• Meet with Your Existing Network
• Attend Events: Discovering New Avenues
• Connecting with People From All Walks of Life
• Meeting Fellow Doctors Who Took a Different Path
• Discovering the Joy of Networking
• Final Takeaways

Entering the world of start-ups has been an incredibly exciting ride so far. However, while exciting it can also be a lonely ride. Unless you have a network of people to work with or guide you, it can be daunting navigating the unknown land without a map.

Meet with Your Existing Network

One of the most helpful things I did early on was to connect with others who are already navigating this space. Meeting up with former colleagues who had transitioned into start-ups was my first step. This provided valuable insights from what to expect, as well opening the door to other networks.

Attend Events: Discovering New Avenues

Before I knew it, I found myself attending several entrepreneurial conferences each week. These events have been an incredible experience for a number of reasons, and they’ve given me a fresh perspective on the possibilities that lie beyond traditional career paths. As someone with a background in medicine, I initially gravitated toward healthtech. Attending these conferences opened my eyes to the vast array of opportunities within this field. I discovered niches and market gaps that I hadn’t even considered before—everything from remote patient monitoring solutions to AI-powered diagnostic tools. The breadth of innovation happening in healthtech is inspiring, and it’s made me realise that there’s so much more to explore beyond the confines of clinical practice. Regardless of your background, I strongly encourage getting yourself out there and attending a variety of events to dive deeper into your passions!

Connecting with People from All Walks of Life

One of the things that stood out to me the most is the sheer diversity of people I’ve met. In the hospital, I was surrounded by doctors and, occasionally, other healthcare professionals, but the variety was limited. When you attend medical or surgical conferences, everyone is essentially in the same boat, with similar goals and challenges. But these entrepreneurial events are different—they attract a melting pot of talents and expertise. I’ve met lawyers, engineers, scientists, pharmacists, venture capitalists, investors, and countless founders and CEOs working on startups ranging from generative AI children’s bedtime stories to pirate ship defence mechanisms! Yes – pirates. How cool is that?! The diversity of ideas and perspectives has been a breath of fresh air, making me realise how valuable cross-industry collaboration can be.

Meeting Fellow Doctors Who Took a Different Path

It’s also been incredibly reassuring to meet other doctors who have stepped away from the conventional route. Hearing their stories has given me a sense of comfort, knowing that others have made the leap and come out on the other side just fine – much like my aim with this journal! In fact, I quickly learned that doctors in the entrepreneurial world often bring a particular ‘gravitas’ to the table, with specialised knowledge that can add depth to discussions on healthcare innovation. Our clinical experience offers a valuable asset when bridging the gap between medical needs and technological solutions.

Discovering the Joy of Networking

Networking has become a skill that I’ve really enjoyed honing throughout this journey. As an extrovert, I naturally enjoy meeting new people. Building relationships with multi-talented individuals, exchanging ideas, and learning from others’ experiences has been immensely rewarding. It’s helped me feel more connected to this new world and made me appreciate the value of building rapport. To learn more about these skills, stay tuned for my upcoming post… 

Final Takeaways

Beyond the practical insights, I’ve found a renewed sense of enthusiasm and curiosity. Being surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do has a way of reigniting your own drive. It’s shown me that the start-up world is not just about having a good idea—it’s about the energy you bring to it, the connections you make, and the persistence to keep pushing forward, even when the path is unclear.

These conferences have given me more than just knowledge; they’ve provided me with a sense of community and a glimpse into what the future could hold. I’ve learned that stepping out of your comfort zone can be daunting, but it’s where the most rewarding experiences often lie. If you’re considering a shift into the start-up world, my advice is to start by reaching out to those who have already made the leap—you never know where those conversations might take you!