Episode #176: How Having A Special Needs Child Led To a Great Career With Flexibility

If you’re a physician dreaming of more flexibility in your career, then you’re in for a treat. Today, we embark on a fascinating journey with Dr. Adria Schmedthorst, who traded in her chiropractic practice for a dynamic career in healthcare copywriting. Discover how she cracked the code to work-life balance, transitioning from long hours in healthcare to more time freedom and flexibility with her own thriving business. Tune in now for an eye-opening exploration into the world of copywriting and discover how you, too, can use your writing skills to create more flexibility and income.

In this episode we’re talking about:

How having a special needs child led Dr. Adria Schmedthorst to build a thriving new career with excellent flexibility as a sought-after copywriter
How copywriting differs from medical writing – offering an avenue to spark creativity and drive action
Why copywriting is a promising avenue for physicians seeking greater flexibility and income beyond traditional clinical practice
The diverse range of clients and industries in copywriting
Insights into the compensation structure within the copywriting industry
The role of AI in copywriting and implications for businesses in creating compelling content
A valuable resource recommended by Dr. Schmedthorst for individuals interested in diving deeper into the field of copywriting

Links for this episode:

AMScopy – Dr. Adria Schmedthorst’s Business

American Writers and Authors Institute

Medical Writing Resource Guide – This detailed guide gives you an introduction to medical writing as well as links for courses, books, websites, and tips for exploring this diverse area. Contains steps you can take whether you want to do medical writing as a side gig or work full-time as a freelancer or on staff in a company. This guide includes a new section with resources for copywriting.

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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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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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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