Networking vs. Adventure - Conference Debate

[Vitreous_Humor]

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So I am looking for advice and to suggestions. I am a medical student and have been invited to a national conference to present an oral presentation. The conference is hosted by a subspecialty of a competitive residency specialty. There is an afternoon that is open on the program with no scheduled lectures/talks/discussions/presentations/etc. I have never been to a national conference before this one, so I do not know what really to expect. There is an opportunity (outside of the conference/medicine all together) to do something fun that I am interested in, but I have some reservations because I don't know if I am supposed to be using that time in the afternoon to network with other doctors or program directors (etc. etc.). Am I supposed to keep this afternoon free in the event that I meet someone to network with and they want to talk during that time oooor is it generally a free for all/everyone does their own thing ooor what? I am interested in this field of medicine and would like to possibly pursue it down the line, but I am also not 100% set on it just yet (maybe like 90%).

Help! Any advice from someone who has been in the same boat? Maybe even advice on what to expect at conferences? Suggestions/tips on how to branch out of comfort zones with the other docs/PDs?

 

[Chillbo Baggins]

Do the thing. Conferences are for your benefit, so choose your own adventure. Plus, I think if anyone wanted to network it would be over dinner/drinks, not really in the afternoon. Unless you're talking happy hour!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

So I am looking for advice and to suggestions. I am a medical student and have been invited to a national conference to present an oral presentation. The conference is hosted by a subspecialty of a competitive residency specialty. There is an afternoon that is open on the program with no scheduled lectures/talks/discussions/presentations/etc. I have never been to a national conference before this one, so I do not know what really to expect. There is an opportunity (outside of the conference/medicine all together) to do something fun that I am interested in, but I have some reservations because I don't know if I am supposed to be using that time in the afternoon to network with other doctors or program directors (etc. etc.). Am I supposed to keep this afternoon free in the event that I meet someone to network with and they want to talk during that time oooor is it generally a free for all/everyone does their own thing ooor what? I am interested in this field of medicine and would like to possibly pursue it down the line, but I am also not 100% set on it just yet (maybe like 90%).

Help! Any advice from someone who has been in the same boat? Maybe even advice on what to expect at conferences? Suggestions/tips on how to branch out of comfort zones with the other docs/PDs?

Just a question: is your PI going to be there at this conference? Has he/she talked with you about the conference schedule and activities and your questions on networking? Is the PI going with you to the possible afternoon event? You should figure out whether you are all going to the same things together or split up and conquer more ground/networking.

 

[bGMx]

Interested in this as well-- as someone with good social skills but also the child of an immigrant therefore not used to "socializing with professionals" I'm not really sure what the point of me being at a conference is when I'm a medical student in the face of my advisor always saying that going to conferences would be a good way to network. What does networking mean for a medical student at a professional conference? I feel as though all I have to offer is a strong desire to learn, which is a strange type of networking to me.

 

[operaman]

Networking at conferences as a medical student is tricky. Ideally your PI will make introductions and you can get some social face time with people. If you keep going to meetings throughout school then you will eventually become a known factor.

If your PI won’t be there to help introduce you, probably better to do your own thing. Everyone else will be mingling and catching up with friends too. It’s hard for a med student to insert themselves into a group and make small talk without some kind of intro.

Definitely worth making connections though if possible. I went to my first subspecialty meeting as an MS1. My PI came as well, we went to this nice black tie gala thing where she introduced me to all the people. I even sang during dinner time (was my previous career so I didn’t suck) which also helped break the ice. Went to multiple other meetings throughout med school and then basically had people I knew at every interview I attended. Other applicants always asked if I had done an away at that program just because I had so many people who knew me. Helped a lot. So if you can do it well and have help, do it. Otherwise, go do your own thing and enjoy.

 

[Vitreous_Humor]

Just a question: is your PI going to be there at this conference? Has he/she talked with you about the conference schedule and activities and your questions on networking? Is the PI going with you to the possible afternoon event? You should figure out whether you are all going to the same things together or split up and conquer more ground/networking.

Yes, they will be there as well. We have an upcoming meeting to go over my presentation and I plan on asking during that meeting as well. They wouldn't be attending the afternoon event though... They are pretty well known in the field already and on different committees, so I don't know how much networking they necessarily need to do. I'll definitely ask them about what they think during my meeting - just wanted to know what the general vibe was going to be overall at a national conference and what other people do in these types of situations..

 

[Vitreous_Humor]

Interested in this as well-- as someone with good social skills but also the child of an immigrant therefore not used to "socializing with professionals" I'm not really sure what the point of me being at a conference is when I'm a medical student in the face of my advisor always saying that going to conferences would be a good way to network. What does networking mean for a medical student at a professional conference? I feel as though all I have to offer is a strong desire to learn, which is a strange type of networking to me.

I am on the same page as well, although not a child of an immigrant. I have good social skills, but also a medical student so I feel at the bottom of the totem pole on level of importance/experience/overall contribution factor.

 

[GoSpursGo]

They are pretty well known in the field already and on different committees, so I don't know how much networking they necessarily need to do.

Just because they're known in the field and they don't "need" to network doesn't mean they won't. There's always benefit in meeting young up-and-comers, and when you're an eminence in the field and serve on various committees there is generally some expectation that you'll make yourself available to young investigators. Aside from the chance to stand up at a podium, the whole point of staying for the conference is to hang out by your PI's side and shake hands with their colleagues.

That said, your PI is going to know about this specific conference better than the rest of us. If your PI suggests that you stick with them, I would do that. If they are going back to their room to write or rest, then you should do whatever.

 

[ortnakas]

1) ask your PI if there’s anything you should be doing that day
2) if they say no, choose adventure

 

[Musty Goose]

ARVO? I am in the same boat and unsure if I should present in-person or virtual.

 

[Doctor-S]

So I am looking for advice and to suggestions. I am a medical student and have been invited to a national conference to present an oral presentation. The conference is hosted by a subspecialty of a competitive residency specialty. There is an afternoon that is open on the program with no scheduled lectures/talks/discussions/presentations/etc. I have never been to a national conference before this one, so I do not know what really to expect. There is an opportunity (outside of the conference/medicine all together) to do something fun that I am interested in, but I have some reservations because I don't know if I am supposed to be using that time in the afternoon to network with other doctors or program directors (etc. etc.). Am I supposed to keep this afternoon free in the event that I meet someone to network with and they want to talk during that time oooor is it generally a free for all/everyone does their own thing ooor what? I am interested in this field of medicine and would like to possibly pursue it down the line, but I am also not 100% set on it just yet (maybe like 90%).

Help! Any advice from someone who has been in the same boat? Maybe even advice on what to expect at conferences? Suggestions/tips on how to branch out of comfort zones with the other docs/PDs?

In general, and based on the subject matter or the significance of the conference presentation:

Check first ... ask ahead, in a timely manner. This means:

If your PI (MSTP peep here) takes the time to invite you to join them ('cuz they want to showcase your "potential" by highlighting your experience, knowledge, and skills as an aspring MD/PhD), or they invite you to meet other people ('cuz they're helping you network as an aspiring MD/PhD), or they invite you to participate in some important activities with them ('cuz they respect, trust and value you as an aspring MD/PhD), or they need you to do something else at the conference ('cuz you're their MSTP, after all) ... please do those things before you pursue your own adventures.

Otherwise, you can just do your own thing ... feel free to introduce yourself to others (everyone will likely have a name tag), check out other activities or presentations at the conference, strike up casual conversations with others. There should be plenty of other medical students at a national conference, feel free to chill with them, join them, have fun with them.

 

[Vitreous_Humor]

ARVO? I am in the same boat and unsure if I should present in-person or virtual.

I had to look up what ARVO stood for sooo.... no hah I'm sorry! My SDN name doesn't particularly go along with the field of medicine that I am talking about! I just thought it would be a clever/funny name 😅😅

Edit: I don't know what year you are, but I'd suggest doing the option that would put you slightly out of your comfort zone!! That's what I did and I feel like it has helped me become really prepared for all the possible questions/comments and I also have perfected the presentation down to the smallest of details that the audience probably won't even notice - so I feel like it has made me feel prepared and confident! You've got this!

 

[Vitreous_Humor]

Just because they're known in the field and they don't "need" to network doesn't mean they won't. There's always benefit in meeting young up-and-comers, and when you're an eminence in the field and serve on various committees there is generally some expectation that you'll make yourself available to young investigators. Aside from the chance to stand up at a podium, the whole point of staying for the conference is to hang out by your PI's side and shake hands with their colleagues.

That said, your PI is going to know about this specific conference better than the rest of us. If your PI suggests that you stick with them, I would do that. If they are going back to their room to write or rest, then you should do whatever.

In general, and based on the subject matter or the significance of the conference presentation:

Check first ... ask ahead, in a timely manner. This means:

If your PI (MSTP peep here) takes the time to invite you to join them ('cuz they want to showcase your "potential" by highlighting your experience, knowledge, and skills as an aspring MD/PhD), or they invite you to meet other people ('cuz they're helping you network as an aspiring MD/PhD), or they invite you to participate in some important activities with them ('cuz they respect, trust and value you as an aspring MD/PhD), or they need you to do something else at the conference ('cuz you're their MSTP, after all) ... please do those things before you pursue your own adventures.

Otherwise, you can just do your own thing ... feel free to introduce yourself to others (everyone will likely have a name tag), check out other activities or presentations at the conference, strike up casual conversations with others. There should be plenty of other medical students at a national conference, feel free to chill with them, join them, have fun with them.

Okay! These are both helpful and give me a good idea of what to plan for and think about for the conference. I think I am understanding you both correctly, in that I should 1. Check in with my PI/mentor to see what the plans are and what to expect 2. Stick by them throughout the conference/be available for any potential networking opportunities and 3. If my PI/mentor is off doing their own thing or the networking is done for the day, then I am free to do whatever - basically do as the Romans do kind of situation is what I am getting... I just don't want people to think that I am being rude or uninterested in the opportunity that I have been given if I do something outside of the conference.

For reference, the "adventure" is something that is unique solely to the particular region of the country that the conference is in and something that I probably wouldn't do again for a long while because I don't have ties to this region and thus, won't be traveling there again for a while.

 

[Tenk]

You should ask the PDs there: “hey… wanna go on an adventure?”

All it takes is one bite and you’re in.

 

[bGMx]

For reference, the "adventure" is something that is unique solely to the particular region of the country that the conference is in and something that I probably wouldn't do again for a long while because I don't have ties to this region and thus, won't be traveling there again for a while.

Is... is it a... a spirit journey? In the desert? Is Phish playing?