Physically Distant, but Socially Connected: How to Continue Sharing Research and Pearls with Colleagues

With “social distancing” guidelines quickly becoming the new normal, and previously planned events and gatherings getting canceled, some of the physical interactions you would normally engage in with your colleagues from around the globe have become temporarily absent – take the 2020 AANA Annual Meeting for example, which was announced as officially canceled last week and was set to include over 90 educational sessions related to arthroscopy.

And now you might be wondering: How can I share new research and pearls while remaining connected to my colleagues across the globe during a time where physical interactions are all but restricted?

One of the fastest and most efficient tools to turn to is social media. In addition to its convenience factor, social media provides an excellent communication and networking outlet to share information that otherwise would have been released in a physical format.

Consider these quick social media tips to share your latest findings and stay better connected to your colleagues:

• Create a platform, or several, if you haven’t already. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn are easy to set up and simple to use.
• Share snippets of new research and helpful pearls. Even through a lack of face-to-face interactions, any previously planned research findings or pearls can easily be posted on your wall or feed to share with colleagues.
• Remember to use the “tagging” feature. Tag us @AANAORG along with your colleagues to initiate virtual conversation and networking.

So while you adjust to the “new normal” of social distancing, use your social media channels as a guide to continue sharing research and connecting with colleagues.