As healthcare professionals and business leaders in the functional medicine industry, we understand the importance of learning from one another and embracing the concept of continuous learning. At Doctors Supplement Store, we are firm believers in the power of networking, professional development, and keeping up to date on industry research and trends to better serve you – our valued customers and partners. 

By default, many healthcare providers find themselves short on time and long on tasks. Workdays can be jam-packed, demanding a focus on immediate needs and leaving little time for self-care or professional development. While there’s always value in efficiency and productivity, it’s important to balance those tasks with the significance of broadening your knowledge base and looking beyond daily routines. 

One great way to break out of the day-to-day routine involves cultivating a robust professional network, not only within your immediate office environment, but also extending to more diverse professional circles. Connecting with a network or association of professionals – be they within your discipline or across service lines – is a practical and efficient way to keep yourself current in your field and confident in your practice.

So, what does it look like for healthcare providers to make the most of a powerful network? There are a variety of options depending on your need, schedule, and flexibility:

Create a Connection: Engaging with veterans in the functional medicine field allows you to tap into a wealth of experiences from those who have overcome a variety of challenges. One of the best ways to level up your skills is to find a mentor who can help expand your network, provide industry insights, and guide you in your professional development. A great mentor relationship can also foster accountability and provide some much-needed encouragement as you navigate running your healthcare business.

Embrace Industry Events: Participating in industry events such as professional conferences, symposiums, or seminars within the integrative healthcare sector presents valuable opportunities to enhance your knowledge and stay on top of the latest research. Engaging in these events fosters connection among industry experts, allows for the exchange of innovative ideas, and opens doors for potential collaborations that can help your practice grow.

As noted by Kelly Morse at Doctors Supplement Store, “The recent TFIM conference was a prime example of this concept, as I witnessed not only the excellent exchange of ideas and information in integrative medicine, but that important confidence boost and energy boost that comes from dynamic events like this. Many healthcare providers will make meaningful connections that pay dividends for years.”

Pursue Professional Certifications: Pursuing professional certifications in the healthcare industry allows you to dive deeper into particular skill sets, and can open up exciting opportunities for career advancement. While this more formal training isn’t a fit for every healthcare provider, for some, this is an important step in offering new areas of care or demonstrating your expertise in a certain clinical area.

Dr. Pamela Smith, internationally known physician and author leading the new mentorship program Personalized Medicine Certification, encourages healthcare providers to seek out educational opportunities whenever they can. “Learning from seasoned professionals and alongside peers who have the same passion and interests can bring exponential growth both personally and in practice. The field of personalized medicine for example is rapidly changing and learning the latest information in a dynamic environment is invaluable.” Professional training like the Personalized Medicine Certification can provide a practical approach designed for health professionals to learn what to do on Monday morning when they see the next patient.

Pay it Forward: Sharing is caring! Communication among healthcare providers plays a crucial role in promoting professional growth and reducing physician burnout. From casual discussions to more formal exchanges like speaking at events or publishing new research, there are many opportunities to impart your knowledge to others. In fact, something as simple as telling colleagues about your networks can create opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaborations that can advance our entire industry. This can also provide much needed support for healthcare providers who are often stressed and strained. Sharing knowledge in healthcare is not just about generosity; it’s about driving progress and improving care for the benefit of all.