Vienna -- For radiologists accustomed to working more behind the scenes, being digitally visible might not seem like a priority -- or even appealing. But in today's connected world, an online presence is about much more than self-promotion. It can serve as a gateway to networking, education, and professional opportunities that go well beyond presenting at international conferences, experts noted at an ECR 2025 session on 27 February.
Authenticity is the key to establishing a strong digital presence. "Do not jump just on a topic because it's hot, but because you're passionate about it, then it's authentic," said Prof. Vicky Goh, chair of clinical cancer imaging at King's College London (KCL). It's best to share something where you can contribute, and this could be some takeaways or short 'call to action' message.
Prof. Vicky Goh. Photo courtesy of KCL.
The digital world is not just about social media -- it also reshapes professional interactions. Virtual meetings are now routine for many professions, but they can often lead to disengagement, according to Goh. To avoid this, she recommends engaging with personalized introductions or reactions such as hands-up, screen-sharing that is interactive, and bringing quiet colleagues into discussions. During video calls, it is important to moderate the discussion, especially when someone over-talks, to firmly redirect the topic, she explained.
Balancing virtual and in-person meetings is also an environmental concern. One hour of video conferencing can generate 150 g to 1,000 g of CO₂, while a full-day virtual conference with 200 participants produces 1,324 kg of CO₂ emissions, with 64% from network data transfer, Goh noted.
Use of social media
While social media use can be positive, some professionals find it mentally exhausting, said Dr. Uzoma Nnajiuba, consultant radiologist at Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, U.K. Studies highlight the risks of overexposure, especially on highly visual platforms like Instagram and X. Another challenge is "hate speech" and online negativity. "Even if there are 100 positive comments, you end up dwelling on the one negative one," he said.
Dr. Uzoma Nnajiuba.
Nnajiuba and co-founders Dr. Jamie Howie and Dr. Muhammad Khan started small -- literally recording their first RadCast episode on the living room floor. Today, they are the voices behind the podcast that has so far produced 67 episodes and features leading figures in radiology.
Creating a media outlet is learning by doing, Nnajiuba noted. Attending congresses was a big fishing pond. Over time, he realized that switching from in-person interviews to online sessions opened up a new world of opportunities, allowing him to connect with AI experts from across the globe.
Radiologists today already share their insights and work on social media and use it even as an archive. Many post landmark papers, breaking research, and event updates. For shy individuals, social media can be a good way to be part of discussions while keeping the focus on content -- their own ideas or others' work -- rather than personal visibility.
"If you share something for the purpose of sharing, not self-promotion, you won't worry about how people perceive you," said Nnajiuba. And for those longing for the spotlight, panelists emphasized that social media presence can lead to invitations to give talks, enter collaborations, and even make national TV appearances.
