This post is inspired by a physician who met with me recently for a career clarity call.

By the end of the call, we had debunked some “myths of career transition.” I want to share them with you.

Myth #1 “You’re going over to the dark side.”

Whether you’re considering a role in pharma, insurance medicine, or leadership within a healthcare organization, you might get pushback from colleagues.

Reality:

There are plenty of opportunities in non-clinical roles to continue to serve patients and society. From contributing to the development of safe and effective new therapies to advocating for patients who have suffered an injustice.

Pro tip:

Be true to your values and career goals. What’s true for you might not be true for others.

Myth #2 “You’re throwing away years of training and skills.”

The assumption here is there’s only one way to be a doctor and that’s doing clinical medicine.

Reality:

The skills you gain during training and clinical practice are unique and set you up for success in many non-clinical roles.

Pro tip:

You have many transferable skills and you get to choose which ones to take with you to your next role!

Myth #3 “You must go back to school and get another degree to land a non-clinical role.”

This myth is pervasive and undermines the value of your medical training and clinical experience.

Reality:

Obtaining another degree is not necessary!

The exception is if the degree is required for the non-clinical job. For example, a law degree to become an attorney.

Pro tips:

Instead of another degree, do a free or inexpensive course in the non-clinical area of interest. Most non-clinical jobs do not require special certification.

Instead of another degree, invest in building skills needed for the role you’re interested in. For example: public speaking, writing, clinical trial management, conflict resolution.

Myth #4 “To apply for a non-clinical role, you must possess all the qualifications and experiences outlined in the job description.”

The origins of this myth are understandable! As a physician, to apply for a job as an attending in your specialty, you must have the required skills and training. This does not apply to all non-clinical roles.

Reality:

Non-clinical job descriptions are aspirational.

Pro tip:

As you review the job description, read the required qualifications carefully. If a degree is required, that’s likely non-negotiable. If specialty expertise is required and you don’t have a fellowship, but you can show you have experience in that specialty, apply anyway! If the description requires 2 years of experience or less in the non-clinical role, but you can show you have equivalent clinical experience, apply anyway!

Myth #5 “The compensation for non-clinical roles is less than clinical roles.”

For certain specialties, non-clinical compensation may be lower than a clinical job.

Reality:

Salary in non-clinical roles is determined by the number of years in practice, your specialty, and additional required skills. For example, starting salaries in Pharma and UM can range from USD 150,000 to USD 300,000.

Initial compensation packages may be lower but there will be an increase as you advance in the role and get promoted.

If the non-clinical job can be done by a non-physician, the salary will typically be lower than a physician’s clinical salary.

Pro-tip:

Calculate your clinical hourly pay rate. Include the time you spend charting, returning patient calls, and administrative tasks. Compare it to the non-clinical role hourly pay rate. You might be surprised!

If you’re interested in transitioning into a non-clinical career, don’t let myths hold you back from exploring your options.