Podcast Episode: Is Networking Valuable in Healthcare?
Mike and John talk about how and why to network both personally and professionally, which social media they’ve found to hold value, and the benefits of belonging to professional associations.
Do I need to network? I’m happy with my current job, why should I make a LinkedIn account? These are questions that I have been asked by healthcare professionals across the spectrum. Healthcare is a career that may be unique compared to other industries as our clinical roles may isolate us from other peers. Many of us go into our clinics/hospitals/facilities and see the same group of professional peers and staff each day. We may call other clinics/hospitals/facilities to collaborate on patient care, but those interactions are often hurried and problem focused. As a result of these circumstances, I think many healthcare professionals believe they don’t need to network or simply don’t have natural opportunities to network within their jobs.
Despite the challenges listed above, networking is an important part of a meaningful career in healthcare. Networking can serve many purposes. It may identify a new job opportunity or help you understand the appropriate compensation for your current role (I am a big fan of salary transparency). Networking can also benefit a healthcare career in more subtle ways including knowledge sharing and mentorship. At a very basic level, networking may help you find other healthcare professionals who may commiserate with the ups and downs of the job over a drink.
As a society we are becoming more individualistic and independent. Social media has provided us with opportunities to maintain vast numbers of shallow acquaintances, but it has come at the cost of deeper and more personal connection. COVID has only accelerated these trends towards rugged individualism and the apparent permanence of remote work will continue to chip away at occupational interpersonal connection. Because of these trends, we must commit ourselves to be intentional in our networking. Networking will open doors, make you a better clinician through collaboration, find new and unexpected opportunities, and possibly even make new lifelong friends.
I hope you enjoy episode 2 of White Coats of the Round Table.
0 Comments