I have given the thumbs up to every one of the discussions relating to the use of social media as this topic in its broadest sense is an ethical one grappling yet again with a technological advance we were not previoulsy able to anticipate. Clearly as a Medical Profession we need guidelines on the use of social media.

However there needs to be an embracing of the positve benefits these internet tools allow us. We can disseminate scientific information, post for international enquiry on difficult cases or problematic issues relating only to the medical profession. Doctors need support and female Doctors in particular need networking and support. The question is always HOW. I have noted in the UK that you have many password enabled members only on line forums that allow for such professional discussions particularly around patient care, that are widely participated in. This is not social media and like all patient communication is protected. It is commonsense to separate ones public and private lives, as well as in our case, our professional lives. There is no difference to the potentiality of risk with mailed letters, faxes or storage of written patient information. These can all be lost or interfered with by unscrupulous non medical persons, or scrutinised by a lawyer to determine if the Doctors have breached some law or other; whether by the content itself or by failing to protect that content from scrutiny by non medical persons. Doctors carry this risk every day.

Criticism of the systems of medicine or the politics of medicine seems a very slippery slope towards loss of individual freedom of expression and needs guarding against with rigorous valour if we are to persist with a democratic society. In this context again, common sense says we should not write what we would not say and personal or libellous discussion needs careful management.

As to whether Doctors have the right to socialise in non conservative ways again requires careful manaagement and guidelines for the profession. I dont care if my lawyer parties every night as long as s/he does their job however I probably wouldnt see him/her for an alcohol addiction or related legal issue. Nor would I see a conservative never married lawyer for counselling over juggling the multiple roles as a professional working mother. Again criminal activity in this domain is another matter and again is one which Doctors like Judges, lawyers professional football players have lived with for a long time.

Long live the discussion, and long live freedom but lets not ban the use of new technology which does nothing about the unlawful behaviour anyway.

Lets Educate.

Competing interests: None declared