Tell me about Oregon [Networking]?

Question

I am considering moving to Oregon, so I am taking a trip there from the 19th Nov till the 2nd of Dec. I am considering opening a specialized medical clinic. I am a 43 year old Brit. I will, of course, spend time in both Portland and Eugene. Please tell me :-

1. Any good networking ideas
2. Anywhere else you think I should go and why.
3. What you like about Oregon.
4. What you do not like about Oregon.
5. What fun things should I do while I am there.
6. Anything else you think i should know...

Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

There are several types of specialized medical clinics and your question doesn't describe what you're planning. I'm assuming that you're talking of opening a minor emergency clinic, rather than a specialized clinic like a podiatrist or spinal specialist. So here are some ideas:

1. To promote a new minor emergency clinic, location would be critical. I would suggest looking at cities that have affluent populations and not enough doctors to service the need. Call several local clinics and ask how many of their physicians are currently accepting new patients. If I was locating an office like this, I would consider Bend, Brookings and Sisters first, Portland and Eugene second, and for fun, Lincoln City, Coos Bay and Pendleton third.
2. Networking wise, probably your best bet would be to look for discussion groups on Yahoo or Google. Pose your questions to a more targeted audience than Y!Answers is.
3. My favorite thing about Oregon is the people. Their willingness to help one another and to be true neighbors reminds me more of a 1950's culture than the 21st century. I also love the weather and the scenery. Your being a Brit I'm sure it would feel very familiar to "home".
4. I don't like the long winter days, but the trade off is the long summer ones.
5. Visit the coast - I love Shore Acres in Coos Bay personally then take a drive to Eastern Oregon and visit the painted mountains. The contrast and the fantastic scenery on the drive will give you a great feel for the state as a whole.
6. Do a search on Y!Answers for Oregon and questions relating to moving here - you'll learn a lot about what is both good and bad about us.