Reflecting on a year of rheumatology blogging
By Dr Irwin Lim, Rheumatologist
A year ago, I started this blog with the question “Why bother blogging?“.
Over 100 posts later, I think I have a better answer but it’s taken time to develop that realisation.
Like other doctors contemplating social media, I had a number of fears which I wrote about in “why bravery is a prerequisite to start a blog“.
Fear 1: Exposing myself to the public
Fear 2: What if people don’t find what I write interesting or useful?
Fear 3: What if someone makes negative comments?
Fear 4: What would my medical colleagues think?
Over 100 posts later, I’m glad to report that these fears are no longer such an issue.
Of course, I think about what I write and I’m careful what I tweet but this caution doesn’t stop me from expressing a view. I’m glad to have received enough feedback to suggest that people actually read this stuff. Some even leave a comment (please do!) and I’ve even found some new colleagues & collaborators through this medium.
Luckily, negative comments have not been an issue. My medical colleagues? Well, I think the responses range from indifference to uneasiness. I wasn’t really looking for congratulations which is a good thing, because that’s been few and far between.
All this has helped answer “Why bother blogging?”
Well, I now blog because I think it makes a difference.
There are only a handful of rheumatologists worldwide who bother. I am not aware of any other Australian rheumatology practice that bothers. This is a shame given our specialty suffers from a general lack of profile. People don’t know what rheumatologists do and what we are capable of. And this is to the detriment of the many people who suffer from arthritis & musculoskeletal disease. People/patients who typically get delayed diagnoses, who are not given appropriate treatment, or who have their disease trivialised.
I write to educate, to raise awareness, to entertain, and sometimes, to make a point.
Often, I learn something about something, & sometimes, something about myself as I write this rheumatology blog.
Dr Irwin Lim is a rheumatologist and a director of BJC Health.
Arthritis requires an integrated approach. We call this, Connected Care. Contact us.
This blog focuses on arthritis-related diseases, healthcare in general, and our Connected Care philosophy.
Irwin, this blog has been amazing. I see a doctor who sees literally 60 patients a day and there is no time to discuss my concerns. I have plenty of them as I am not responding well to standard RA medications and have had severe reactions to a number of biologicals and am starting to be afraid that nothing is going to work and I will be stuck on high doses of prednisolone indefinitely. Whlst they help…the weight gain is depressing. It is great to be able to read your blogs, type a question or comment or simply read comments from others who are experiencing the same. When you live in a regional area and the single Rheumatologist has to service so many of us…..you cannot imagine how much support this site can be. Thank you and please keep going!
Patients in rural/regional settings have it tough. The doctors working to service communities like yours have it tough. I thank you very much for your feedback & we’ll continue to try to improve awareness & education.
When I re-read that it sounded like I was whinging about my doctor..far from it I have a great deal of admiration for my doctor and others like him in rural and regional areas…as well as running the main clinic he also travels several hundred kms across the region to give access to specialist care for patients in more remote areas. We are absolutely blessed to have him…..your blog is a great resource and source of information which complements these visits. Thanks again.
Yes, Irwin; well said!
Health care social media/ blogging definitely makes a difference.
Our specialty has always remained a low profile branch. This not only reflects in low public awareness about our branch but also attracts little talent to the specialty.
All the best & keep blogging…..it definitely makes a difference.
And I love now having Australian and Irish Rheum friends!!!
I applaud you, Dr Lim, for your informative and encouraging blogs. Having worked for a group of gastroenterologists, before being disabled, I know that physicians are very busy. That makes your efforts even more appreciated, I wish more docs would follow suit and jump into the blog pool!
Julie, comments like yours definitely help spur me on. Thank you very much.