EVent recap: Wimbasador military & veteran collective - A Discussion on Networking | May 7, 2026

Women in Medicine® Military & Veteran Collective brought together women physicians and trainees from across the country for an engaging conversation on networking, connection, and community during last week’s virtual discussion hosted by WIMbassador Dr. Andrea Austin.

The conversation highlighted an important truth: networking can feel intimidating for almost everyone, even highly accomplished professionals. Participants shared candid reflections on balancing time constraints, overcoming discomfort, and building authentic professional relationships throughout different stages of medicine and military service.

Five key takeaways from the discussion included:

✨ Networking makes almost everyone nervous. Discomfort is often a greater barrier than time.

✨ Meaningful professional relationships can be built in person, virtually, asynchronously, and gradually over time.

✨ Networking becomes more natural when the focus shifts from “What can I get?” to “How can I support or connect this person?”

✨ Not every connection needs to become a close relationship. Some of the most valuable opportunities come through weaker ties and occasional connections.

✨ The Women in Medicine Summit™ creates an especially welcoming environment for collaboration and relationship-building. Participants especially love WIM’s founder, Dr. Jain’s challenge to “make three new friends,” reframing networking from transactional to relational and energizing.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this thoughtful and supportive conversation. The Women in Medicine® Military & Veteran Collective continues to create space for women physicians and trainees with military connections to learn, connect, and grow together.