Hospital touts TV exposure through social networks

Learn how Children’s in Boston, setting for a reality show, expanded its online audience

Imagine if a reality TV show was filmed at your work place. As a communicator, how would you publicize that to your internal and external audiences?

That was the question the communications staff at Children’s Hospital Boston faced when it agreed to give access to ABC camera crews for the taping of “Boston Med.” The eight-part medical series showcases what happens at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, along with Children’s.

The camera crew spent four months at Children’s, filming the lives of doctors, patients and nurses. Now the stories are unfolding on national television Thursdays at 10 p.m. EDT.

“To know that you and your co-workers and your place of employment are featured on a national television show is really amazing,” says Ryan Paul, Children’s social media strategist. “Within the New England area, Children’s Hospital Boston is the place you take your kids to, but outside of New England, the name kind of drops off. This show has given us national exposure, and we want to take advantage of it.”