Experience in the use of Social Media in Medical and Health Education

Abstract

We are all aware of what the social media is and we are using it in our daily routines very effectively. This article is not to elaborate what social media is, but to testify its use and applications in medical and health education.Out of all branches of medical education, Ayurveda is most emerging branch in terms of modern sciences. Ayurveda is an ancient life science. The knowledge of Ayurveda is in the form of Sanskrit texts. Many Ayurveda students find it difficult to grasp many terminologies and procedures explained in literature of ayurvedic science. Using social media tools can enhance the teaching – learning qualitatively.Moreover, when we look up at the practicing ayurvedic physicians, one should accept that the myths and tricks of practical Ayurveda is concentrated in some parts of India like, Pune, Kerala, etc. And with increased use of social media, through various groups over social media, this ancient and applied wisdom is available on fingertips to the students of Ayurveda.An important intervention would be to provide formal education to a cohort of medical educators and students on these communication tools. They could then spread on these theories in a more deliberate fashion to the use social media in learning.

Methods:The concept of social media and its applications was studied from various databases like PubMed, google scholar and other research articles.

Conclusion: Ayurveda medical universities should include learning information and communication technologies right there in first year of curriculum and familiarize the students with the social media applications in developing their own methods of applying these tools in study pattern.