Professional medical social networks: An evolving source of professional knowledge and content

Healthcare Professional Social Networks (HCPSNs) have become a global resource. There are numerous networks visible in countries around the world. This research looks at a selected sample of global HCPSNs with a particular focus on the potential of these emerging networks to become a growing source of professional content. The research evaluates the content offerings of six networks, Sermo, Doximity, QuantiaMD, Neuros, DXY and Networks in Health. First, there is a brief discussion of trends in the membership dynamics of these organizations. The next section summarizes the content services available from each network at a high level. The findings reveal that HCPSNs offer their members an opportunity to be content producers, as well as an available audience for various forms of educational and promotional forms of content. The presentation offers a view of the impact of these networks on the STM publishing industry, including professional medical societies.