Episode #122: Medical Review Officer - An Intriguing Side Gig or Employed Job!

Episode #122: Medical Review Officer – An Intriguing Side Gig or Employed Job!

Have you ever heard of a medical review officer, also known as an MRO? Chances are this may be new to you! This little-known nonclinical role could be a good fit if you’re looking for flexible work with a great work-life balance, and like detective work. My guest today, Dr. Erin Blackburn, is a pediatrician who now works as a medical review officer evaluating employee drug tests and processes. She’ll share how she discovered this line of work, what a typical day is like, and how you can get started in the field.

In this episode we’re talking about:

Dr. Blackburn’s career transition journey
The power of networking in your career search
What exactly is a medical review officer and who makes a good fit for this role?
The qualifications needed to become a medical review officer
Some interesting cases Erin has encountered
How Dr. Blackburn learned the ropes and why her job is like being a detective
Compensation basics for side gig and employed opportunities as an MRO

Links for this episode:

American Association of Medical Review Officers

Medical Review Officer Certification Council

Physician Transition Starter Kit – A “must have” when you’re questioning your career path. This 25-page free guide answers many of your questions about career transition, nonclinical options, and how to just get started.

Thank you for listening!

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Pathologist

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Emergency Medicine Physician

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Family Medicine

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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.

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Internal Medicine

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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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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!

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Internal Medicine