Episode #72: Telemedicine – A Flexible Way to Stay Clinical
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Many physicians enjoy seeing patients but find that the logistics of working in an office or hospital setting don’t allow the flexibility they need. If you’re looking for a change of pace or want more latitude in your schedule, telemedicine may be just the right fit. Dr. Chet Tharpe, my guest today, is an allergist/immunologist who found he loved telemedicine so much as a side gig that he made it into his full-time career. He’ll share how he got started, ways to find telemedicine jobs, and how to grow telemedicine into a full-time and flexible career.
In this episode we’re talking about:
- How Dr. Tharpe got started practicing telemedicine
- Different types of telemedicine roles
- How Chet built his practice by acquiring additional state licenses
- The nuts and bolts of patient care through telemedicine
- Compensation ranges for telemedicine jobs
- How to find a company that’s a good fit
- Dr. Tharpe’s experience working with 10+ telemedicine companies
Links for this episode:
Telemedicine Guide – This resource guide includes a list of over 40 telemedicine companies to choose from. To access this guide, click on the link which goes to our Freebies. Scroll down a little and you will see the guide.
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact
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Megan Leivant, MD
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I remember when she said ‘do your resume before our next meeting’, I was about to push back but she gently nudged me along and I’m glad I did exactly what she wanted me to do. We also did interview prep via Zoom and I was offered a great job in UM. She has continued to follow up even after I was offered this job, helping me with pointers about negotiating. I will totally recommend the Doctors Crossing and Heather to anyone feeling stuck like me and looking for a great coach! Thank you Heather!
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Heather helped me understand that I am more than just a doctor and that my experiences in clinical medicine are valuable in so many arenas. As a result I realized that there are other ways to use my background, still be able to help people and continue to challenge myself and grow. To that end I discovered coaching - specifically health coaching. I am on my journey becoming a health coach and truly loving it!
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What started out as an initial thirty-minute consultation call turned into an amazing four-year journey that transformed my life, personally, spiritually and professionally.
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If you are reading this as a “Type A” surgeon who doesn’t think coaching is for you, I would encourage you to give Heather a shot. I’m very glad I did!
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Through our work, I learned to trust myself to make good decisions for my own future – something I hadn’t realized I was struggling with because as an emergency physician, I make life-changing decisions with patients every day.
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“The simple truth is - Heather Fork totally helped me change my life."
I never would have had the courage to make the changes I’ve made without her unwavering support, wealth of knowledge and commitment.
When I first started working with Heather, I was downtrodden...I’d been practicing medicine for 20+ years and yet had never quite found my place. During the first year I worked with Heather, I left the practice I’d been working at, and recreated an entirely new professional purpose.
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Don’t hesitate, don’t doubt yourself, schedule your time with Heather as soon as possible- she can help you reconnect to your purpose and reinvent your life.
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From the very first interaction with Heather, it became abundantly clear that she possessed a systematic approach and a methodology firmly rooted in my focusing on my goals and aspirations. Heather's coaching sessions helped me dismantle limiting beliefs and unearth the capable woman, mother, and physician within me. Under Heather's guidance, I began to dream again. I rediscovered my passion for writing, found the courage to share my stories, and even launched my own coaching practice. Today, I specialize in helping others conquer imposter syndrome and overcome burnout, empowering them to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. Working with Heather fundamentally shifted my perspective and allowed me to show up authentically in every facet of my life, resulting in a profound sense of fulfillment.
I am deeply grateful that I can continue my work in the emergency department and serve my community as a physician as well as a coach. Working with Heather was a transformative gift that enabled me to rediscover my true self, find clarity in my life's purpose, and unlock my full potential. Through her guidance, I not only reignited the powerful, confident, and bold version of myself I had lost sight of but also realized the boundless possibilities that lay ahead.
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Reshma Shah MD, MPH
"Heather taught me that 'the truth will set you free'."
I sought Heather’s guidance after practicing outpatient internal medicine for many years, as it was getting difficult to balance my role as a clinician while meeting my needs and those of my family. After our first consultation, I felt like I was seen and heard for the first time in my career. Working with Heather helped me identify my strengths, weaknesses, fears, and goals, and ultimately guided me to a non-clinical role that better aligned with my needs and aspirations. I am deeply indebted to Heather for the impact she has had on my personal and professional development. She is one of the most influential people in my life and I continue to seek her guidance years after our initial encounter. She once said that “we are happiest and most successful when we are using our skills and abilities at their highest level.” Heather will help you discover your truth. Thank you for your incredible work and friendship!
Megan Leivant, MD
"Heather’s approach was great! She would listen to me and helped me appreciate who I am."
I remember when she said ‘do your resume before our next meeting’, I was about to push back but she gently nudged me along and I’m glad I did exactly what she wanted me to do. We also did interview prep via Zoom and I was offered a great job in UM. She has continued to follow up even after I was offered this job, helping me with pointers about negotiating. I will totally recommend the Doctors Crossing and Heather to anyone feeling stuck like me and looking for a great coach! Thank you Heather!
- Modupe Oladeinde, MD