Last night’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy (Don’t Deceive Me, Please Don’t Go) had the introduction to a new but short-lived character, better known as the social network we use and love, Twitter.
Luckily, for it, it out-lasted 140 characters and played a vital role of suggesting the possibilities of Twitter in the medical industry.
You do not have to be a fan of the show to understand the premise of what the reference is, as characters within the show used Twitter to update interns from various hospitals during a surgical procedure, not only 
connecting people but also educating them simultaneously. During a critical part in the episode, via an @reply, it not only suggested a life saving solution, but these fictional doctors were able to receive real-time resources that they did not have within their own institute and were able to save a life.
More importantly…
What if twitter could save real lives in real hospitals?
What if a tool such as Twitter could be the key to a faster and sufficient solution to unifying the medical community? Through posting updates to Twitter’s newsfeeds during surgical procedures to assist in the aid of intern education?
What if, Twitter is just the tool that could broaden the horizon of expertise within Operating rooms or in our Emergency rooms? Is this even feasible?
Social media is not only becoming a part of our offline lives through traditional media. It is possibly opening our eyes to an awakening. It is unveiling a spectrum of promise that may be thought provoking in the present; or it could possibly be a highlight to what awaits us in the future.
Watch a clip from the Grey’s Anatomy reference.
Do you think Twitter should be implemented in Hospitals?
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Read more social media articles on the Soshable blog.
yes twitter saves life. a tweet made it will be retweeted by other. after all we are human being and try to help everyone who is in need
Definitely. Though people are busy skipping other twitter messages when there is a genuine message like requesting for help or advice or sharing useful information are always get noticed.
Never thought of Twitter being used to save lives but I think it would be pretty cool if doctors used it to communicate between each other.. as long as it’s used properly. Definitely would be a way for newer generation doctors to be educated and informed.
Maybe the idea is a bit extreme. I’m not sure if a media outlet can save lives per se but can help facilitate helping to save a life for sure. I’ve seen a number of tweeters RT people who are in need of blood or bone marrow etc. That works in the sense that you get a message out there and in turn can help save a life. In the future, I think doctors may and should make use of this outlet. It definitely is a good and viable way to ask for help from millions of people around the world.
Any form of communication can save lives. Twitter is just quicker and can reach people that don’t have an established line of communication.
Hi @Vivek Parmar Thanks for your comment, Twitter is such a fascinating tool and yes, many people are kind.
Socially Yours,
Erin Ryan
http://twitter.com/TheErinRyan
Hi @Steve – Spiritual
I enjoy your name! Yes, Twitter should be taken seriously for those important tweets that are often sent and overlooked! Thanks for the comment.
Socially Yours,
Erin Ryan
http://twitter.com/TheErinRyan
Hi @Angela I didn’t think Twitter could be so advanced, but than a GPS was only created for the military and now we see it being used in cars and all over the place, so… it got me thinking after watching this episode. Could Twitter’s purpose be beyond an update? Perhaps it can be an essential key to unlocking a better healthcare system. but, you’re right, as long as it is used appropriately, I agree. Thanks for your feedback!
Socially Yours,
Erin Ryan
http://twitter.com/TheErinRyan
Hi @Champa Yes, a tool is only that unless people broaden their scope to see what it can be used for, so you’re right on that one for sure. I think it could get interesting what Twitter’s capabilities can become. Thanks for your comment!
Socially Yours,
Erin Ryan
http://twitter.com/TheErinRyan
Hi @Carole Riley ABSOLUTELY! Communication is the key to everything! I love it
Thanks for the comment.
Socially Yours,
Erin Ryan
http://twitter.com/TheErinRyan
While I’ve never thought of this, it’s a very interesting idea to say the least.
Absolutely! I saw this episode of Grey’s and thought implementing Twitter in hospitals could be a great way to spawn idea generation for surgeries and the like. Thanks for addressing this!
Twitter has done a lot of great stuff so far – from saving a man’s life from a group of terrorists to the recent cry for change in Egypt. What’s impossible with Twitter these days?
I don’t know if I would like my surgeon tweeter while he was working on me. thanks!
Interesting piece.
Hi Political Graffiti: The Social Network of Politics
Thanks for your positive feedback!
Socially Yours,
Erin Ryan
Thank you @Sayo Martin! Great minds think alike!
Socially Yours,
Erin Ryan
Hi Quen
You bring up a great point, although we weren’t looking at tweeting in general but more so for a life or death situation and reaching to a greater realm of doctors through something similar to Twitter that could potentially save a life. Thanks for your opinion though.
Socially Yours,
Erin Ryan
Therapy Santa Cruz California Thanks for the feedback!
Socially Yours
Erin Ryan