How to network with fellow physicians to land the job you want

While the old adage, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know” doesn’t always ring true,  networking frequently plays a vital role in a physician’s career search.

The importance of networking remains the same, but what has changed is the methodology, says Allan Cacanindin, Senior Executive Vice President of Client Services for Cejka Search, a physician recruitment firm.

Whether physicians chose to network online will likely depend on their generation. But he says it still behooves young professionals to meet in-person.

“Seasoned physicians who have been practicing for quite some time seem to have more face-to-face interactions, where as folks who are just coming into medicine today are a little more digitally savvy and more likely to engage online,” he says.

While LinkedIn remains the leading online network among general business professionals, Cacanindin recommends that physicians join networks targeted specifically to the healthcare field. He says Sermo and Doximity are two free online community options.

Cacanindin also suggests when networking with other physicians, always ask these three questions:

• Who do you know that best practices your specialty?

• Where’s the best place you’ve heard that has…?

• What are the best benefits or attributes that you’ve got at your current place of practice?

He says that when those looking to hire physicians network with potential candidates, they look for prospective hires who have the core competency of medicine, but also the skill set for leadership roles.

“I do believe that a lot of healthcare organizations are looking for more progressive physicians, those who are aware of things that are important in medicine today,” says Cacanindin. “A lot of networking is being done specifically toward physicians who have the acumen to proceed toward leadership positions.”