Moving to a new city and being married to medicine can be incredibly challenging! Finding a true friend, someone you can share a deeper connection with, feels almost impossible at times. I remember the loneliness all too well—my spouse often worked holidays, birthdays, and missed out on celebrations, leaving me home alone more often than not. Once I had children, the need for support and camaraderie from other mothers became crucial. It was especially hard with no family nearby. But as I began to reach out to others in my spouse’s program, many of them became our friends and family, sharing holidays and supporting each other through tough times. If you’re in a similar boat, here are a few tips to help you connect and find support as a physician spouse in your community:

1. Look for a local House Staff Alliance: These groups are often affiliated with academic facilities and made up of resident and fellow families. They host various events, playdates, and offer local support.
2. Check out the American Medical Association Alliance: There might be a local alliance in your area that you can join.
3. Search social media for physician spouse-specific pages: These groups often organize local get-togethers and offer support. If one doesn’t exist in your area, consider starting a page yourself. Chances are, there are many other spouses looking for the same connections.
4. Join local Mom’s Groups or Dad’s Groups: These groups meet regularly in various cities and can be a great source of support and friendship.
5. Music City Moms: If you’re in Nashville, this is a fantastic resource for moms to connect.
6. For pet lovers: Look for local pet-friendly activities. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
7. New to Nashville events and groups: Check out New to Nashville meetup events, the Ladies New To Nashville Facebook page, or the New To Nashville Facebook page.

The biggest piece of advice I can give is to put yourself out there. It can be uncomfortable at first, but finding your people and your support system is essential. The medical training journey is long and can be lonely, but with the right support, it becomes much more manageable for you and your spouse.

Remember, I’m here to chat or offer support. Feel free to reach out to me anytime if you have questions or need someone to listen. You’re not alone in this.