The pharmacy residency program guide to Twitter

Abstract

BackgroundTwitter has emerged as a powerful networking and educational tool within the health care community. The instantaneous and casual nature of Twitter allows for easy access to a near limitless pool of medical professionals and the opportunity to share intra‐ and interprofessional knowledge. Beyond individual development, Twitter has the potential to positively impact pharmacy residency programs in a multitude of ways.ObjectiveThis article serves as a practical guide for pharmacy residency programs to implement and maintain a successful Twitter account.RecommendationsAt the program level, a Twitter account creates an official voice and brand while simultaneously providing detail and perspective beyond what a residency website may offer. Additionally, it allows for dynamic ground‐level engagement with prospective residency candidates, current residents, and preceptors which is mutually beneficial to the program audience. In the age of virtual recruitment, successfully utilizing digital tools to meet candidates where they are is essential for attracting the right candidate for the program. Implementation of a successful social media strategy has potential barriers that include garnering buy‐in from departmental leadership, operationalizing a social media team, and maintaining engagement momentum.ConclusionPharmacy residency programs should consider starting an official Twitter account.

Evaluation of the Use of Social Media and Virtual Meeting Platforms in the Pursuit of Pharmacy Residency Training

“…Webb et al 3 recently published a pharmacy residency guide to Twitter which cited an increase in Pharmacy Residency Twitter accounts to at least 74 in October 2020, which increased from 3 in July 2019. 3 However, despite this growth, 74 programs only represents approximately 3% of PGY1 and PGY2 Pharmacy residency programs in 2020. There are some limitations of this study, including our inability to confirm if the persons completing the survey actually did indeed pursue pharmacy residency training.…”

“…The role that social media plays has grown tremendously with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the realm of pharmacy and post-graduate training programs. This was highlighted by Webb et al 3 who emphasized the benefits of residency programs starting an official Twitter account. 3 In regard to pharmacy residency recruitment, the COVID-19 pandemic brought on the challenge of the 2020 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting transitioning from in-person to a virtual platform.…”

“…This was highlighted by Webb et al 3 who emphasized the benefits of residency programs starting an official Twitter account. 3 In regard to pharmacy residency recruitment, the COVID-19 pandemic brought on the challenge of the 2020 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting transitioning from in-person to a virtual platform. This meeting is generally the main recruitment hub for candidates and programs to connect.…”

“…The role that social media plays has grown tremendously with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the realm of pharmacy and post-graduate training programs. This was highlighted by Webb et al 3 who emphasized the benefits of residency programs starting an official Twitter account. 3…”

“…This was highlighted by Webb et al 3 who emphasized the benefits of residency programs starting an official Twitter account. 3…”