Is Having a Professional Network Important?

Dawn Pascale

Boutique Staffing Agencies Offer Great Opportunities for Locum Tenens

Ask any c-suite executive in the healthcare space and they will confirm that, yes, a professional network matters. But what about the clinical teams on the ground? You’re caught up in the daily methodology of care delivery, administrative decisions, or research, and probably the last thing you want to do is build a network. However, at some point, the work you put into building your network will pay off. Whether you’re happy in your current position or considering a change, having a professional network will help speed up your search and may possibly help you land the role you’ve been waiting for.

Networking 101 for the Clinical or Administrative Healthcare Professional

The benefits of networking healthcare are the same as networking in any industry. New jobs often rely heavily on who you know, so your network could lead you to your next position. Building a professional network allows you to find out critical information about a healthcare organization before you go work there. The more people you know, the more opportunities that naturally occur in life and in business.

Healthcare providers don’t traditionally spend a lot of time networking outside their workplaces. But there are opportunities out there for you to build your brand and your network. For example:

  • Professional conferences, from regulatory meetings and credentialing-specific trainings, to Bio International, the ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting, big pharma conferences, and so many more. Depending on your specialty area of practice, we guarantee there are industry-specific conferences to attend. Since these meetings have begun resuming in-person, it’s an opportunity to begin to reach out to people in your field, share digital business cards, and begin to build your LinkedIn network.
  • Associations connect healthcare providers with like-minded groups. Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) are popular on the medical practice and hospital executive side of the fence, for example. In the life sciences there is the Academy of Physicians in Clinical Research to the Association of Clinical Research Professionals—to name just two.
  • Speaking events. If you’re considering public speaking or presentations, this is a great way to build a professional network quickly. Many national associations like MGMA and the American Hospital Association also have state chapters or branches. They usually have annual meetings and these events are perfect to begin to build your reputation within a geographic footprint where you might in turn seek out a new job.
  • Online networking starts with LinkedIn, of course, but there are also online resources for healthcare professionals specific to their specialty areas. For example, Sermo connects credentialed physicians. Doximity is another site for clinical professionals as is AllNurses.
  • Also, don’t forget your work colleagues as an easy place to start your networking process. Your co-workers have a variety of backgrounds from different organizations around the country. Take the time to get to know your team—you never know where it may lead. Whenever someone moves on to a new position, offer to stay in touch. That automatically continues to build your network easily but steadily.

Connecting with MedSource Consultants automatically extends your reach. We work closely with high-quality healthcare professionals to place them in top positions around the country. Begin your networking process by sending us a CV. We’re here to help.