Twitter Chat Summary: How to Use Social Media to Enhance Your Career and Improve Diabetes Care

The Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute, in partnership with The Diabetes Influencers Network, is launching a series of Twitter chats from August through December 2016 geared to diabetes healthcare professionals. Topics will cover the gamut from using social media for career growth to helping clients accept the diagnosis of diabetes to offering guidance on healthy restaurant eating.

These lively Twitter chats will be facilitated by Hope Warshaw, MMSc, RD, CDE, BC-ADM. Warshaw is a Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Institute Faculty member and is serving during 2016 as president of the American Association of Diabetes Educators.

Our first Twitter chat took take place on Thursday, August 4, 2016 from 9:00 – 10:00 pm ET, 8:00 – 9:00 pm CT, and 6:00 – 7:00 pm PT. The topic was: How to Use Social Media to Enhance Your Career and Improve Diabetes Care. Following is a summary of that Twitter chat.

Q1: Plz describe, give examples of how you use twitter, other social media venues in your work, practice? #DiabetesINFL

laurenpincusrd Twitter, Instagram and Facebook are easy platforms to share recipes with patients and colleagues #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw I was an early social media adopter, in 2009. As sole practitioner/consultant/writer, it’s a great way to connect. You? #DiabetesINFL
rebeccabitzerrd #SocialMedia allows our business to reach those in need of our services and helps us to spread the value that RDs hold #DiabetesINFL
lorishemek Social media improves patient outcomes. The more engaged the client, the more accountability & self-empowerment = success #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw I mainly use Twitter. I engage with RD/RDN & # diabetes educator colleagues and ppl w/ #diabetes in the #DOC You? #DiabetesINFL
laurenpincusrd I really want to get into Facebook video to share easy recipes and quick tips. Someday soon #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn Improve career with social media-> #Facebook posts for public education; messaging for private #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn #LinkedIn for #diabetes related job opportunities #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw I quickly see news/learn new info, ex: Nutrition Facts label, Dietary Guidelines, Diabetes Stds of Care, pt ed tools. You? #DiabetesINFL
rebeccabitzerrd #SocialMedia spreads our message to reach those looking for evidence based recommendations w/ practical applications #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn #Twitter for following other #diabetes educators and related #healthcare programs #DiabetesINFL
eatingsoulfully Social media was instrumental in obtaining an agent + publisher. Shows you have an audience + potential buyers. #DiabetesINFL
eatingsoulfully Social media also helped build my brand. 99% of my tweets are diabetes related content. #DiabetesINFL
eatingsoulfully My blog and FB page designed for African Americans with diabetes, also helps build brand. #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw Professionally I engage w colleagues, read their blogs, podcasts, social media posts and more. You? #DiabetesINFL

Q2: Why do you engage in social media? How has being engaged helped you improve #diabetes care you deliver? #DiabetesINFL

laurenpincusrd Social media allows me to share content to grow my business PLUS I constantly learn new info and tips from other RDNs! #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw I engage b/c social media connects me to new colleagues, like-minded HCPs, new and newsy info for patient care/ed. You? #DiabetesINFL
lorishemek Social media is an excellent tool for professional education, networking & creating positive client outcomes #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn Office practice limit contacts to local area; social media reaches worldwide #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn Social media affords worldwide networking; cross promoting other #diabetic topics#DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw Engaging in social media keeps me up to date, provides quick access to newsworthy info and colleagues providing it. You? #DiabetesINFL
eatingsoulfully Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and blogging are responsible for my consulting, writing and speaking opportunities. #DiabetesINFL
lorishemek Using social media to help educate others is key as most who have #diabetes go online for information. Hashtags are crucial. #diabetesinfl
eatingsoulfully Social media provides an opportunity to counter misinformation & get new info – webinars, meetings, research studies. #DiabetesINFL
eatingsoulfully Twitter allows you to listen to and address the concerns of PWD in real time. #DiabetesINFL
rebeccabitzerrd We engage in #SocialMedia to reach a large variety of people. It enhances RD careers by spreading the word #DiabetesINFL #health
hopewarshaw It’s connects me to #DOC members. Allowed me to build bridges b/w HCPs, ppl w #diabetes & caregivers. Warms my heart! You? #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn Social media connected me with national speaking engagements! #FeelingGrateful #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw Engaging with #DOC helps me gain insights to ppl w/ #diabetes, caregivers and become a better #diabetes educator/provider. #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw Allows me to be a voice of/for accurate, current nutrition & #diabetes info where there’s lots of inaccuracy. You? #DiabetesINFL

Q3: How do/can HCPs use social media to increase referrals for #diabetes ed? What medium(s), platform(s) best for ur efforts? #DiabetesINFL

laurenpincusrd Private Facebook groups are SO helpful for engaging with colleagues and getting referrals #DiabetesINFL
rebeccabitzerrd The #RebelDietitians use #SocialMedia to post recipes and and give people #DietitianApproved tips! #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/m19ID02NNz
eatingsoulfully I think LinkedIn and FB provide best opportunity to showcase #diabetes ed programs + increase referrals. #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw I use social media, Twitter and Facebook, to promote articles I write in various publications, post on my website. You? #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw I use social media, to establish self as thought leader, champion for ppl w #diabetes. You? #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn Blogging on #diabetic related topics builds following; develops social media presence #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw I use social media, Twitter mainly, to connect w colleagues, ppl in #Diabetes Online Community. You? (#DOC) #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn Hosting chat parties can help develop strong social media presence #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw Engaging w ppl in the #DOC has both connected me with amazing ppl and provided insight into daily #diabetes mgmt. You? #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn Social media is affordable marketing platform; many free sources to promote self. #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw Great idea! #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/jaYOwcfAqO
lorishemek Social media such as twitter, has allowed me to reach a population that needs education, so very important.
#diabetesinfl
rebeccabitzerrd Yes, so many social media platforms and always changing. I forgot to mention pinterest. Which is your fav? #diabetesINFL

Q4: How can connecting w #DOC members help you improve the diabetes care you deliver? #DiabetesINFL

maureensrn Social media networking enables online presence; builds online reputation; builds followers
#DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw Have you engaged with the #DOC? What’s been your experience? Has it helped you create a larger social network? #DiabetesINFL
lorishemek Being connected, empathy, is helping PWDs feel supported as well as helping me to improve their care. #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw @zsquaredmama So TRUE! What amazing folks #DOC #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/2nSd0IFnNM
hopewarshaw I’ve worked directly w #DOC members for yrs now. My life, career and understanding of challenges are enriched, heightened. #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw Yes, you do. I was jealous of you behind the camera at @AmDiabetesAssn #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/sJYtd6bsAW
maureensrn #DOC has taught me so much. Social media allows exchange of ideas! #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw How? Connect on social media. Be open. Engage #DOC in interviews, quotes in your work. Support & learn from them, causes. #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn Online collaboration possibilities-> Webinars, Skype, #TwitterChat parties-> #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw How? Offer to provide quotes 4 blogs, interviews 4 podcasts, tweet them, RT their tweets, use quote tweet to ask questions #DiabetesINFL
eatingsoulfully Gives you insight into their challenges, concerns and success. #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw Yes, Aviva. I’d like to see SO MANY more PWD engaged online, in #DOC #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/0bWUhq1M8n
hopewarshaw To gain insight into the #DOC members, interactions, observe #DSMA chats Weds 9 – 10pm ET, #DCDE chats Tues 8 – 9 pm ET #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw On 8/11, Thurs 6pm PT from #AADE16 follow Live #DSMA Twitter Chat w @sweetercherise @scottkjohnson @debgreenwood, more #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw And the MORE would be @JaneKDickinson @rachelheadCDE #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/LWKgNyTXQN

Q5: What tips, tricks do you have for colleagues re: accurate info, ethics of using social media in your practice? #DiabetesINFL

laurenpincusrd Always stick to the science! Read it before you tweet it-many articles are “click bait” & don’t reflect original study #diabetesINFL
hopewarshaw Let science, evidence, accepted standards of care be your guide. Be a trusted, reliable resource #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn Always stay professional; never contradict other #HCP; maintain #HIPAA guidelines #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw Don’t air dirty laundry abt colleagues, prof assoc you belong to, members of the #DOC. What principles do you follow? #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw If you need to correct a colleague, do so kindly, nicely w/ evidence-based info and link to further info. #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn I educate on social media but always note I am not a doctor/not prescribing treatments#DiabetesINFL
lorishemek Avoid conflicts of interest, ensure patient confidence & privacy; communicate directly with patient. #DiabetesINFL
rebeccabitzerrd One tip we have on #SocialMedia blogging is to ask yourself “would I read this? Would I share this?” before posting it #DiabetesINFL
eatingsoulfully Don’t retweet, share or forward anything unless you’ve read it! You want to authenticate! #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn On social media, I always encourage team collaboration and further research for health topics #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw @RebeccaBitzerRD Great Q to ask self #DiabetesINFL Great for students. https://t.co/rvPWzysZXN
maureensrn I prefer maintaining a paper trail for all interaction…..your thoughts? ? Liability issues? #DiabetesINFL
laurenpincusrd Always disclose corporate affiliations with #ad or #client. Transparency is very important part of using social media #diabetesINFL
hopewarshaw ENGAGE! Demonstrate you’re engaged. Use engagement to raise your number followers. Let growth happen organically #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw Always impt to read research before posting #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/TVVmShHrB7
rebeccabitzerrd Yes: really pay attention to what your followers ask about and go for it! #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/VP7sZQobkg

Q6: Twitter helps us follow what’s going on at professional and #diabetes meetings. What are your strategies to do this? #DiabetesINFL

hopewarshaw Depends on the mtg. Say @aadediabetes @amerdiabetesassoc @eatrightpro, I follow hashtag(s) for key learnings. You? #DiabetesINFL
laurenpincusrd I often tweet live at conferences to share breaking nutrition news! Add photos of slides too- saves precious characters! #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw I’ll chime in to action by retweeting, offering a thought or positive mention using quote tweet. You? #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw Another option. Share links to recaps and write ups from the mtg for attendees and wider audience. Helps promote the mtg #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn Twitter posts/photos engage followers unable to attend meetings; ongoing education #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn Twitter chat parties/blogs/ guest editorials focus on newest #diabetes education #DiabetesINFL
eatingsoulfully Follow professional members and/or org engaged in diabetes. @AADE, @AmDiabetesAssn @diabetesisters + search hashtags #DiabetesINFL
rebeccabitzerrd To stay connected with events we follow our favorites on twitter and check out their popular hashtags! #DiabetesINFL #GoogleTrends

Q7: What best practices have you IDed to work w your colleagues to build your practice, improve diabetes care? #DiabetesINFL

hopewarshaw For starters, observe/read their posts. If aligned, follow, retweet, respond, engage, build on content. Your thoughts? #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn Twitter/social media allows me to follow other experts as well. #Crosspromotion. #Networking #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn Best practices-> cross promote colleague’s websites; collaborate with webinars
#DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw @MaureenSRN Great point. ID other experts. New experts #DiabetesINFL https://t.co/YXzjzrEjB8
maureensrn Best practices-> Offer free community presentations to build collateral relationships #DiabetesINFL
lorishemek Work collaboratively with patients, ensuring readiness to make behavior changes & agreeing on behavior-change action plan #diabetesinfl
laurenpincusrd Participating in professional association email lists allows for open communications for exchange of ideas & research #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw When have opportunity, attend social media meet ups held at meetings. So fun to connect in person! Enriching, engaging! #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn Best practices-> Establish online presence; stay professional on social media (so important!!) #DiabetesINFL
rebeccabitzerrd Staying in contact with local #doctors and referring providers help the #RebelDietitians to build our practice #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw To ID, think of key leaders in field U respect. See if thy’re social media engaged. Follow, connect w/ by RT, quote Tweets #DiabetesINFL
eatingsoulfully Network within and outside your profession. Tweet out tips and links to latest diabetes research. Help others! #DiabetesINFL
eatingsoulfully Guest blog, post to FB, join groups on Linkedin #DiabetesINFL
eatingsoulfully Retweet and share colleagues meeting, articles etc. #DiabetesINFL

Q8: How do you use social media to learn about prof ed opportunities? Plz list key resources! #DiabetesINFL

laurenpincusrd Follow social media handles for key professional publications, create Twitter lists to make them easy to identify. #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw I’m partial! Let me 1st say Johnson&Johnson Diabetes Inst. PLENTY prof ed opps. Register here: https://t.co/2XyVnuNLSl #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw And re this topic on JJDI, check out webinar by PWD Sparling (@sixuntilme), “Your Patients Are Online; Why Aren’t You? #DiabetesINFL
eatingsoulfully Follow diabetes professional organizations and search hashtags. i.e. #RDchat, #AADE16 #DiabetesINFL
rebeccabitzerrd #DietitiansOnTheBlog, facebook events, blog posts, and newsletters help up stay connected to #RD and #DiabetesINFL events @nedpg
lorishemek I use multiple, including AADE, DiabetesINFL, NTADA, local chapters, twitter lists make them easy to identify #diabetesinfl
hopewarshaw And re this topic on JJDI, check out webinar by I did, “Why and How Should Healthcare Providers Engage? #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn AADE-> https://t.co/5OrAfVQjmk #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw I look for tweets abt upcoming webinars from government agencies, prof associations, trade, health associations. Your? #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn AADE-> https://t.co/zroLloudfJ #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn AADE-> https://t.co/PLqd2G1vsq #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn ADA-> https://t.co/17tEUg7isx #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn ADA-> https://t.co/08qYBWG570 #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn IDF-> https://t.co/wqhTImRsvK #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn WHO-> https://t.co/he7E6qjgHk #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn CDC-> https://t.co/xHpB0MXP8m #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn JJDI -> https://t.co/mvu6BXaPcA #DiabetesINFL
maureensrn NDEP-> https://t.co/PlO18cGXil #DiabetesINFL
hopewarshaw @MaureenSRN Lots of great websites, resource for #diabetes info #DiabetesINFL

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Constance Brown-Riggs, MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN—an award-winning RD, certified diabetes educator, and past national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is the author of The African American Guide to Living Well With Diabetes, which received the Favorably Reviewed designation from the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and Eating Soulfully and Healthfully with Diabetes.

Dr. Lori Shemek, PhD, CNC, CLC, the best-selling author of “Fire-Up Your Fat Burn! and leading health and weight loss expert, is also known as “The Inflammation Terminator.” She has made it her mission to educate the public on the toxic effects of certain foods and lifestyle choices and how they create inflammation in the body. She is a leading authority on inflammation and its role in weight loss, preventing disease and optimizing health.

Rebecca Bitzer – MS, RD/LD, CEDRD is an award-winning Registered Dietitian, writer, speaker, blogger, and REBEL Dietitian business owner. Rebecca and her team of six Registered Dietitians have counseled thousands of clients struggling with diabetes for over twenty-five years. They work closely with each other along with internists, endocrinologists, therapists, and families.

Maureen Sullivan – RN, CDE has worked for many years as a Registered Nurse, most of them in emergency and trauma services. She is a Certified Emergency Nurse, Certified Diabetes Educator, and the former manager of a hospital stroke program. Maureen’s wealth of knowledge, passion for nursing and education, and ability to engage people makes her an excellent teacher and a captivating lecturer. Recently, Maureen has been concentrating on writing, speaking and teaching, as well as working on her award-winning weekly podcast, “The Health and Humor Show.”

Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN is a nutrition communications specialist, registered dietitian in private practice, social media consultant, speaker, spokesperson and corporate consultant. She is currently the owner of Nutrition Starring YOU, LLC and www.NutritionStarringYOU.com. Lauren strongly believes that we should “Think Healthy, not Skinny”, and “EveryBODY is unique, your diet should be too”. Lauren was co-host of the Family Food Experts Kitchen radio show, available for listening on iHeart Radio and iTunes. Also known as one of the “NutritionBabes”, Lauren co-founded NutritionBabes.com, a popular Health and Wellness website in 2009. NutritionBabes.com was voted one of Healthline’s Top 100 Health Blogs in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Mark Heyman, PhD, CDE is a clinical health psychologist and the director of the Center for Diabetes and Mental Health (CDMH). In addition to treating patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, Dr. Heyman provides training for health care providers on how to identify and address the emotional and behavioral aspects of diabetes in their patients. He also works with pharmaceutical and medical device companies to help them understand these issues and incorporate this information into their sales, marketing, and patient education materials. He is particularly interested in empirically supported behavioral interventions that promote behavior change and improve physical and mental health in people with diabetes.

Katie Ferraro, MPH, RD, CDE is a nationally-recognized registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator and author with an expertise in nutrition communications and curriculum development. She is the co-author of “Diet Therapy in Advanced Practice Nursing” (McGraw Hill, 2014) and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Nutrition at the University of California San Francisco and University of San Diego’s graduate schools of nursing.

Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE (aka “Dr. Bev”) is a clinical psychologist and certified diabetes educator, author and speaker. She specializes treating the emotional issues of people with diabetes. In her private practice, she provides individual, family and/or group therapy utilizing a cognitive behavior therapy orientation, combined with a spiritual approach. Her goal is to empower her patients to manage their diabetes.

Dr. Bev is the author of two self-help diabetes books. She has written numerous articles which are published in print and online – always focused on diabetes from the emotional perspective. She also speaks to audiences of people living with diabetes, as well as, to audiences of healthcare professionals and diabetes educators. Dr. Bev, herself, has been living successfully with type 1 diabetes for 40+ years.

In August 2016, Dr. Bev was honored to receive the “CDE Entrepreneur of the Year” Award from her Metropolitan NY Association of Diabetes Educators.

Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE, FAND is an internationally recognized nutrition and diabetes expert with more than two decades experience. Through writing, speaking and one-on-one coaching, Jill empowers people to grab control of their health. She has worked as both a nutrition counselor and a diabetes educator in the hospital and research settings, and now in private practice in Newport News, VA. Jill is known for her practical approach and caring attitude. Her no-nonsense strategies to eating well include foods that both taste good and are good for you.

Marlene Koch (pronounced ‘cook’) is a nationally recognized nutritionist, popular TV personality and New York Times bestselling author. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from UCLA with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutritional Science. She is a registered dietitian and one of a select group of dietitians to hold an advanced certificate in Child and Adolescent Weight Management from the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.

Marlene has taught professional chefs from the American Culinary Federation the principles of healthy cooking and eating. She has been adjunct Nutrition professor and cooking instructor for Columbus State College and the Columbus State Culinary Academy, and she is a nationally recognized expert in weight loss, diabetes, child and adolescent nutrition, and sugar substitutes.

Marlene has sold over one million cookbooks, and is a regular guest on QVC.

Barbara Ruhs – MS, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and owner of Neighborhood Nutrition LLC, a consulting firm focused on providing solutions to help food companies and supermarkets improve consumer health & wellness. She’s a former supermarket dietitian and has run a successful business for 17 years. A leader in the field of nutrition, her mission is to help people by impacting the way food is produced, marketed and sold. She’s a strong advocate for supermarket dietitians and believes the retail food industry has the greatest potential to impact public health.

Cheryl Orlansky has over 25 years of experience in health promotion and chronic disease prevention and management. Her first career as a registered dental hygienist led her towards a path of wellness and nutrition! Her expertise is in diabetes, weight management and cardiovascular disease for individuals and groups. She works in a large private practice including endocrinology, internal medicine, rheumatology, neurology and sleep medicine. She is an award winning dietitian with current leadership positions in state and local dietetics organizations.

She has been interviewed and quoted in media outlets for WebMD, Atlanta Sports and Fitness, Georgia Public Broadcasting, and the Atlanta Journal and Constitution. She has partnered with V-103 Radio to lead supermarket tours as part of a community outreach during National Nutrition Month.

Cheryl helps her clients reach balance through lifestyle choices: cooking and eating, activity and purpose in life.

Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and classically-trained chef. With a passion for helping people (including her father) with diabetes, she’s author of The With or Without Meat Cookbook: The Flexible Approach to Flavorful Diabetes Cooking and the award-winning The All‐Natural Diabetes Cookbook, both published by the American Diabetes Association. Jackie is also author of 1,000 Low-Calorie Recipes and Big Green Cookbook. Her next book, The All-Natural Diabetes Cookbook—2nd Edition, was published in 2015.

Nutritionist Rania Batayneh, MPH is the author of the best-selling book, The One One One Diet. She holds a master’s degree in public health nutrition from the University of Michigan School of Public Health and is also a Wellcoaches Certified Health and Wellness Coach endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

OmnichannelHealth Media, publisher of DiabetesDigest.com, does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.