Business Networking in Medicine: Medical Students' Perspectives on a Networking Assignment

Abstract

Objective: Networking in business is generally regarded as a highly valued skill. Few will disagree that networking in medicine has similar value. However, few medical school curriculums have included a formalized approach to teaching the skill of networking. In addition, there are limited studies that evaluate the use of a networking-focused curriculum 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�. Methods: Participants were recruited from the class of first-year medical students whom had participated in the �Personalized Resource List� 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.