Episode #142: 5 Things To Do Before Leaving Medicine - Revisited

Episode #142: 5 Things To Do Before Leaving Medicine – Revisited

One of my career mantras is “fix it up before you give it up”. That’s because leaving medicine is a big deal, but burnout can have you looking for the fastest way out, which isn’t always the best option. In order to make the right decision for you, it’s helpful to do everything you can to make things better before leaving. In this revisited episode from my first season, interventional radiologist Dr. Robert Kanterman talks about the process he used to improve his situation before ultimately deciding that a career transition was the right move for him.

In this episode we’re talking about:

What made Dr. Kanterman initially consider a career change
Why jumping out of the water right away may not be the answer
How to re-evaluate your clinical role
Whether a schedule or setting change can improve your career satisfaction
Considering traditional vs. out-of-the-box nonclinical options, including opening up an ice cream parlor!
How doing less and saying “no” can be a good thing
The role of internal growth and exploration in making an external change

Links for this episode:

Physician Transition Starter Kit – A “must have” when you’re questioning your career path. This 25-page 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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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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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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