Kevin, M.D. has some ideas:"It seems that the lifespan of a medical blog is shorter than those of other fields. Over the past year, we've seen far too many health care voices go silent.
Blogging and practicing medicine often don't go hand in hand. Most of the media coverage borders on negative, focusing on patient privacy issues. Hospital administrations have shut down physician blogs. Furthermore, practicing medicine is exhausting, leaving blogging at the bottom of the priority list."
I have written on the topic before mentioning that maintaining a blog is simple, and if one enjoys the experience, there are few reasons to stop. For example, I use this blog as an educational portfolio and since education is a life-long process, it should be around for foreseeable future. In fact, I have at least 4 of them: CasesBlog (medical and tech stories), travel blog (photos and videos), AllergyNotes, and now a Twitter microblog.
Tips for Medical Bloggers
- Write as if your boss and your patients are reading your blog every day
- Comply with HIPAA
- List your name and contact information.
- If your blog is work-related, it is probably better to let your employer know.
- Inquire if there are any blogging guidelines. If there are, comply with them strictly.
- Use a disclaimer, e.g. "All opinions expressed here are those of their authors and not of their employer. Information provided here is for medical education only. It is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice."
- Get your blog accredited by the Heath on the Net Foundation
This Google video shows it takes about 2 minutes to start a blog on Blogger.com. Creating a web site has never been easier.
Related:
My take: Mid-levels, health consultants, blogging. Kevin, M.D.
How to write a medical blog and not get fired?
Another blogger quits due to "blog fatigue"
Has Blogging Peaked?
Simply Fired - How NOT to Blog About Your Job. Especially If You Are a Doctor
Using a Blog to Build an Educational Portfolio
Images source: OpenClipArt.org, public domain.
Thanks, this was useful info. I'm a doctor who is related to an alcoholic. I have begun using a blog to reflect on how those two things are related. Your points about confidentiality were well-received at some point in the last few months, by this 40-ish woman of no distinguishable features, residing in a zip code area with >20,000 people, in a large state. :)
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