From lecture theatres to livestreams, the way medical students access and engage with education is changing. Social media platforms are now becoming tools for learning, connection and professional growth. Whether it's joining anatomy study groups on Facebook, watching surgical demonstrations on YouTube, or following medical influencers on TikTok, students are using these platforms alongside their formal education. As digital natives enter the healthcare workforce, the boundaries between academic learning and online interaction are becoming increasingly blurred.

While textbooks and lectures are front and centre to medical training, social media is now being used to fill the gaps. Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Reddit have become unofficial extensions of the classroom, offering a more interactive, on-demand and peer-driven approach to learning.

According to a 2014 study by the Australian College of Nursing, a cross-sectional study of health profession students from ten Australian universities found that more students preferred online media to traditional peer-reviewed journals, highlighting a shift (nearly two decades ago now) in how knowledge is accessed and consumed. Today, social media is home to many different healthcare influencers, often junior doctors or final-year students, who share exam tips, mnemonics, case discussions and clinical scenarios in ways that are digestible and engaging, often using humour.

YouTube remains a favourite for visual learners, especially for anatomy tutorials, procedural videos, and clinical skills demonstrations. For example, check out Zero To Finals offering written notes on the anatomy of the skeleton. TikTok, though newer to the scene, is rapidly growing in popularity for its short, snappy explanations of complex topics. Even Instagram is being used to share flashcard-style medical facts and mental health tips during exam periods.

But it isn’t just influencers taking over the medical space on social media. In fact, one of the biggest benefits this ever-expanding network offers is the ability to connect people across institutions, professions and experience levels. Students are no longer limited to the peers in their immediate cohort, and can now engage with educators, clinicians and thought leaders from across the country… and the world.

Many Australian medical schools host private student-run communities where members share study resources, placement tips and clinical questions. Some universities even have official pages or forums moderated by faculty members to post announcements, answer queries, or highlight learning opportunities. Study groups are no longer confined to library rooms and campus cafes, they now thrive in private messaging threads and cloud folders. Students swap notes, record voice memos of difficult concepts, and share annotated diagrams or links to helpful videos. By encouraging collaboration over competition, social media creates a more supportive learning culture, one where students learn from and with each other, anytime, anywhere.

Like other industries, social media is also paving the way for meaningful connections and professional development, where medical professionals can showcase achievements and discover different career paths. LinkedIn profiles now act as digital CVs where students can highlight research projects, volunteer work, or published articles. Many also follow hospitals, universities and health organisations to stay informed about internships, conferences and scholarships.

Twitter/X is particularly popular among academics, with medical educators, researchers and policy experts using the platform to share articles, comment on health reforms, and engage in live conference discussions. Australian students who participate in these conversations gain visibility and insight into current issues shaping healthcare.

At the same time, it’s also important to be aware of the risks that come with social media: first and foremost, being misinformation. One major concern is the rapid circulation of inaccurate or misleading medical advice. On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, eye-catching content can quickly go viral, even when it lacks scientific credibility. For students still building their clinical knowledge, distinguishing between evidence-based information and misinformation can be difficult.

Professionalism is another key issue. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Medical Board of Australia have issued clear guidelines on social media use, urging students and professionals to uphold the same standards online as they would in clinical practice. Cases of students being disciplined for unprofessional behaviour online, such as posting images from clinical settings or sharing offensive humour, highlight the blurred lines between personal expression and professional responsibility.

Many Australian universities are including digital professionalism in their curriculum, helping students understand the legal, ethical and reputational implications of their online activity. The goal is to equip future health professionals with the critical thinking and digital literacy skills needed to engage with social media in a safe, constructive and credible way.

Social media is reshaping medical education in Australia, offering new ways to connect, share and learn. From peer-led study groups on Facebook to career-building on LinkedIn and quick clinical tips on TikTok, these platforms are complementing traditional teaching in powerful ways. They provide flexibility, foster collaboration, and help students stay engaged in a fast-evolving healthcare landscape.

Ultimately, when used well, social media doesn’t just enhance medical education; it helps build a more connected, informed and future-ready generation of healthcare professionals.