Connecting With Peers In The Healthcare Industry

A single coffee chat changed the game for me. ☕️ Not because it led to a job. But because they asked one simple question at the end: "Is there anyone else you think I should talk to?" 🤯 Wow, why had I never thought to ask that? I introduced them to another person in my network who I thought would be a good connection for them. The next time I had a coffee chat, you better believe I used this same strategy. That one question turned one conversation into two. Then those two turned into ten. Before I knew it, I had a full calendar and a growing circle of people who knew my name and my story. Most people stop after one chat, then go back to cold outreach and get frustrated when people don't respond. But networking isn’t about collecting names. It’s about building relationships. And some amazing relationships can be ignited through a warm intro. People want to help. They just need a nudge. The next time you’re on a coffee chat, don’t just say thanks and sign off. End with: 👉 “This has been so helpful. Is there anyone else you think I should connect with as I explore [insert your goal]?” If you're a clinician navigating this networking thing for maybe the first time in your career, this approach can change everything. You don't need to know everyone—just someone who knows someone. Keep the chain going. One chat at a time.

Meaningful partnerships are important to me. Lately, a significant portion of my work has involved connecting professionals in the healthcare innovation sector. My trip to Dallas last week started with organic introductions I made in 2024. Some may view making business introductions as a simple and quick process. The process takes time, and time has a cost. In healthcare, innovation doesn’t thrive in isolation; it takes the right connections to move ideas forward. But real impact happens when we prioritize relational partnerships over transactional exchanges. It’s about building trust, fostering mutual respect, and creating opportunities that solve real problems. Here are my thoughts on how to make meaningful introductions: ✅ Lead with Value, Not Ego. Don’t focus on what’s in it for you. Prioritize how both sides benefit from the introduction. Relationships built on genuine value last longer and go further. ✅ Know the Gaps Before You Fill Them. Understand the pain points of both parties. High-impact connections happen when you address a critical need or opportunity. ✅ Vet Ruthlessly, Introduce Thoughtfully. Not every connection is worth making. Be selective and introduce only when there’s a clear alignment of values, goals, and capabilities. Protect the integrity of your network. ✅ Do Your Homework. Before making an introduction, ensure you have a thorough understanding of both parties to effectively explain why the connection is significant. ✅ Frame the Introduction with Context. Set the stage. Provide both parties with sufficient background information to understand the relevance and potential of the relationship. Clarity upfront fosters respect and avoids wasted time. ✅ Stay in the Loop (But Don’t Hover). Follow up to see if the introduction was valuable, but don’t micromanage the outcome. Relationships that thrive are built on trust, not control. ✅ Be a Problem Solver, Not Just a Connector. Your role doesn’t end with the introduction. Be available to offer insights or guidance if needed as the relationship develops. ✅ Protect Your Network’s Trust. Introduce only when it makes sense. One mismatched connection can erode trust and weaken your credibility. Guard your network’s reputation as carefully as your own. ✅ Build for the Long Game. Relational partnerships aren’t built overnight. Consistently show up, add value, and nurture trust over time. Sustainable impact comes from authentic, long-term connections. ✅ Celebrate the Wins. When a connection you made leads to something great, acknowledge it. Recognize the impact and reinforce the power of trusted relationships. Relational partnerships move healthcare forward. When trust and respect are the foundation, introductions become catalysts for real change. If you’re serious about advancing innovation, be intentional with your connections. It’s not about quantity. It’s about quality, trust, and lasting impact. 🔥 #healthcareonlinkedin #partnerships #innovation #sme

I sat across from a colleague who was on the verge of giving up on medicine. A brilliant mind, yet he felt trapped. What changed his path? Networking. Here’s how you can harness the power of networking to pivot your career in medicine. Whether you're an earlycareer physician or a seasoned practitioner, networking can redefine your trajectory. Think of it as building a bridge between where you are and where you want to be. Here are actionable steps to leverage networking: ✅ Start with your current network. → Reach out to mentors, colleagues, and even patients. ↳ You never know who might have the connection you need. ✅ Attend medical conferences and seminars. → Not just for learning, but also for meeting likeminded professionals. ↳ Use these events as opportunities to discuss your goals and aspirations. ✅ Join professional organizations. → Become active in groups like the American Medical Association or specialtyspecific societies. ↳ These groups often have career resources and networking events. ✅ Utilize social media platforms. → LinkedIn isn't just for corporate professionals. ↳ Engage in discussions, post your insights, and connect with peers globally. ✅ Seek informational interviews. → Identify and reach out to physicians who have made similar career changes. ↳ Learn from their journeys and ask for advice. ✅ Offer value before asking for help. → Share your knowledge, offer to help with projects, and be a resource. ↳ Relationships are reciprocal, and giving first often leads to receiving. Remember, a single conversation can open doors to new opportunities. Networking is not just about exchanging business cards. It’s about building meaningful relationships that can guide you to your next career milestone. Start today. Who will you reach out to first? 🔔 Follow me, Dr. Heath Jolliff, for more tips ♻️ Share with your network to help them