As is more than often correct with comedians, Groucho was not wrong about too many things.
Societies. Yep, we’ve got them. Hundreds of them. Thousands, maybe? We like to be members of groups and often find some clarity in our categorization of ourselves and our roles by the groups we are members of. Human race? Yep, I identify with that group. American? Yes, I was born and continue to remain within the confines of that portion of the Earth.
Straightforward, easy to understand.
Professional societies are additional and finely honed (in some instances) continuations of this. Here’s the problem: the granularity or diffuse nature of these societies is daunting. I think I could potentially belong to about a thousand professional organizations right now and make a reasonable case that each was correctly chosen and right for me.
Holy &$?!!! What do you do? What are reasonable choices?
I refuse to name any names in this screed. I belong to a few. How were they chosen? Why have I persisted with them? What’s in it for me?
As a physician in a generic sense, you might choose to belong to any of hundreds of organizations of MDs, and again, you would be right. You are an MD. However, more than a few of us radiologist types don’t always feel like those organizations are doing much for radiology, and as a dispassionate observer, I would note that I agree with that opinion.
Okay, you’re a radiologist. We’ve certainly got organizations that are for radiologists. Plenty. So, which one do you choose? And, likely you have some subspecialization. Are there organizations for your subspecialty? Absolutely. Again, likely several. Which of those? What if you practice several subspecialty areas? Whoa back, now this is spiraling out of control.
Here is my opinion. I initially wanted to be a member of everything I could get at. My first chair thought it was important for us all to join the societies. And, as a resident, the cost is negligible, or maybe even zero. Easy call. However, once you’re making some money, THEY WANT SOME OF IT. Dues. Covers your subscription to the magazine. Lower cost to go to the meeting. But it is cash out of hand. We all must balance our inner need to belong with the cost of being in the group. I have sought value, returns on my investment, and the friends/colleagues/members of the organizations who I also value being with. I am now at the stage of my career where I am paring societies away. I find I don’t miss too many of them, although from their letters asking me to please come back (WE MISS YOU! SEND MONEY!), they at least profess to miss me.
Let me know what you think. And keep doing that good work. Mahalo.
