<0.05), practice management (p<0.0001) and financial planning (p<0.05), with social media beneficial for developing financial literacy (p<0.05). Conclusions Social media is an invaluable tool for enhancing professional and personal growth among individuals in ophthalmology, particularly for women, trainees, and those early in their career stages. Future directions include exploring how social media can be used to enrich mentorship and networking opportunities in ophthalmology.