Episode #196: What Do Nonclinical Jobs Actually Pay? Here Are The Details

Today we’re tackling a topic that keeps many physicians feeling stuck: nonclinical salaries. If you’ve ever felt trapped by your current income, uncertain about what nonclinical roles pay, or worried about taking a pay cut, this episode is for you. I’ll break down the salary ranges for various nonclinical roles in sectors like pharma, medical writing, and public health. We’ll also discuss the factors that influence compensation so that by the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what to expect financially when transitioning out of clinical practice.

In this episode we’re talking about:

Common misconceptions about nonclinical salaries.
Salary ranges for entry-level and seasoned nonclinical roles.
The impact of bonuses, stock options, and other benefits on total compensation.
Specific examples of pay for nonclinical roles in pharma, medical writing, and public health.
How to weigh quality of life and job satisfaction against salary.
Real-life examples of physicians faced with the Golden Handcuffs
The importance of having a clear vision for your career and life to guide your decisions.

Links for this episode:

PearsonRavitz empowers healthcare professionals to protect life’s most valuable financial assets—their income—and life’s most important people—their families. The company is led by its founders, Dr. Stephanie Pearson, an OB/GYN disabled in the prime of her career, and Scott Ravitz, an insurance expert to the medical community. You can book a complimentary consultation to discuss your disability insurance.

Private 1:1 Consultations – If you would like some confidential help with your career situation, I offer an hour-long consultation via Zoom. This session may be all that you need to gain clarity and have some steps for moving forward. If after this consultation you prefer additional support, there is the option of doing one of my coaching programs (subject to availability). For more information please reach out to Kati at team@doctorscrossing.com

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Pathologist

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Colorectal Surgeon

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Emergency Medicine Physician

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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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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