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Conferences on women in medicine can be a powerful tool for female physicians to network and find resources that can advance their careers in many ways.

Medical conferences offer many benefits to physicians. According to cardiologist Yasmine S. Ali, MD, MSCI, FACC, FACP, conferences specifically geared toward women can advance the careers of female physicians in many ways. Some are hosted by medical societies, such as the Association of Women Surgeons or the American College of Cardiology. As the number of Women in Medicine conferences increases, Dr. Ali recommends that physicians take advantage of these opportunities to gain educational experiences, network and advance their careers.

To get the most out of a women in medicine conference, Dr. Ali stresses the importance of considering a conference’s focus. She points out that conferences cover a full range of topics, including salary negotiations, paths to leadership, work-life balance, women’s health and academic growth. While medical society conferences are focused on specialty areas, others, like the American Medical Women’s Association annual meeting, cover a wide range of health topics. Such events bring together female physicians of all career levels and medical specialties from across the country, helping them expand their professional contacts and find new mentors. To find the best conference for you, Dr. Ali recommends reviewing the attendee list and networking opportunities.

Some physicians may find it difficult to obtain the necessary financial resources to attend conferences, as attendance requires paying for everything from travel to lodging. In addition, attending a conference may also mean taking unpaid leave. Dr. Ali suggests interested physicians research their financial support options. These may include travel grants offered by the institution, paid leave, funds for continuing professional education, or reimbursement to attend a conference related to the employee’s work. Other financial support options may be available through a physician’s university department, hospital network, or another institution with which the physician has a relationship. Dr. Ali also noted that some conference organizers offer scholarships that may cover some or even all of the cost of attendance.

There may be times when physicians, despite wanting to attend a conference, simply can’t make it. Dr. Ali advises physicians to remember that that’s OK. Physicians are more than just their careers—they’re people with personal lives that extend beyond the medical specialty. While physicians may want to attend multiple conferences, that may not be possible given missed work days and family obligations. Therefore, Dr. Ali advises physicians to consider their personal commitments before investing time and money in attending a conference, and suggests that they consider how the event fits into their professional schedule, finances, and workload.

According to Dr. Ali, “Every woman in medicine should attend a Women in Medicine conference or meeting at least once in her early or mid-career.” Women in Medicine conferences provide valuable insight into topics such as management, negotiation, obtaining research funding, creating curricula, and navigating tenure. Attending gives female physicians a new perspective on the medical field and can provide insight into how to shape their careers.