Professionals across all industries, including health workers, benefit from adding to their network. These connections help doctors, nurses, and others enhance their knowledge and build community.

That’s what underscores the importance of networking in healthcare. Not sure where to start or how networking will help you? We’ve got you covered.

Benefits of Healthcare Networking

Networking with people in your field or adjacent sectors is standard practice for health workers. Besides adding to your LinkedIn connections, what do healthcare workers like you get from these interactions?

The truth is, there are many benefits of networking when you know how to make the most of it, including:

Updates on Industry Advancements

Networking or attending conferences can help you stay updated on the field’s latest advances and treatments. Exchanging ideas with others allows you to carry new insights to your practice.

Career Opportunities and Growth

Expanding your network can be a goldmine for career advancement. Connecting with others can help you receive patient referrals or enhance your professional development.

You can also connect with peers or mentors who can recommend you for new job placement opportunities or act as references.

Support System

A reliable network can help you feel less alone with the overwhelming demands of a job in health. Connecting with others allows you to share your experiences and receive emotional support and advice.

Enhanced Patient Care

Through unique conversations, you can learn more about a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, allowing you to provide more comprehensive care to patients.

You can also learn to view patient concerns from a broader perspective, which may allow you to make better recommendations.

How to Start Networking With Doctors

Networking might seem daunting initially, but as long as you have a few strategies ready, you can start anytime.

Here are some healthcare networking opportunities to explore:

Professional Organizations

You can join several organizations, ranging from national ones to those dedicated to your specialty or the city you live in. Some popular options include:

• American Medical Association (AMA)
• American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
• National Medical Association (NMA)
• American Medical Women’s Association
• Health Care Without Harm Physician Network

If your medical school has an alumni network, consider joining. You may receive emails or updates on social media, allowing you to connect with other individuals in your field. Some alumni groups also hold in-person or online events.

Networking Events and Workshops

You may find local or city-wide networking events for all health professionals or your sector. These events often have a speaker or workshop, allowing you to share information and discuss trends or expertise with others.

Collaborative Projects

Consider starting or joining a project with other medical professionals. For instance, your organization may have people from multiple disciplines work together to develop total-care solutions for patients.

Networking Platforms and Forums

LinkedIn is among the most popular networking sites for employees across many industries. To make the most of your time there, you can share insights and trade information with other professionals you meet online.

However, you can use other social media platforms like Facebook groups or forums such as Doximity, DailyRounds, and Sermo.

Volunteerism

If your town or city has health-related nonprofits or events, volunteering at them can help you expand your network. First, you’ll have greater visibility and access to the community.

You’ll also volunteer alongside like-minded people striving to make a difference in your area. You can exchange knowledge, advice, or experiences with them as you work together.

Mentorship

You can get a mentor—or be a mentor (or both!). Whether you want to have a mentor or provide advice to newcomers, mentorship allows you to share or gain guidance and support with others.

Daily Interactions

That’s right—you can expand your network simply by going about your everyday life. This “informal networking” allows you to make connections whenever that you can carry throughout your career. Examples of impromptu socializing opportunities include:

• Awards ceremonies
• Class reunions
• Cafeteria conversations
• Local events

Trade ideas or share stories with people willing to listen. Have a short pitch about yourself ready to share with others, and remember to ask them to connect via social media or email.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) Conferences

CME conferences provide many opportunities for networking with doctors or other healthcare professionals. For more local connections, try attending events in your city or state.

However, you may also want to try a CME conference in a new location, perhaps further away from you. These events often draw crowds from all over the nation—so you may find new perspectives and connections from places big and small.

Whether you want to meet people and expand your knowledge in a new location or attend a seminar online, CME is a ripe opportunity for connection.