As doctors, we barely get any time off juggling between our practice, patients and personal life. A Medical conference can be a perfect solution to it.

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Taking a vacation sometimes for a week or so could be nothing less than a dream! And even if we manage to do so, we end up missing so much at work and that adds up nothing but to our stress as we are back from vacation.

Now how about a plan is presented where you can go on a guilt-free break yet stay in touch with some aspects of your work and also get to learn some new developments and advances in the field of Medicine?

The ideal answer might be a medical meeting. And if it is an outstation conference, then it is the cherry on the cake. This can be a perfect opportunity to learn and yet have fun. Here are 5 reasons why you should never miss the next conference on the calendar.

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1. Improvising your presentation and communication skills

 

Most of the conferences come with various scientific events and presentation rounds which is the perfect spot to test your skills. If you are working on a new research protocol or reviewing some literature and wish to take it ahead, compiling it into a paper or poster presentation and presenting it in front of the jury will be the perfect opportunity to learn more on the same as well as improvise through both positive or negative feedback.

Also, this can be a chance to work on your presentation skills both verbal and non-verbal and also a session to break through all the stage fear. Even if you are not an active part of these presentations, simply listening to the ones which are presented by others, can add to your knowledge bank and you never know might also motivate you to take up a presentation the next time!

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2. Knowing about the recent advances and brushing up on the old ones

The scientific sessions and seminars that are planned in a medical conference will usually be rounder, covering all the topics in and around the field. There will also be many sessions which will take you back to your textbook basics and teach you the application of the same in your existing practice and a few of them will be all about the new and recent technologies in the field of medicine.

A conference will give you exposure to a lot of new knowledge and help you learn new techniques and procedures which you can apply in your day-to-day practice.

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3. Who said there will be no shopping?

Most of the medical conferences come from a medical trade show or an exhibition where various distributors all over the world/country exhibit and display their products.

So right from stocking up essentials for the clinic to getting a chance to see new medical devices and machines, these exhibitions can come with a lot! A lot of distributors come up with special deals and offers for the doctors and that can be a huge relief at times to your pocket.

These exhibitions are important channels of upgradation for our routine practice as a lot of new devices, instruments and machines are available here which can be seen, checked and a demonstration of the same can make the purchase easier rather than trusting online sites for expensive purchases.

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4. Networking and meeting your old buddies

It is rare that you walk into a conference and do not meet your old medical college friends and some old colleagues. Conversations with them can help you understand various professional advances individuals are achieving and also on the academic front one can know so much about the new workshops, courses etc,

We never know, a little chat can lead to a great future collaboration on the professional front. Creating a network with other doctors and other healthcare workers can be valuable to your career growth with other health specialists that you cannot typically do when working every day. Sharing more ideas and communication will foster new thoughts, enable individuals to take up new work and also help professional growth.

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5. The ultimate educational vacation

Conferences are very knowledge-driven and work-based, but we mustn't forget the fun element of it. For instance, most of them have other extracurricular activities and other social events like dinners, gala events with dance and music performances, art and craft events etc. which can be a great break from the monotonous routine and can add some fun to this educational event.

As it is a new place to explore, look for local sightseeing, food, a few outdoor activities and some local shopping to make the most of this opportunity.

And to make it more exciting, you can also learn a new language by picking up a few aspects of it every time you travel to a new place for a conference.

So who says conferences are boring? The next time you plan to attend one and are hesitant turn back to this article and brush over these points:

1. A lot of knowledge and practical experience under one roof.
2. Can help you get certificates which can be a great asset to your CV.
3. Grab some new ideas which can be a stepping stone to your new research plan/presentation.
4. Have fun at the trade shows and exhibitions with some professional shopping.
5. And don't forget to relish all the delicacies and local food with the lovely sightseeing and make the most out of this break. 

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Disclaimer- The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of M3 India.

About the author of this article: Dr Ridima Surve is a practising dentist from Mumbai.