For many professions, the saying “It’s who you know” is a common refrain. In medicine, it’s also true that building and maintaining a network of like-minded individuals can help you expand your scope of practice. Whether you’re a nurse practitioner, physician, or PA, networking can help you connect with other healthcare providers and open doors for you at any stage in your career.
Find Professional Organizations
There are numerous professional organizations and associations that you can join, regardless of your specialty. Being a part of these groups can help healthcare providers stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field.
Being part of a professional organization can also help you become noticed. It can help you connect with individuals who can provide you with the necessary endorsements and advice at critical points of your career.
Attend Events
A professional association’s membership benefits include invitations to various events, such as seminars, conferences, and virtual events. These gatherings allow you to interact with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. You can also choose a venue near you and arrange to attend a virtual event there.
Before going to an event:
- Ensure that the topics and speakers are relevant to your interests.
- Look for opportunities outside of your specialty to broaden your scope of practice.
- After you’ve gotten to know the people in the room, make a connection and get their contact information.
Connect Online
Social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn are also great ways to keep up with the individuals you have made connections with following a conference. To boost your professional profile, update it with a professional image and add keywords relevant to your field. Having a well-designed page can help you get noticed by potential employers. Some of the most popular medical social networking sites are Doximity and Sermo.
Take Advantage of Informal Opportunities
In addition to formal events, you can also meet influential individuals in informal settings. For instance, you can attend class reunion events or community events. These gatherings can help you build a stronger personal connection with people who will be vital to you in the future.
Following up is one of the most important steps in building a strong personal connection with people after meeting them. This can be done by sending a quick text or email to let them know you enjoyed talking to them. Also, ensure to include a note about the exciting topic they shared.
Volunteer
If you’re a medical professional, consider donating your skills to a professional association or community event. Doing so can help you expand your practice scope and provide valuable experiences. Not only will it enhance your reputation, but it can also help you meet new people. There are a variety of organizations that can help you find volunteer opportunities, such as VolunteerMatch.
