Attending a medical conference is an excellent way for physicians and advanced practitioners to earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, network, and stay up to date on the latest research and industry trends.

With a new year underway and many medical conferences on the horizon, now is the perfect time to plan ahead. Whether you’re looking to earn CME credits, expand your network, or stay updated on the latest industry trends, these five tips will help you maximize your conference experience.

Five Tips for Physicians and Advanced Practitioners Attending Medical Conferences:

Tips for Attending a Medical Conference

1.) Plan Ahead

Prior to the conference, be sure to review the program schedule and identify sessions, workshops, keynote speakers, and other networking events you would like to attend. During the conference, time passes quickly! Having a tentative plan in place will help ensure you can attend all of your top-pick sessions and meetings. We recommend reserving your spot for any dinners and meet-ups happening during the conference - this ensures you won't miss out on valuable opportunities and experiences.

2.) Download the Mobile App

Most medical conferences offer a mobile app that provides access to various features, including networking with fellow attendees, building your schedule, viewing maps of the conference and exhibit hall, and more. In addition, you will receive real-time updates to gain insight into what is happening live at the conference.

3.) Network

Making connections at a medical conference is essential, as it allows you to collaborate and share insights with other professionals in your field. While at the conference, visit the exhibit hall to meet with representatives from various companies and learn more about the industry and career options. As a bonus, the exhibit hall is typically filled with awesome raffle prizes, activities, food, drinks, and giveaways you can bring home with you!

4.) Take Notes and Ask Questions

Taking notes during each session is a great way to remember key points and avoid information overload. Use the times in between your sessions to process what you've learned by reviewing your notes or having discussions with your colleagues! Also, don't hesitate to ask questions. Engaging with presenters and fellow attendees can enhance everyone's learning experience.

5.) Stay Engaged on Social Media: 

Social media platforms, especially X and LinkedIn, are widely used by professionals during medical conferences. Find out what your conference's unique hashtag is to join in on the conversation and expand your network virtually.

Choosing the Right Medical Conference for Your Specialty

To determine which medical conference is right for you, seek recommendations from professionals in your network or visit your specialty's official society page. For instance, anesthesiologists would benefit from attending the ANESTHESIOLOGY annual meeting held by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, while radiologists should consider the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting.

Emergency medicine physicians can check out the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Scientific Assembly! If you are a gastroenterologist, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting is known as the premier event in gastroenterology.

Each medical specialty has incredible annual meetings featuring engaging sessions and courses set in vibrant cities that will leave you feeling connected and knowledgeable about the latest developments in your field.

Explore Locum Tenens Opportunities at Medical Conferences

Medical conferences also provide a unique opportunity for physicians and advanced practitioners to explore locum tenens careers. Here are some best practices for learning about a locum tenens career at a medical conference:

  • Visit Locum Tenens Agency Booths: Make it a point to visit booths of locum tenens agencies like Medicus Healthcare Solutions in the exhibit hall. Engage in conversations with healthcare recruiters and agency representatives to understand the benefits of working locum tenens with their agency.
  • Discuss Potential Locum Tenens Opportunities: Use this time to discuss potential locum jobs, the flexibility locum tenens offers, and how working locums can fit into your career goals. Learn about the diverse range of assignments available, from short-term assignments to longer commitments, across various locations.
  • Network with Locums: At the conference, connect with other locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners. Some locum tenens agencies, like Medicus, often partner with these locums to be present at their booths, sharing firsthand experiences about the benefits of a locum tenens career. Engaging in these conversations can provide valuable insights into the locum tenens lifestyle and the professional advantages of locum tenens careers.

The Medicus team will be attending several medical conferences this year, including:

Attending a medical conference as a physician or advanced practitioner can be a transformative experience when approached with thoughtful preparation. By making a plan, actively participating in sessions, networking with peers, and staying engaged on social media, you can maximize the benefits of your attendance.

Remember to reflect on your experiences, follow up with new contacts, and apply the knowledge gained. By keeping these tips in mind, you will leave the medical conference inspired and connected with a diverse network of professionals in your field.

Want to know where you can connect with Medicus next? Fill out the form below to stay updated on upcoming medical conferences we’ll be attending.
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