Although it happened a few weeks ago, I only recently learned of the "retirement" of the blog called "Medic999" by EMS Social Media superstar Mark Glencourse who works in the United Kingdom. I only learned of Mark and his blog (which was recognized as the 2009 Fire/EMS Blog Of The Year) in the past few months in association with the hugely popular Chronicles of EMS project (the first episode is the video above)
In stating why he was stopping his blog, unfortunately, I find similar thoughts being shared by the medical colleagues I know about why people either stop blogging or don't even start in the first place:
I find it a shame that the reason for this blog ending is the general lack of understanding of blogging and social media. I feel that I have promoted best practice, shared my passion for the job that I do, and hopefully have shown all readers what it is that makes EMS and those that devote their lives to it so special.I also encourage you to check out the comments people made to this post called "My Farewell To Blogging." It is definitely an outpouring of love and support for someone who has created a community around his blog - in only 18 months.However, there still remains this general unease about social media and blogging in the Health Service. Some of the bloggers out here may want to continue the fight, and maybe I am being a coward, but I dont want to risk getting into a position where I cannot provide for my family and can no longer do the job that I love so much.
This situation has shown both the good and bad at where we're at in medicine and social media. Even though there has been increased awareness and some brilliant uses of Social Media in the medical sphere, we still have a long way to go in the education of the positive impact that Social Media in medicine can offer. I know that we haven't seen the last of Mark Glencourse on the internet. I just want to thank him for giving me a glimpse into his medical system and his life.