Are you a medical professional looking to make a difference in the world? Volunteering and pro bono work can be an excellent way to network with other medical professionals while also doing good. But what specific characteristics make someone more likely to participate in free medical and charitable work?A study of 10,000 female doctors (American practitioners, after residency) selected from the American Medical Association's master file of doctors, stratified by decade of graduation (1950-198), found that only 4501 could participate, completing a self-administered questionnaire of 716 items on health status, history, information on medical practice and demography. It could be argued that a medical professional can do more “good” in an hour than spreading drywall with Habitat for Humanity. This allows nonprofit organizations to access the experience and knowledge of a medical professional that they might not otherwise have if they had to pay for services. So what are the personal and professional characteristics that determine the likelihood of participating in free medical and charitable work or in non-medical volunteering? It could be argued that those who are more likely to participate are those who have a strong sense of altruism, a desire to help others, and a commitment to their profession. Additionally, those who have a strong network of other medical professionals may be more likely to participate in volunteer opportunities. If you're looking to network with other medical professionals while also doing good, volunteering and pro bono work can be an excellent way to do so.
Not only will you be able to help those in need, but you'll also be able to build relationships with other medical professionals. So if you're looking for ways to make a difference in the world while also networking with other medical professionals, consider volunteering or pro bono work.
