Micro-blogging for a Radiologist

Micro-blogging is defined in Wikipedia as “a form of blogging that allows users to write brief text updates (usually 140 characters) and publish them, either to be viewed by anyone or by a restricted group which can be chosen by the user. These messages can be submitted by a variety of means, including text messaging, instant messaging, email, MP3 or the Web”. Micro-blogging allows writing brief text updates on the go, and sharing them with friends and interested observers. Popular examples of micro-blogging services include Twitter (http://twitter.com/), Tumblr (http://www.tumblr.com/) and Jaiku (http://jaiku.com/). The status feature of social-networking services such as Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/) provides another example of micro-blogging. The content of a micro-blog differs from a traditional blog due in that it is typically more topical, smaller in file size (e.g. text, audio or video).

Twitter is the most popular tool and the company name is used synonymously with micro-blogging. Media companies such as the BBC and The New York Times are trying out Twitter as a way to send headlines. The campaigns for presidential candidates such as Barack Obama also had Twitter profiles, with thousands of “friends” and “followers”. Victims of Mumbai Taj tragedy used the tool to stay in touch with family and friends.

Radiologists have a lot of social connections in the real world. There is a total lack of time to manage these connections. He has to manage his life in several circle during the day (family, patients, hospitals, professional connections). There is consistent flow of data and knowledge through the day from family, patients and internet. Radiologists can share small updates about the subject and patients on the go. Twitter can also be used for the service of attendees and for the organizers of congresses for better control and managing the events, lectures and sessions.

It may not be an over exaggeration that in times to come twitter will become the Virtual Doctors Lounge.