“I want to leave clinical medicine but I’m not feeling so good about being a physician who doesn’t practice medicine.”

These words are from a client who’s exploring non-clinical career options in the Wellness space.

Can you relate?

My client felt her self-image was merged with being a physician. “I am proud of this achievement and being part of a noble profession. I don’t want to leave it behind!”

The good news is, she doesn’t have to!

I asked her two questions:

1. What skills and experiences from the practice of medicine can you take with you to the next role? 

Here are some of her responses: 

Years of experience counseling patients and their families about lifestyle changes.

Intuitive listening skills and ability to assess a patient’s readiness for change.

A unique lens through which she sees the impact of the environment on health and disease.

Critical thinking skills to evaluate evidence-based interventions and tailor to the person’s needs.

Ethical and professional principles to build credibility in a business.

2. How do you want to reframe being a physician who’s not seeing patients?

Here’s what she said:

“I want to focus not as much on what am I leaving behind, but what am I bringing to the next career.”

“I want to see people through a lens of wholeness, help them to be healthier, happier versions of themselves.”

“I’m not taking a step back, but building on my training, knowledge, and experience to help people live a more whole life, focused on health, not disease.”

Bottom line:

You will always be a doctor! 

How you use your skills and experiences is up to you.

What skills, experiences, and knowledge do you want to take with you into your next career?