Social Media Policy and Best Practices

Social Media Policy

The David Geffen School of Medicine encourages the responsible use of social media and other digital communication platforms. Medical students are expected to maintain the same standards of professionalism online that are required in academic, clinical, and professional settings. Students must protect patient privacy and confidentiality, comply with applicable laws and institutional policies, and refrain from posting content that could compromise professional integrity, public trust, or the reputation of the medical profession. Students who identify themselves as members of the DGSOM community should make clear that their views are their own and do not represent the University or UCLA Health. Violations of this policy may be addressed through applicable student conduct and professionalism processes.

Best Practices

UCLA Health encourages positive community involvement in all online communications. These guidelines remind us how to make respectful and appropriate decisions about interactions with internet users. Please note that you are also expected to follow University of California and UCLA Health policies.

1. Think before engaging. Everything you say or do online is likely to be stored forever, even if you delete it.
   Always exercise good judgment and common sense when engaging in social media – this includes posting on your own or engaging with other posts through comments, shares and likes. Individuals are personally responsible for their online actions, and once something is posted, it can live forever through screenshots. Given the public nature of social media, assume everything posted can be seen by the UCLA Health community and patients. Ask yourself, how would a patient feel if they saw this? For this reason, ensure that social media activity is consistent with UCLA Health policies.
2. Be Respectful.
   UCLA Health is committed to a harassment-free workplace. Be respectful, responsible and compliant with the related policies.
3. You Must Protect Confidential information (HIPAA).
   We must protect patient privacy, be compliant with HIPAA laws and regulations, and protect UCLA Health’s private, confidential and proprietary information. Workforce members must not disclose any information regarding any UCLA Health patients or families without explicit written permission. Always check the background of your photos to ensure identities, names and medical information are not present. You should refrain from violating any nondisclosure or confidentiality obligations.
4. Media or Press Inquiries Should be Reported to UCLA Health Media Relations.
5. Consider Reputation
   Recognize that online actions and posted content may negatively affect your reputation among patients, colleagues, researchers and educators; may have consequences for your medical career; and can undermine public trust in the medical profession. Any time you share content that shows our UCLA Health logo (on apparel, badges, background settings), you are representing our brand.
6. Use a Disclaimer.
   If you participate in social media and you reveal your affiliation or work with UCLA Health, state that your opinions are your own and do not represent the views of the organization. Learn more about using a disclaimer. Do not use the UCLA Health name, brand or logo in a manner that violates trademark or copy law.
7. Be Mindful of What to Share.
   Social media allows for updates, opinions and civil discussions, but should not be an outlet for rude, argumentative or hateful comments. Consider how you are representing yourself online, and if you are demonstrating professional conduct.
8. Have a Goal.
   Consider the goal of your post. Do you want your audience to like it, comment on it, share it or enroll in a program/event? If you are linking to a destination page, make sure the page’s content matches what you have said in your post.

Policy Responsibility and References

1. RESPONSIBILITY
   Medical Students
2. REFERENCES
   The following policies are also applicable to digital and social media activities and must be followed:

• UCLA Health Digital and Social Media Policy
• UCLA Health Brand Identity & Social Media
• UCLA Health Policy 7322: Employee Digital and Social Media
• UCLA Health Policy 7325: UCLA Health Digital & Social Media Engagement Policy
• UCLA Policy 411, Registration and Use of Domain Names
• DGSOM Public Facing Digital & Social Media Account Creation and Management
• UC Electronic Communications Policy
• UC Copyright Ownership Policy

3. OWNER
   Student Affairs Office
4. REVIEWED BY
   Curricular Affairs Office
5. APPROVED BY
   Vice Dean for Education
6. REVIEWED DATE and REVIEW CYCLE 
   July 2026, 5-year review cycle