The JTG and Facebook: Progression & Potential

ABSTRACT

Introduction/Aims: The Junior Trainee Group (JTG) of the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS) represents everyone interested in OMFS from first day of university until entering specialty training. The JTG engages, supports and inspires the next generation of OMFS surgeons. Material(s) and Method(s) A retrospective data collection of the JTG Facebook page was carried from January 2018 to January 2022 utilising the insight and engagement function on the page. All member data was anonymised by Facebook. Results/Statistics JTG Facebook members increased from 1213 to 1686 (39% increase) over 4 years to 2022. Members were from 79 countries, a majority (1335) in the UK. The balance between male (55%) and female members (45%) is closer to parity than any other group within OMFS. The most popular day to post is Wednesday between 4-7pm with average views of 781 per post. Posts can be broadly grouped into advice, job opportunities, education, and surveys/ audits with an 8% increase in education posts. Conclusions/Clinical Relevance The JTG Facebook page has an extensive reach. Data shows that it engages the younger generation of potential OMFS surgeons. Although Facebook assists with recruitment retention through advice, jobs, and educational opportunities including online learning during COVID 19, it is a single social media platform. It can only be a small element of the work that the specialty needs to do to recruit students. Links within universities including to surgical societies should be a parallel approach to recruiting early and recruiting actively. Copyright © 2022