On my radio show, Pair-O-Docs, I recently interviewed Dr. Julia Nemiroff, an ophthalmologist at Retina and Eye Clinic of Palm Beach Gardens, who aside from being a fantastic physician, is also founder of Stuart Physician Mommy Group (Stuart PMG).
As a physician, wife and mother of three small children, groups like Stuart PMG have become vital to maintaining my sanity during these trying times. Who else could relate to diagnosing a heart condition, changing a diaper and cooking dinner all inside a few short hours?
As more physicians like myself choose to move into solo/concierge practice, it’s easy to become walled off from our peers. While working in a silo may seem appealing, I argue it’s more important than ever for female physicians to connect to one another.
Here’s why:
- Get a second a second opinion – At any given time, I have a dozen other doctors with whom I can discuss medical dilemmas and diagnoses.
- Know your specialists – I now have someone I would consider a good friend in almost every specialty – a little black book of contacts whom I trust to give my patients timely top-notch care!
- Find the courage to start/grow your practice – Dr. Nemiroff and I both gained the courage to go solo thanks to the encouragement and guidance from other doctors in our networking groups. Many of them had done this before and were eager to share their successes and failures.
- Promote work/life balance–These groups provide a platform for furthering the agenda of female physicians who, in addition to being good doctors, are trying to be good spouses, parents, friends and citizens!
- Celebrate each other– Networking groups are great for sharing in each other’s joys and sorrows and celebrating the wins whenever we can. Whether it’s a win in the office or at home – we are there to lift each other up.
If you are a physician interested in learning more about Stuart PMG or other networking groups, please reach out to me!
