Know Thyself: A Social Media and Professionalism Audit

Social Media

When I search for myself on Google, it requires quite a bit of scrolling beyond the results of a successful researcher and department head at UBC, before I come across any information related to me. I was surprised to discover an old LinkedIn account I created around 13 years ago and had completely forgotten about. I have since updated it. However, even my Instagram and Facebook profiles remain noticeably absent from the search results. My online presence is next to non-existent.

I find myself torn between whether this is a positive or negative situation. On one hand, it leaves me wondering if I should cultivate a more prominent online presence to better represent myself professionally. However, on the other hand, the absence of any negative or undesirable content online is reassuring.

I am not terribly surprised there were no results from Instagram or Facebook, I seldom post on social media. I average only two or three posts a year, and usually when prompted by a friend. I have no apprehensions about potential employers viewing my recent posts, as I keep them minimal and usually travel related or adventures with friends. While my Instagram settings are set to public, my Facebook profile is private. I have always run under the assumption that anything shared on social media has the potential to become public, which is why I exercise caution, and a touch of anxiety, when deciding what to post.

My social media activity mostly involves following friends, people I have encountered during my travels, businesses I endorse, and a handful of celebrities. I cannot recall ever reposting someone else's content, but I do like non-controversial posts of friends to show my support. As mentioned, I have updated my LinkedIn account (and have not used it since), as well as joined Twitter/X. Throughout this program I will give them a bit more attention, professionally, and re-evaluate if it is something that may be of benefit to me.

Professionalism

As a Patient Food Service Manager, I am not currently affiliated with a professional healthcare organization to which I am directly accountable to for my actions. However, I am responsible to the policies and standards of Alberta Health Services, as my employer. And as such, to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards in food safety in healthcare environments. My commitment to patient safety extends to ensuring the safe preparation and service of food, which is crucial in healthcare settings where vulnerable patients may be at greater risk.

In my role I often collaborate with various professions to ensure the smooth operation of food services and the well-being of patients. Those professions include registered dietitians, who we work closely with to develop and implement patient-specific meal plans based on medical conditions, dietary restrictions, and nutritional needs. Culinary Staff who we collaborate with to ensure meals meet quality and safety standards while accommodating dietary requirements and preferences. Nursing Staff, which we regularly communicate with to coordinate meal schedules, address patient concerns or special requests, and ensure that patients receive their meals according to their healthcare plans. As well as I regularly interact with food safety inspectors to ensure that our food service department adheres to strict food safety regulations and standards. These interactions are crucial to supply safe, nutritious, and patient-centered food services within a healthcare facility.