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A 2014 survey conducted by the Physicians Foundation revealed that as many as 20% of physicians are planning to drop out of patient-care roles within the next three years. Doctors face numerous stressors that can lead to burnout, a loss of enthusiasm for their practice, and the desire to change careers. Many discover new passions that they wish to explore partway through their careers, or wish to transition to a role that allows more time for hobbies and family.
In July 2014, Leigh Page of Medscape published a fascinating list of options for physicians who want to develop their careers with a new role in healthcare. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the health care roles that we feel are most suitable for physicians. You can view the full list on the Medscape website.
Step into Hospital Administration
A successful Hospital Administrator usually starts by serving on hospital committees to get experience before moving into an executive role. Hospitals hire executives to manage operations, integrate communication and software, establish strategy and innovation practices, and more. Other physicians sometimes see hospital administrators as “the enemy”, but there is evidence suggesting that physician-led hospitals are more efficient and highly regarded than those run by business-type executives.
Become a Physician Advisor
Physician advising is a relatively new position offered at roughly 25% of hospitals in the United States. Many physicians become advisors to escape the rigours of patient care and shift their focus to helping other doctors document patient treatments and charges more effectively, and comply with quality and safety standards. Advisors may face push-back from some doctors, but they can be strong influencers in how standards and procedures are maintained at their hospital.
Become a Physician Recruiter
Many physicians go on to be successful physician recruiters, leveraging their personal and professional networks to fill roles in clinical research, group practices and hospital employment. Recruiting can be financially and personally rewarding for the extraverted and well-connected, and experience as a physician offers a notable advantage in understanding the needs of prospects.
Join an Insurance Firm as a UR Physician
The perspective of a physician is uniquely valuable to the utilization review process conducted by insurance companies. Physicians that take on this role will be reviewing patient claims and approving insurance payouts, and those with excellent diagnostic skills can help to eliminate waste and make the healthcare system fairer for everyone. Many UR Physicians work from home, devoting their spare time to hobbies and family.
Get Involved in Biotechnology
Nobody is more equipped to contribute to biotechnology development than a doctor. Doctors have unique insight into how the tools and procedures they use every day can be optimized to improve ease-of-use and patient outcomes. Doctors with a mind for innovation and desire to change the world can find themselves gainfully employed in an established biotech firm or even their own start-up enterprise.
Want to learn more about health-related careers outside of medicine? Click here to find other jobs where physicians excel.