Episode #165: Afraid The Door Will Close If You Leave Medicine? Here’s Some Advice

If you’re at the white coat crossroads, you may be afraid that if you leave medicine the door will close and you won’t be able to get back in. Returning guest, physician reentry expert Dr. Robert Steele is here to share some inspiring stories about physicians returning to practice after a gap and wise advice on how to plan ahead before you leave. Dr. Steele describes the various avenues physicians can use to return to practice depending on how long they have been gone, their specialty, and unique circumstances.

In this episode we’re talking about:

The benefits of keeping your license active
The minimum requirements to maintain your license
Returning to practice before – or after – the 2 year mark
How this applies to surgical specialties
The benefit – and flexibility – of having a mentor
One physician’s journey from revocation, back to full practice
How temporarily leaving medicine can become a gift upon reentry

Links for this episode:

Episode #15: Reentry – Can You Get Back in if You Leave Medicine? with Dr. Robert Steele

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

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Family Medicine

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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

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Internal Medicine Physician

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Family Medicine

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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