Business networking in medicine: Medical students' perspectives on a networking assignment

Abstract

Leshawn Benedict, Kevin Si, Fok-Han Leung

Objective: Networking in business is generally regarded as a highly valued skill. Few will disagree that networking in medicine has a similar value. However, few studies evaluate the use of networking in medicine. The objective of this study is to determine the perspectives of medical students on the use of a networking-based assignment titled “Personalized Resource List (PeRL)”, which encouraged trainees to build a network of resources that would support their future practice. Methods: Participants were recruited from a class of first-year medical students who had participated in the “PeRL” assignment. Participants (N = 9) were recruited via e-mail and volunteered to complete a structured interview. Results: Thematic analyses of students’ responses revealed that first-year medical students valued “networking” as a skill. Two major themes identified that were important to all participants were the “formation of a professional relationship” and the “formation of a professional identity.” Conclusions: Medical Students noted the importance of networking in medicine and found a formalized assignment within the medical school curriculum to be beneficial in their professional development. Further studies should look into networking skill-building exercises within the medical curriculum and further assess their long-term outcomes through longitudinal studies.