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I realize that this might be a controversial topic, but...I've thought that this was a bit strange ever since I started regularly reading SDN a few months ago.
Why don't we have our real names as our username? Why do we block others from viewing our account? Why doesn't anyone use the "about you" section? Why don't we have pictures of ourselves as profile pics? Okay, I can understand if a few people are uncomfortable with this; I know I am haha.
I remember a few months ago a new SDN member posted a thread from an account containing her real name/a profile pic of herself. She was told immediately, by the community, to remove it. Why?? It's not like SDN is some sort of site where shady/illegal activity happens? Do we really care if people know we have an SDN account? If so, why??
This is especially true for anyone claiming to be an attending or ADCOM member. I understand there's a verification process, but nevertheless, the weird names/profile pics/lack of transparency decreases your credibility. Letting us know who you are will help us better judge what advice you're qualified to give, and might prevent someone from making a major life decision based on uninformed advice.
This is one of the largest communities of medical professionals on the internet, and considering how important transparency and building community are in all healthcare fields, it's inexplicable that all of us are hiding behind a wall of anonymity.
~ Eric Lu
Why don't we have our real names as our username? Why do we block others from viewing our account? Why doesn't anyone use the "about you" section? Why don't we have pictures of ourselves as profile pics? Okay, I can understand if a few people are uncomfortable with this; I know I am haha.
I remember a few months ago a new SDN member posted a thread from an account containing her real name/a profile pic of herself. She was told immediately, by the community, to remove it. Why?? It's not like SDN is some sort of site where shady/illegal activity happens? Do we really care if people know we have an SDN account? If so, why??
This is especially true for anyone claiming to be an attending or ADCOM member. I understand there's a verification process, but nevertheless, the weird names/profile pics/lack of transparency decreases your credibility. Letting us know who you are will help us better judge what advice you're qualified to give, and might prevent someone from making a major life decision based on uninformed advice.
This is one of the largest communities of medical professionals on the internet, and considering how important transparency and building community are in all healthcare fields, it's inexplicable that all of us are hiding behind a wall of anonymity.
~ Eric Lu