Episode #140: Is It Too Soon To Explore Nonclinical Options As a Medical Student Or Resident?

While many physicians shift into nonclinical roles at the mid- or late-career stage, it’s not unusual for those as early as medical school or residency to be interested in exploring their nonclinical options. However, it’s common to have more confusion than clarity about this topic so early in the game. My returning guest today, Dr. Heidi Moawad, is a neurologist and writer who mentors medical students and residents. She’s here to discuss where to start when you’re considering nonclinical options, how to diplomatically gain insight and knowledge from mentors, and why delving into this topic early on can lead to better career satisfaction down the road.

In this episode we’re talking about:

Why considering all your career options early on is a great idea
What motivates early career physicians to explore nonclinical roles
How to approach nonclinical career hunting without getting overwhelmed
The importance of networking when seeking nonclinical career guidance
How to approach your mentors for nonclinical career advice
Why LinkedIn is a great tool for career exploration
Dr. Moawad’s book, Careers Beyond Clinical Medicine

Links for this episode:

Careers Beyond Clinical Medicine by Dr. Heidi Moawad

Nonclinicaldoctors.com Dr. Heidi Moawad’s website

Episode 33 – Top 4 Career Roadblocks with Dr. Heidi Moawad

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Family Medicine

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Anesthesiologist

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OB/Gyn physician

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Papillion, NE

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Orthopedic Surgeon

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Pathologist

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Colorectal Surgeon

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Emergency Medicine Physician

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Family Physician

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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

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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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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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Emergency physician and coach

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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!

Megan Leivant, MD

Internal Medicine