TikTok and medical school

Social media provides medical students a critical space for connection, learning, and empowerment, according to a recent editorial published by two future physicians from OUWB.

“The medical student’s case for TikTok,” was published in Medical Education Online — an open access journal of health care education, publishing peer-reviewed research, perspectives, reviews, and early documentation of new ideas and trends.

The co-authors were M4s Sahana Shankar and Forrest Bohler.

“I hope to inspire other people to get on social media…just document their journey and be vulnerable,” said Shankar. “All perspectives are appreciated…there’s someone you will resonate with in one way, shape, or form.”

Shankar has firsthand knowledge of what it’s like — her own TikTok page (under the name “Sugzybugzy”) has grown from about 100 followers when she started medical school at OUWB to more than 81,000 followers and more than 5.7 million likes.

Shankar started the page in 2022 essentially to create a realistic portrayal of what medical school is like. Shankar said she was inspired to start posting content when she didn’t find any other users that had what she sought.

“I was looking for someone who is realistic, but didn’t portray (medical school) as the worst thing in the world,” said Shankar. “I didn’t expect it to go anywhere … I just really wanted to post for myself and remember this journey.”

Shankar started posting videos, everything from “day-in-the-life” to wellness to going to the clinic to, of course, pre- and post-exam content.

“I’ve always tried to have a good mix,” she said.

For example, one of her most-played videos — more than 2.6 million — simply shows Shankar’s grandfather bringing her a drink while she studies. The caption reads, “POV: your grandpa is and will always be your #1 supporter in your journey in medicine.”

Readership began to take off especially when Shankar thoroughly documented the rollercoaster ride of emotions she went on while preparing for her first board exam.

“At that time, people weren’t posting about boards,” she said.  “I showed how much of a hard time I was having studying … and that’s when I resonated with medical students from around the country.”

Shankar said it prompted others to not only start watching and following, but also to reach out and offer words of advice and encouragement.

“It’s been really heartwarming to know that it’s touched people,” she said. “The entire goal of my page is to be realistic and connect and network with medical students and other health care professionals.”

However, the future of TikTok is uncertain. It was even briefly banned for a few days earlier this year. That’s why Shankar and Bohler said they felt compelled to make the case for the social media platform in form of a letter to the editor of Medical Education Online.

In the piece, they highlight how Shankar has used her page and how “the response has been overwhelming,” and call attention to the fact that any ban on TikTok would cut off “this vital resource” and that “the implications of such a ban extend beyond national policy.”

“Removing TikTok would dismantle an ecosystem of mentorship and representation that has been instrumental for the next generational of aspiring physicians,” the pair wrote.

“Social media is reshaping medical education in ways that are only beginning to be understood,” they concluded. “It is imperative to recognize what is at stake; not just a social media app, but a critical space for connection, learning, and empowerment within the medical community.”

Bohler said he thought it would be a good idea to publish the piece because Shankar has “such a unique perspective and experience.”

“Within medical schools, I don’t know of anyone who’s gained a following and influence of her level,” he said.

Shankar said that in addition to hoping to inspire others on social media, she aims to influence others to “lean into it.”

“It’s a very prevalent part of our lives…like we’ve never seen before,” she said.