Joining Societies and Networking
Michael Allen (Chief Resident – Family Medicine, Jennie Sealy Hospital, UTMB Health John Sealy Hospital, Galveston, TX): What advice do you have for residents looking to get involved with various societies?
There is an ancient proverb that has been said throughout time: Just do it. It really is as simple as that. Leadership is unfortunately so lacking within our profession that many societies are almost begging people to join committees, develop presentations, and fulfill leadership roles. Oftentimes a simple email can land you committee position, which I have done myself. My advice would be to make a list of areas that interest you (academics, politics, subspecialties, etc) and find a mentor, upper-level, or attending who shares similar interests. I guarantee they will be ecstatic to bring another physician into the fold.
Further, should residents consider becoming involved with societies?
However, you must consider the time commitment that societies take if you truly want to be involved. Sure, you could just join a society, pay your dues, and slap it on to your curriculum vitae; but, honestly, you are just wasting your money. Anyone can write a check; not everyone can juggle the duties of residency, life, family, friends, and have consistent commitment to a society. Colleagues, fellowships, and future employers will quickly recognize this, and it will become one of your strongest attributes.
Samuel Han (Therapeutic Endoscopy Fellow, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO): The first step to getting involved with various societies is to just show up. Going to conferences as a resident or a fellow is intimidating because you don’t know anyone and you’re afraid to talk to the “big names” in the field. But the worst thing to do is to just stand by your poster, not talk to anyone, and then never set foot in the convention center for the remainder of the conference. Keep on showing up to interest group meetings, research forums, and break-out sessions, and symposiums. Take a risk and start talking to the people around you. Eventually, they’ll remember you, and they’ll think of you when a role needs to be filled within a society. Similarly, volunteer whenever you get the chance to participate or serve in a societal event; it will go a long way in becoming an active member and contributor to a professional society.
Codrin Lungu (Program Director, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD): Absolutely get involved. It is a critical opportunity for academic development and networking. Many folks got some tasks, jobs, fellowships, and the like by becoming involved with professional societies. Most societies have junior member or trainee working groups etc. Seek these out. You will get to meet a lot of the more senior members who can end up having a big impact on your career.
Jason Sloane (Endocrinology Fellow, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA): My experience working in various healthcare societies in Albany and Boston has been positive; but I wish I understood how slow things move when you have to coordinate groups of people. To join a society is the easy part. It looks great on a resume, and, for the most part, no one ever asks any in-depth questions about your contribution at interviews. Most of the time if you’re in residency or fellowship, the dues are paid in full or heavily compensated, so it is just a matter of finding a society that you’re interested in and asking to be a part of it. They are a fine place to network and meet people in the same field with a range of experience. This part, for me, was the most useful. The societies are ripe for your contribution if you want to put in the time and effort. People often join and are unable to contribute more than a few hours a week, so meetings are quarterly, and not much gets accomplished at those meetings except planning. This can get frustrating; but, unless things change, don’t expect to change the world by being involved in these groups. It is often individual or hospital-based efforts that can make the most difference.
Anika Anam (Clinical Fellow in Endocrinology, Yale School of Medicine / Yale–New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT): It’s a great idea for residents to get involved with societies, as it is a way to present your research and get feedback, in addition to providing networking opportunities with peers and leaders in the field. Earlier on in residency, it can be useful to attend the general meetings (eg, if in internal medicine, consider the ACP or SGIM meetings).
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