Social Media Guidelines

MGH Institute of Health Professions encourages the community to take part in social media to facilitate dialogue among community members, communicate with internal and external audiences, and build relationships. It is important to provide guidelines for the community and update them as appropriate, to promote best practices and consistent brand messaging regarding the use of online media so MGH Institute is represented adequately and accurately.

Best practices when contributing to and consuming social media

When posting on social networks, blogs, and websites, keep in mind this is an additional vehicle of communication that lives permanently on the web. You are not only representing the MGH Institute of Health Professions community, but also your personal brand. We encourage dialogue and sharing opinions and ideas, but please be professional and respectful when communicating online as a member of the MGH Institute community.

Blogging, Websites, and Social Media Networks

It is common practice for those who work in a profession to discuss and write about their expertise or experience online in a professional blog or various social media networks, such as Twitter. The Institute requires that you provide a statement on any professional social media profile, blog, or website that states, "The views expressed on this [blog, website, social media account] are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the MGH Institute of Health Professions."  

Sharing online creates valuable conversations, from which we can all learn, but please keep in mind that this is an extension of your role within the MGH Institute community and will be viewed by the public.  

Note: When participating in a personal blog, website, or social media network, remember to adjust your privacy settings accordingly and use discretion.

The Office of Strategic Communications monitors media content on the web to ensure the MGH Institute of Health Professions online reputation is consistent with our brand and represents the community accurately. Please be mindful that content posted is subject to review and should adhere to the Institute’s Computer Use Policy for students and the IHP Computer Use and Software Acquisition Policy for all faculty, staff, and administrators. The Institute does not endorse or take responsibility for content posted by third parties.

Remember to listen to comments and think about conversations before posting online. Posts will be viewed by numerous audiences, should evoke thought and be relevant to the discussion. It can be easy to react with a quick post, but the posts remain permanently online and can be shared with ease. Before posting, think about the contribution you are making to the discussion and if this is something you would say to someone in person.

The MGH Institute of Health Professions is an academic affiliate of Mass General Brigham. All employees must comply with the Mass General Hospital Social Media Policy which outlines policies in reference to HIPAA, patient care, and the MGH community.

Official Program and Department Social Media Accounts at the IHP