Dr. Danielle Martin tells the story of her grandfather, Jacques Elie Shilton, a hard-working Egyptian immigrant who, months after arriving in Montreal with 10 family members, suffered a devastating heart attack.

Social media has revolutionized the way we connect and share ideas, but should doctors be encouraged to participate? Ollie Burton, a third-year medical student, discusses the pros and cons of doctors engaging with social media.

Having doctors on social media presents a unique opportunity for authoritative voices to share health and wellness information with a wider audience. They can effectively communicate complex ideas and reach patients who might not engage with traditional health literature.

On the other hand, there's a risk of doctors spreading misinformation or focusing on building their online presence rather than enhancing their practice. Conflicts of interest, such as endorsing products, can also arise.

As future medical professionals, embracing social media can be advantageous, but it's essential to maintain professionalism and prioritize patient care. The same standards expected in a clinical environment apply online.

So, consider the impact of your social media presence on your medical journey. Use it responsibly to inspire, educate, and connect with others, while always upholding the integrity of your profession. Be the change you want to see in healthcare and foster a positive online environment for everyone.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) reporting guidelines outline mandatory and permissive reporting policies for physicians practicing in Ontario. These guidelines are essential for maintaining professional conduct and protecting the public interest. Premed students can benefit from understanding these guidelines as they prepare for their future careers as physicians.

Mandatory reports are legally required and often involve specific information or professional medical opinions. Permissive reports, on the other hand, are based on professional responsibility and ethics, allowing physicians to use their discretion in deciding whether to make a report.

Some mandatory reporting obligations include child abuse or neglect, impaired driving ability, sexual abuse of a patient, and communicable diseases. Permissive reports might involve instances where disclosing patient information is necessary to protect others from harm.

Premed students should familiarize themselves with these reporting guidelines to better understand the legal, professional, and ethical reporting obligations they will face as physicians. By doing so, they can prepare for situations that may require them to balance patient confidentiality with public interest and safety.

In addition, premed students can develop effective communication skills by learning how to inform patients about their reporting duties when appropriate. This transparency can help build trust and strengthen the physician-patient relationship.

Understanding CPSO reporting guidelines will enable premed students to navigate complex reporting obligations and make informed decisions in their future practice. It is crucial for students to consult resources such as the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA), the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC), and the College's Physician Advisory Service (PAS) for further guidance on reporting obligations.