While creating my e-Portfolio, I reflected on my professionalism and social media audit, and what I wanted others to learn about me. While I am not affiliated with a professional organization in my current role, as a Hearing Instrument Practitioner (HIP), I was part of the Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners (AHIP). The Association held us accountable to our patients and our profession. If a patient submitted a formal complaint, our Association would provide support and guidance through their legal team. Alternatively, if a practitioner were unprofessional, the Association would also intervene to advocate for the public.
My current online behaviour would not differ if I was affiliated with a professional organization. Currently, I am content with the online presence I have. I am well informed and use social media in its more basic form – as a want versus a need. Perhaps this tactic is how I avoid getting caught in the mundane scroll.
I am also more confident in my assertion that I need to be in control of my social media image. As a professional, limiting social media engagement is the best way to avoid provocation. As mentioned in my audit, professionals are not obligated to speak up in public, but we can still find ways to provide allyship to communities and causes professionally. As professionals, our online approach must be more creative and thoughtful.
In creating my e-Portfolio, I was mindful of which personal images to include while keeping the website professional. I understand the overall impression I put forward can impact how the public views my organization and how my organization views me.
In curating my website, I also realized how one's online image may impact their ability to work positively and negatively with the public. In saying that, I want to make sure that my values and work ethic parallels the communities and organization I work with and on behalf of.
My professional identity and values are intertwined. I want my identity to reflect my commitment to patient and health care to be evident to my peers and organization. I am aware to use language and information that is relevant, up-to-date and appropriate. In my current role, I have learnt the importance of taking a proactive approach to health care - as I promote health before one's diagnosis or early diagnosis.
My current role fits into the existing system as a professional who educates the public on symptom awareness, early detection, health promotion, health literacy and advocacy with the goal of longevity and quality of life.
In working toward a career in healthcare leadership, my professional identity is also shaped by networking and aligning myself with like-minded professionals who envision the healthcare system as evolving. They also recognize the importance of not just understanding the current system but also being proactive about promoting changes to healthcare for the future.
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