Social media influence on the face of dermatology

Summary: Abstract Body: This study investigates how social media influences medical students' perceptions of dermatology as a specialty and career choice. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 137 students at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University to assess social media usage, engagement with dermatology-related content, and its impact on career interest. The survey revealed that 82% of students engaged with dermatology content, primarily on Instagram and YouTube and that students exposed to this content were more likely to view dermatology positively, with half of those considering a dermatology career citing social media as an influential factor. 55% of students not interacting with such content expressed negative perceptions of the field. While social media exposure often enhanced interest, some participants noted an overemphasis on cosmetic aspects, potentially overshadowing dermatology's clinical scope. These findings highlight social media's dual role in shaping perceptions, emphasizing the need for accurate, professional-driven content to mitigate misinformation. Social media is a powerful tool that can shape the perceptions and career decisions of medical students. However, more effective strategies are needed to mitigate the risk of misinformation, given that most dermatology-related content on social media is not created by medical professionals. Taken together with the results of this study, it is evident that its in the best interest of the medical community to understand this new era of medical decision making. Miriam Motlak¹, Meghna A. Mathews¹, Carissa Walkosak² 1. Rowan University Cooper Medical School, Camden, NJ, United States. 2. Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, United States. Clinical Research: Epidemiology and Observational Research