Episode #64: Could a Fellowship or Second Residency Be the Ticket?

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to do another residency or fellowship? Many physicians consider this option, but worry they may be too old or far along in their career path to change course. Pediatrician Dr. Betsy Baker knew she needed to make some significant changes and decided to take on a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship later in her career. Her initial goal for the training was to enhance her skill set as a forensic pediatrician working in the area of high conflict co-parenting. Today she shares the ups and downs of her three-year fellowship and the unexpected outcome of this training. In addition, Betsy offers specific advice for those of you considering further training later in your career.

In this episode we’re talking about:

Dr. Baker’s unique career in child abuse pediatrics
How an imperfect work-life balance offered inspiration for change
Why Betsy was experiencing burnout in her long-time role
How she knew further training was the right option for her
Betsy’s highs and lows during her fellowship training
Dr. Baker’s experience finding a new role to fit her purpose
Betsy’s advice for later-career physicians considering further training

Links for this episode:

A Mid Career Fellowship Sparks a New Direction – Podcast #29
A Family Medicine physician turns her burnout around by doing a fellowship in hospice and palliative care.

An Intern Leaves and Then Has a Change of Heart – Podcast #11
This episode features an Internal Medicine resident who left after her intern year thinking clinical practice was not for her. She worked in medical communications for 2 years and then decided to return and do an anesthesiology residency followed by a CT fellowship!

LinkedIn For Physicians Course – If you’re considering a career transition or want to enhance your professional platform, LinkedIn is a great resource. My self-paced video course shows you how to create a compelling profile, network successfully, and be strategic in searching for and applying to jobs.

Thank you for listening!

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Heather Fork

2 Comments

Anand Jetti on February 21, 2022 at 6:15 pm

A feel good story. Great narration by Dr. Baker. Being an FMG on. J-1 visa sponsored by the ECFMG, I don’t have the option of a second residency (the ECFMG has stopped sponsorship for a second residency). And I’d very much like to enhance my knowledge and skills in a second area of medicine.

Reply
- Heather Fork on February 21, 2022 at 10:14 pm
  
  Anand, thanks so much for listening to the podcast and your supportive comments for Dr. Baker and her story. I thought she did a great job as well! I’m sorry to hear that a second residency is not an option for you. If I may ask, what area would you like to enhance your medical knowledge in? I wonder if there are some different alternatives to a residency?
  
  Reply

"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!

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Family Medicine

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Family Medicine

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Anesthesiologist

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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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OB/Gyn physician

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Papillion, NE

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- Sue Zimmermann, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon

“After months of struggling to find a non-clinical career that matched my values and passion, I stumbled upon Heather's website which truly changed my life."

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- Devki Patel, MD

Pathologist

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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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Colorectal Surgeon

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Emergency Medicine Physician

“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.

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- Amie Langbein, DO

Family Physician

"After 30 years in academic medicine, I wanted a career change but had no idea where to start. Medicine was all I knew."

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Endocrinologist and Life Coach

"Heather was my source of hope during a time when I felt stuck and confused. She gave me the permission and confidence to reach higher than I believed I could."

After graduating from residency and starting a family, I lost sight of why I became a physician. I struggled to convince myself to stay in a career that was clearly the wrong fit for me and my family. My anxiety about work was at an all-time high when I reached out to Heather. She provided something that my mentors, friends, and family could not – rather than just offering career advice, she changed the way I think about my life so that I could understand how my career would fit into it. I realized I wasn’t ready to give up on medicine and eventually found a job in academic medicine. I finally feel that excitement for medicine that I used to feel when I was in training. More importantly, I feel like I can be the role model to my young daughter who may one day also face similar challenges between career and family. Thank you, Heather, for all your kindness, support, and skillful coaching! The experience was life-changing!

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Internal Medicine Physician

"As a Physician, your personal and even professional needs are often overlooked. I learned how to prioritize my career goals by working with Dr. Heather Fork."

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Family Medicine

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"I'm truly thankful to have had the opportunity to be coached by Heather, she is not only a resourceful mentor but a wise and supportive friend. I'm honored to recommend Heather to all my friends and colleagues."

I had been a practicing Internist for 20 years when I reached a point when I needed to make a serious change in my career path. While I enjoyed seeing patients, I was not satisfied with my life-work balance. My job was taking me away from my family and left me little time and energy to do other things that are important and meaningful to me. I came across Dr. Fork's podcast; The Doctor's Crossing Carpe Diem Podcast, it is such an informative and enjoyable podcast for any physician who wants to do more with their career and life in general. Then I had the pleasure to get career coaching from Heather, it was truly an amazing experience. Heather has broad knowledge of all the different career paths that are available for physicians, she is so insightful and very easy to talk to. She helped me clarify my goals, examine my own mindset and definition of success. Together we developed a clear plan and actionable steps to reach these goals. I eventually made a career transition to a remote non-clinical position that allows me to do meaningful work which aligns with my personal and professional goals and priorities.

- Abbey Awad, MD

Internal Medicine

"There have been a handful of people who have come into my life and changed it, and Heather is one of those people."

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.

- Maria Dominguez

Emergency physician and coach

"I'm so glad that I worked with Heather last year."

Making a career shift can be a lonely time, and Heather was there every step of the way with encouraging words. She helped me gain a better understanding of the breadth of careers available to physicians, as well as giving me the tools to make that leap possible. My life is better than I ever thought possible. I'm happier, healthier and doing work that I love. My only regret is that I didn't do this sooner.

Caitlin M.

"Heather provided invaluable insight during our one-time consultation."

She quickly helped me recognize an area where I was limiting myself and encouraged me to explore new possibilities. Her sound and supportive guidance empowered me to take the next steps in launching my parent coaching services. I’m grateful for her support and highly recommend her expertise!

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

Internal Medicine