In this episode, Dr. Stacey Ishman breaks down how early-career physicians can build national visibility and meaningful professional relationships without overwhelm—using a simple, one-hour-a-week framework.

If you’ve ever felt torn between wanting to be known for your work and just trying to survive clinic, charting, inboxes, and academic responsibilities, this episode will give you a realistic, sustainable way forward. Dr. Ishman shares her own early-career story of doing “all the right things” but remaining invisible outside her division—and the small weekly habit that changed everything.

No need to take notes—check out the Blog for a written summary of these insights.

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• Common early-career tension between wanting to be known and trying to keep up
• Inbox overload, EMR tasks, trainee needs, and constant clinical demands
• Clarifying that visibility does not require constant networking or posting

• The importance of scheduling one hour a week like you would clinic or procedures
• Visibility grows from consistency, not intensity

• Dr. Ishman’s personal story: doing all the right things but remaining unnoticed
• Realization that visibility doesn’t happen by accident—connection must be intentional

• Collaborating with colleagues, even informally
• Connecting through notes, emails, texts
• Citing others’ work or amplifying them on social media
• Pitching panels using senior experts while you moderate

A four-week rotation designed to build reputation without burnout:

Week 1 – Connect
• Reach out to someone new or reconnect with a colleague
• Examples: society members, journal editors, national experts
• Tip: keep a running list of people you admire

Week 2 – Share
• Post or share something meaningful: reflection, research summary, shout-out
• Authenticity > perfection

Week 3 – Pitch
• Submit one opportunity: panel, talk, manuscript review, committee, webinar
• Reminder: perfectionism kills momentum

Week 4 – Follow Up
• Re-engage conversations
• Check in, ask about next steps, or reintroduce yourself if needed

• Visibility should feel authentic, not salesy
• Healthy discomfort is okay; inauthenticity is not
• One hour a week becomes 52 hours a year—enough to create real career movement

• Speaking invitations
• Cross-department collaborations
• Visiting professorships
• Professional society leadership roles
• Promotion committee recognition

• Stack visibility hour onto an existing routine (after clinic, before research meeting)
• Document your plan
• Track actions and celebrate small wins
• Consistency beats perfection

Visibility in academic medicine doesn’t require hustle—it requires intentionality. With just one protected hour a week, early-career physicians can expand their network, amplify their work, and open doors to national recognition. Through Dr. Ishman’s four-week rotation—Connect, Share, Pitch, and Follow Up—you’ll learn how to build genuine relationships, create opportunities, and grow your academic presence in a way that feels sustainable and authentic.

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