Few people talk about the mindset and emotional challenges that arise after you’ve pivoted to a new non-clinical role. Identity issues, doubt, imposter syndrome, anxiety, and loneliness can arise. 

In this post, I review examples of these challenges and how to navigate them. 

PHYSICIAN IDENTITY. “WHAT DO I CALL MYSELF NOW?”

Physician example:

A pediatrician who transitioned to public health noticed she was stumbling over how to introduce herself. 

“Am I a pediatrician helping patients at a population level? Can I even call myself a pediatrician if I no longer see patients?”

Even though she doesn’t see patients anymore, she will always be a doctor. She slogged through medical school, residency, and attending practice. She’s a pediatrician, using her pediatrician brain and clinical experience to impact public health.  

Physician example:

A surgeon in early retirement, expressed this struggle:

“I don’t like the sound of ‘retired surgeon.’ ‘Former surgeon’ is even worse!”

He mourned the loss of the active phase of his professional life. As time progressed, he started enjoying retirement, and felt more comfortable with the concept of being a retired surgeon.  

It takes time to define your new professional identity. You will grow into that new identity, especially when you’ve transitioned to a job/career you feel excited about. 

“I MISS BEING A PHYSICIAN.”

Physician example:

A physician who’s been in a non-clinical position for one year misses the special rapport she had with her patients. 

“But I don’t miss the ‘doctoring’ piece.”

To address this, she’s starting one half day of clinical work per week to see if 1:1 patient interaction will help her get clear on what she’s missing.  

Physician example:

A surgical specialist transitioned to a medical director role in Utilization Management. He enjoyed the work and the colleagues, but he missed being in the O.R. 

“I still have a few more years of being a surgeon in me.”

He returned to a full-time clinical position in a different practice environment. He’s taking it one day at a time as he defines doing it differently this time. 

Depending on your specialty, you may need to jump through some hoops, but you can go back to clinical medicine if you want to. I recommend maintaining licensure and certification for at least the first few years after leaving your clinical position. 

Beginning again.

 Physician example:

“I’ve been in this non-clinical role for a year and I’m just starting to feel like I can focus on my professional development and advancement”

Your first non-clinical role might be an entry level position and your boss might be a non-physician. This requires a mental shift in how you see yourself and your career.

Embrace a growth mindset and remember WHY you chose to make a career pivot. Have clear professional development goals so you can advance within the company. Curiosity and kindness to yourself are your best friends. 

Feeling lonely. 

Being part of a professional community is important for emotional wellbeing and professional development. As physicians, we readily found this community during medical training and as attendings. 

 When I transitioned to career coaching, I found a cohort of coaches and business owners that provide friendship and support. 

If you’re feeling lonely in your new role, find and connect with like-minded physicians and other professionals in your new industry. 

Last words.

Mindset and emotional challenges are a normal part of adjusting to your new non-clinical role. Their arising does not mean you made the wrong decision. 

How about you? What mindset challenges and emotions are coming up for you in your new role?