Greetings to all and welcome to my first ever blog! A short intro if I may. My name is Al Moretti and I hail from the beautiful and currently frozen and snow covered tundra of Chicago. The good news is pitchers and catchers report in about three weeks. Spring can’t be far behind – can it? I was hoping Punxsutawney Phil could have helped with that but since it is reported he saw his shadow…oh well…
This past month I attended yet another awesome education and networking event. The annual Indiana Biomedical Society conference (IBS). It amazes me each and every year I attend this event. The number of people on a Saturday in January that participate. They attend outside of what some would say are “normal hours”. What drives these people to do this each year while probably not getting paid an hourly wage to attend? Friendship? The food and beverages? Could be a little of both. Let’s look a little deeper.
The annual IBS conference is structured well. A balance of educational, exhibit hall presence and most importantly – attendee interaction. Attendee interaction? That’s networking yourself, my friend. I have to tell ya, I have been in the business for about 30 years now and at every event like the IBS. I meet at least 10 new people. Yes, new contacts that lead me to information, knowledge, and other people in the industry. Do you see the “networking” piece I am talking about?
On the AAMI website www.ammi.org take a look at the links on the Biomedical Societies tab. My rough count by hand shows there are about 55+ various domestic biomedical societies/associations. Internationally maybe about 8+ formal groups. Bet you did’nt know that? Take another look at the AAMI listing of societies. There most likely right in your backyard. Or not to far from it. Push yourself away from the bench, leave the four walls that shield you. Venture out to the society near you. As it is said, “nothing ventured, nothing gained”.
The societies and associations throughout the country have general chapter meetings. Annual conferences. Some have study groups (Colorado – CABMET) to prep for the CBET, CRES and CLES exam. I have been to chapter meetings were attendees have been recruited and hired! What is constant at every one of these societies/associations events -“NETWORKING” of people just like you! People looking and yearning for knowledge, opportunity and that spark which ignites their career.
Well my closing message to you Mr. and Ms. HTM Service Professional – this is your career. Your profession. Grow it, contribute to it, educate and the world is your’s to set on fire!
