ASHT loves providing an opportunity for community and networking on a national level through the Annual Meeting, e-Community and virtual learning. There are so many other opportunities to promote the hand therapy community on a regional level.
- Continuing education from local physicians discussing their procedures and rationale – every group and region treat patients differently and attending local events gives you understanding of the thought process.
- Marketing to nearby physicians when they speak at these events – sometimes that face-to-face time is so important to develop relationships and show your passion for improving patients.
- Networking with other hand therapists – you never know when these relationships may come in handy!
- Leadership opportunities - All of these groups are led by therapists and will welcome help with recruiting speakers, planning events, managing finances, or running the website. Each group has their unique needs that allow for developing leadership skills.
- Friendships! One of my closest friendships developed at a local cadaver lab where the mutual link of hand therapy and love of anatomy ended with the conversation “do you want to be friends?!”
How do you find the regional groups? Most maintain a website and post updates frequently. A few maintain communication through social media. I would start with asking a colleague if they know of anything locally. I would also perform a Google search of the nearest metro area followed by “hand therapy special interest group.” Follow this up with a search on social media to see if there is a group to join. Finally, check out the ASHT Times quarterly for regional updates in the “What’s Happening?” section.