I've been at the School of Medicine for well over two years, and I've frequently heard that LinkedIn isn't really popular with physicians and researchers. Now, Bryan Vartabedian, MD, has thoughtfully outlined a few reasons why the popular social networking service hasn't taken hold in the medical community on his 33 Charts blog. Among the reasons:
Physicians are hyperlocal. Most MDs live and work in relatively small, geographically defined locations. Their success is sustained through word of mouth and the cultivation of a limited number of personal relationships. The average practicing physician has no need to sell himself beyond his local market. The depth of their bio is irrelevant to their local success.
The entry is well worth a read - and I, too, would be curious to find out from our physician/researcher readers whether or not you use LinkedIn.
