Making your mark: Networking do’s and don’ts for medical students at conferences

From the first day we enter medical school, we are working toward eventually choosing a specialty and matching into residency. Many of us overlook the weight “who you know” carries alongside “what you know” when it comes to residency applications. Medical conferences, especially those within your chosen specialty, offer invaluable opportunities to forge connections with mentors, potential collaborators and other peers.

However, navigating these networking environments can be daunting, especially for newcomers. This article explores five essential “do’s and don’ts” of networking for medical students at conferences. My goal is to help you maximize your networking experience while avoiding common pitfalls.

Early on in my medical school career, I became involved with the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) and the New York State Osteopathic Medical Society, affording me opportunities to travel to many national SOMA-led conventions and even the AOA House of Delegates. At these conferences, I was able to network with physicians across all specialties. This invaluable experience has taught me many helpful lessons along the way. Think of this advice as guidance from a trusted older sibling as you embark on your first conference.

If you’re attending OMED 2024, Sept. 20-22 in San Antonio, you’ll have a chance to put these tips to good use in a few short weeks! Good luck!

The five cardinal ‘do’s’

1. Look up your conference’s program to see which attendings are giving lectures.
   
   Many conference agendas are published over one month or more in advance, revealing the lineup of speakers and their respective lecture topics (the OMED 2024 program is now available on the OMED website). This is a great starting point to learn which program directors, attending physicians and/or residents will be in attendance.
   
   If there is a speaker you are eager to connect with, take a moment to gather some background information on them (i.e., their alma mater, research interests, notable achievements). After the lecture, if there’s an intermission or Q&A session, take this chance to introduce yourself and spark a conversation. Not only does this showcase your enthusiasm for learning from them, but it also sets the stage for forging a valuable connection.
   
   Bonus tip: Don’t hesitate to exchange contact information like email or social media handles to stay connected beyond the conference.
2. Learn the names and faces of program directors, attendings and residents attending the conference.
   
   Remember the iconic scene in the movie “The Devil Wears Prada” when Miranda Priestley’s assistants masterfully learn the names and faces of all party guests? It’s a strategy that makes Miranda appear effortlessly acquainted with everyone, even though she may not actually remember them.
   
   Networking at conferences within your specialty can feel quite similar. Whether you’re waiting in line for coffee or taking a seat before the next lecture, you never know who might be nearby. By familiarizing yourself with attendees beforehand, you can enhance the number of potential meaningful connections you make at the conference.
   
   Bonus tip: Following a program’s Instagram or other social media channels in advance provides constant exposure to the names and faces of residents and/or attending physicians.
3. Always dress professionally, but don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through your clothes.
   
   At most conferences, the dress code leans toward business casual attire. However, this doesn’t mean you have to blend into the background with the usual black pants and white top. Embrace the opportunity to let your personality and style shine, whether through more vibrant colors or playful textures.
   
   For example, I attended a conference where a fellow student confidently rocked a vibrant pink two-piece suit, instantly sparking conversations wherever she went. Even though this advice may vary depending on the conference’s tone, regardless, consider packing at least one standout outfit to boost your confidence.
   
   Bonus tip: Ease into the conference by wearing a “safer” outfit on the first day to gauge the general dress code.
4. Make sure to interact with other medical students—don’t be shy!
   
   Beyond the formal networking events at conferences, it’s important to remember that program directors, attendings and residents also have their own social commitments; after all, doctors have lives outside the hospital too. Consequently, there’s ample downtime at conferences, particularly in the evenings, and that downtime provides a chance to unwind and recharge for the next day’s sessions.
   
   Believe me, you’re not the only student navigating these events. Use this time to connect with both old and new medical student friends over dinner, drinks or a late-night snack.
   
   Bonus tip: Don’t forget to take a break from the academic grind and create some new lasting memories. You’ve earned it.
5. Find a peer in medical school who you can attend the conference with.
   
   If this is the first time you are attending a large medical conference, you will feel more comfortable approaching people if there is someone by your side in the same boat. Networking can sometimes make even the most outgoing person feel like a fish out of water. By having a friend by your side, you can turn any nerves into shared laughter and bring out the best in each other professionally. After all, we’re all future colleagues in medicine, and that camaraderie starts as early as our medical school days.
   
   Bonus tip: Get to know some upperclassmen; they are your peers who have come before you, and they are often happy to share their hard-earned wisdom with others.

The five cardinal ‘don’ts’

1. Avoid using your cell phone during lectures, networking events or conversations with potential mentors.
   
   While this tip might seem obvious, you’d be surprised at how many students find themselves scrolling through Instagram or texting. Remember, you never know who might be sitting nearby and how influential they could be in your medical journey. Make an effort to stay present and limit phone use to breaks between sessions, lunch breaks and when absolutely necessary. This is also excellent practice for breaking this habit before your sub-internships, away rotations or audition rotations during fourth year of medical school.
   
   Bonus tip: Carry a pocket-sized notebook and pen with you!
2. Refrain from interrupting someone else’s ongoing conversation directly.
   
   A common concern among medical students, particularly as they start clinical rotations, is how to navigate interactions without coming across as intrusive. It’s crucial to strike a balance between displaying interest and being respectful of others’ space.
   
   Conferences often serve as reunions for residents and attendings, offering them time to catch up with their peers they may not have seen in months or even years. They’re there with specific networking goals in mind too, just like you. An optimal opportunity to approach an attending or resident in a more natural setting is when they’re walking away from a conversation or standing alone.
   
   Bonus tip: Trust your intuition. If it doesn’t feel like the right moment to initiate a conversation with someone new, it probably isn’t.
3. Refrain from interrupting another student’s conversation, especially with a program director or resident.
   
   As students, we all share similar aspirations at medical conferences: Networking, finding mentors and establishing meaningful professional connections with residency programs. In group settings, it’s essential to show respect and be a team player. Program directors and residents are keen observers; they notice when a student tries to steal someone else’s spotlight or disregards social cues. Avoid becoming the student remembered for the wrong reasons by simply waiting your turn.
4. Refrain from speaking negatively about other students, medical professionals or programs in public.
   
   Conferences, particularly those held in hotels, offer discounted room rates, making them a convenient option for attendees. You never know who might be next to you in the elevator, lounging by the pool, queuing for coffee or dining next to you at the hotel. Be mindful of your presence, even outside official conference events. Always strive to present your best self in these public spaces.
5. Don’t forget that the early bird catches the worm.
   
   With early start times and packed schedules, conference days can be lengthy. However, these events offer invaluable opportunities for learning and networking. Do your best to seize every opportunity, whether it’s engaging in discussions, attending sessions, or even taking a moment to enjoy a cappuccino while tackling emails in the conference hall during downtime.
   
   If you’re feeling exhausted and need some time to yourself during a conference, it’s better to have a quiet night and go to bed early than to sleep in and miss out on important sessions and opportunities in the morning.
   
   Bonus tip: If your budget and schedule permit, consider arriving at the conference destination the evening before. This ensures you start your conference experience well-rested!

‘Making each interaction count’

By following these simple “do’s and don’ts,” students can optimize their conference experience, making each interaction count and potentially opening doors to future collaborations, research opportunities or mentorship.

Related reading:

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