Dr Hutchcraft on Putting Yourself on the Map in Gynecologic Oncology Through Social Media

“I think the first time that I had any kind of feeling like I had [made]…a real impact [because a post received] a lot of traction…was actually once I became a social media editor for Gynecologic Oncology journals, and we started doing collaborative posts highlighting young researchers who had published in the Gynecologic Oncology journals….”

Megan Hutchcraft, MD, associate director of the Carle Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at Carle Cancer Institute, discussed her evolving use of social media as a tool for professional engagement, education, and dissemination of research.

Hutchcraft explained that her initial experience with social media began during fellowship, when she primarily used Twitter to share insights on gynecologic oncology research and to participate in conversations with peers and the broader medical community. At that stage, her focus was on fostering dialogue, highlighting new findings, and connecting with others in the field through concise, text-based posts, she explained.

Over time, Hutchcraft’s approach shifted as she began to explore Instagram as an additional platform. She noted that Instagram offered a more creative and visually engaging medium, allowing her to present information through infographics, images, and other visual tools. This transition enabled Hutchcraft to communicate complex medical concepts in a more accessible and appealing manner, broadening the reach of her educational efforts beyond traditional academic audiences.

A pivotal moment in her social media journey came when she assumed the role of social media editor for Gynecologic Oncology journals. In this capacity, she became involved in developing collaborative content designed to highlight the work of emerging researchers. These initiatives included training spotlights and features on individuals who had recently published in the journals, providing visibility to early-career contributors in the field.

Hutchcraft emphasized that this role significantly amplified the influence of her efforts. Posts associated with these collaborations began to generate thousands of views, a level of engagement she had not previously experienced. This marked a turning point for Hutchcraft, reinforcing the potential of social media as a powerful platform for academic dissemination and professional recognition.

Reflecting on this experience, she underscored the value of leveraging digital platforms not only to share research but also to build community and elevate the voices of young investigators. The ability to reach large audiences and foster meaningful engagement highlights the growing importance of social media in modern medical communication and education, she concluded.