Growing Your Social Capital

1) One person must be a domain expert in your industry. For this interview I spoke with my mentor Dr. Rainer Sasche who is a prominent plastic surgeon in the South Florida area. Prior to opening his own practice, he was the head of Holy Cross hospital and has served on multiple boards for the American Plastic Surgeon Association. I found this doctor through one of my aunts who has had medical procedures done with him in the past. After she went to him I contacted him to possibly shadow. I have shadowed him multiple times in the past. By shadowing him I have learned not only many things about the medical field, but also about the proper way to conduct patient interactions. 

2) One person must be an expert on your market. For this interview I spoke to a retired plastic surgeon who is no longer practicing. Her name is Dr. Aida Raez and she is both my mentor and go to for life and doctoring questions. I came in contact with Dr. Raez during one of the medical mission trips. I shadowed her in the general surgery department and became best friends within moments. I consider her my second mom and gain a better understanding what it's like to be both a mom and surgeon at the same time. I contact Dr. Raez whenever I am in need of help academically or medically. By having Dr. Raez in my life I feel like I am more confident in entering this profession. 

3) One person must be an important supplier to your industry. For this I interviewed someone in the medical devices industry. His name is Ramiro Morales and is a medical sales rep, as well as husband to a Obstetrician and Gynecologist. I came in contact with Ramiro through a medical mission trip that I have attended for two summers. After this medical mission trip I remained in contact in order to learn more about the up and coming medical surgical techniques. I contact him frequently as he updates me on the newest and latest in medical technology procedures. He does not necessarily expect anything in return other than my respect and attention. By remaining in contact with him I believe I am gaining a lot of insight and knowledge on the market and what doctors are being presented every day. 

Finally: Reflect. After realizing how connected I already am in the medical field, I also realized how lucky I truly am. Within each of these interactions I have gained more insight in the field and grown as a person professionally. I do not think I would still be on this path and have the amount of comfort that I have if I had not met my mentors.