I don’t belong to any organizations. Not one. I’m not saying this to brag, nor do I claim to be a rebel. It’s just the way it is.
When I was in residency, and later fellowship, my department paid for my membership. So I was in the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society. I got some nice department-funded trips for meetings and a subscription to the thick green journal. I tried to keep up on the reading, but the pile eventually won and ended up in a recycling bin when I moved.
I’m not an academic and never will be. I have nothing against those who are, but it’s just not my thing. So joining various medical associations for contacts and publications doesn’t serve me in that regard. I don’t conduct research, either. And I do my own continuing medical education from various free sources.
I don’t have time to go to meetings anymore. Some will argue that they’re tax deductible, but I don’t care. If I’m going to spend money on a trip, I’d rather spend the whole time with my family and relax. In the "eat what you kill" world of solo practice, taking time off is a financial hit. So I try to limit it to important things, such as family.
Financial realities can also lead you away from organizations. Most annual memberships are several hundred dollars, which seems like a big chunk of change for a journal you don’t have time to read, annual meetings you don’t have time to go to (and which can cost a fortune when added up), and a membership card for your wallet. I’m sure others will argue that organizations serve purposes of CME and political representation, but at this point in my life I get all my own CME anyway, and I am skeptical about the latter.
So I save my time and money for things that are more important to me. Memberships in big organizations aren’t on the list.
Besides, as Groucho Marx once said, "I don’t care to belong to any club that will have me as a member."