The Career Rx Podcast for Doctors

What's the best way to include your publications on an industry resume? What if they make your resume too long? What if they aren’t clinical trials, or in a different scientific area? 

This episode provides an approach for creating a resume from your academic CV, specifically about whether and how to include publications. We’ll discuss how to determine whether they are relevant, and how they best showcase your skills. 

We will discuss: 

• Highlighting direct relevance for the selected publications 
• Including the skills you gained from the process 
• Curating and organizing your list, depending on the job you’re applying for 

When you focus on strategically framing your publications, you can effectively communicate your expertise and transferable skills, ensuring your resume stands out without distracting the reader with irrelevant details. 

 
In this Episode:  

[3:45] Start strong by asking yourself these two questions 
[4:30] How do they demonstrate your credibility as an expert? 
[10:00] Different specialty? Different job? Different approach. 
[12:30] Impact, Impact, Impact

Links and Resources:  

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut 

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You've heard it before: tailor your resume for every job. But what does that really mean, and how do you actually do it?  

This episode breaks down the crucial process of customizing your resume to stand out in a competitive job market. 

We will discuss: 

• Why tailoring is non-negotiable, for every single job. Yes.  
• Key areas for customization -don’t skip these! 
• The power of the professional summary

By understanding the "why" and "how" of resume tailoring, you can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers and moving forward in the application process. Remember, a well-tailored resume, combined with a strong networking strategy, is your key to unlocking industry opportunities.

 
In this Episode:  

[2:55] Keyword density matters because AI is eliminating you! 

[15:01] You probably have more skills than you realize, and you have to phrase them well

[20:41] Bringing back the elevator pitch 

Links and Resources:  

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut 

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Are you hesitating to apply for a job because you don't meet all the qualifications? 

This episode focuses on a strategic approach to finding a job in a competitive market and why you might need to only meet 50% of the qualifications.   

We will discuss:  

• Transferable skills and how they... transfer 
• How to prioritize networking over “blanket” applications 
• Ways to tailor your resume to each job application, and get past the screeners 
    

Ultimately, job descriptions often include a list of ideal qualifications, not all of which are essential. By focusing on your core strengths and taking a strategic approach to your job search, you can significantly increase your chances of landing a great position. 

 
In this Episode:  

[3:26] Numbers? Zodiac? Lottery? - let’s breakdown the current job market 

[08:13] Demonstrating the ability to learn is key 

[11:00] It might be more about vibes than specifics 

Links and Resources:  

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut  

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Have you ever wondered how executive recruiters work? Or why some recruiters seem more invested in your job search than others? 
 

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss: 

• The different types of recruiter models - retained, contingent, and in-house 
• How recruiters can help you navigate the job market and land your dream role 
• Tips on how to negotiate your salary and benefits effectively 

In this episode, we dive into the world of retained executive search with Brian Evans, a seasoned recruiter from Discovery Search Partners. He shares insights into the recruiting process, how to work effectively with recruiters, and what you can expect from a retained search firm. 
 

In this Episode:  

Learn about internal vs. external talent acquisition, including retained and contingency search, recruitment agency types, and fees.  

Understand how recruiters are compensated, and whether that impacts how they work with candidates – and candidate offers   

How recruiters really use LinkedIn, and how to optimize your profile to get noticed 

Find out how recruiters can provide company insights, help candidates prep for interviews, and more 

Links and Resources:  

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut  
 

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Are you unsure how to articulate your reasons for wanting a new job without sounding negative or unprofessional? Do you want to confidently explain situations like seeking growth, changing careers, or even a layoff? 

This episode will help you: 

• Understand the two essential parts of an effective exit statement 
• Learn how to frame common reasons for leaving 
• Discover crucial things to avoid saying

By the end of this episode, listeners will learn how to prepare and deliver an honest, brief, and positive exit statement that reassures potential employers, highlights their skills, and effectively positions them for their next career move. 

 
In this Episode:  

[4:09] Changing, growing, or letting go? 

[10:03] Get your list of questions right here 

[15:14] Shhh – don't say these things outloud 
 

Links and Resources:  

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut 

Support the show

Are you a physician or scientist currently working in a government agency like the FDA, NIH, or CDC? Have you wondered if your unique skills and experiences are transferable and valuable to the pharmaceutical or biotech industry?  

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss: 

• How federal health agency skills and experience may be aligned to physician roles in the pharmaceutical industry  
• Job search strategies, current job market challenges, and how to stand out 
• Potentially relevant federal agencies that employ physicians and scientists, and related transferrable skills 

In this podcast episode, we delve into why physicians and scientists from agencies like the FDA, CDC, NIH, CMS, and even DoD/BARDA possess highly relevant expertise for roles within pharma, medical device, and biotech companies. I’ll share some insights and encouragement for those considering this specific career shift, emphasizing the significant value you bring and the actionable steps needed to navigate the move into industry. 

 
In this Episode:  

[03:20] Relevant government agencies for transferable skills 
[8:00] The interplay between scientific communication and policy 
[15:54] Start now, start with LinkedIn 
 

Links and Resources:  

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut 

Episode 86: Getting a Job in Pharma Without Prior Experience 

Episode 87: How to Get Started Finding a Nonclinical Job in Pharma 

Episode 88: What Physicians Do in Pharma: Drug Discovery and Development 

Episode 89: Physician Jobs in Pharma: Medical Affairs 

Episode 90: Physician Jobs in Pharma: Clinical Research and CROs 

Episode 91: Physician Jobs in Pharma: Drug Safety and Pharmacovigilance 

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How can I effectively highlight my transferable skills on my resume when I'm transitioning into a new career? What are some common resume mistakes that could hurt my job search? 
 

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss: 

• The most common resume red flags and why 
• How to highlight relevant skills and experiences 
• Effective ways to avoid making resume mistakes 

Listen and you will learn the common downfalls that can negatively impact your job search, even with a strong professional background. I address the importance of avoiding overused industry jargon and clichés to make your resume stand out. By understanding these common mistakes and implementing effective strategies, you can craft a compelling resume that highlights your unique qualifications and ensures you’re putting your best qualities forward. 
 

In this Episode:  

[2:20] Addressing the AI in the room 

[8:12] Less than a year? Two years? 

[13:00] Keep it relevant and keep it moving 

[20:24] Unfinished work doesn’t make the cut! 

Links and Resources:  

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut

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Why does it sometimes take so long to hear back after an interview? How long is reasonable? 
What can you do if you feel like you're being ghosted by a potential employer? 

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss: 

• What the internal processes and approvals might slow things down 
• When multiple candidates are under consideration  
• The potential for hiring freezes or other corporate actions  

Listening to this episode will help you understand why you might not hear back from a company right away after an interview, and provide you with practical advice on how to handle the situation. Some things are out of your control, but this episode will help you navigate ahead and make the most of what you can – and should – do after an interview.  
 

In this Episode:  

[2:00] Have you really been ghosted? And 5 other reasons you haven’t heard back. 

[5:17] Internal red tape that can slow things down (and have nothing to do with you) 

[8:20] When it’s not about you, but it IS about someone else  

[14:00] So, what can you actually DO in this situation? 

[22:20] Never give up! 

Links and Resources:  

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut  

Episode 108 - What You Need to Know About Why You Didn't Get the Job 

Episode 127 - How to Get Helpful Feedback From a Job Interview

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Should you become a physician in utilization management? Wondering what “utilization management” is, and what a UM doctor does? A UM path can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling  career for those who value flexibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on healthcare outcomes. I’m no expert in this area, so I brought in a guest who is- Dr. Jonathan Vitale! 
 

 In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss: 

• Qualifications for utilization management positions, and what you need to be competitive 
• What a utilization management doctor actually does, and how to determine if UM is the  right nonclinical career for you 
• Potential downsides to a nonclinical utilization management career you’ll want to consider before making a change 

In my interview with Dr. Vitale, we explore the world of Utilization Management – a very popular nonclinical career option for doctors. Dr. Vitale is a board-certified family physician who transitioned from clinical practice to UM more than a decade ago. He tells us why many physicians choose UM for better work-life balance, potentially higher hourly income, less stress, and other benefits.   

In this Episode:  

• Dr. Vitale’s path from family medicine to utilization management 
• What exactly is “utilization management” and what’s the job like? 
• Pros, cons, and career advancement in UM 
• Tips for physician job seekers interested in UM

Links and Resources:  

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut 

Support the show

Are you frustrated that you aren’t getting the job, despite getting interviews? Even more frustrated that you don’t get any helpful or actionable feedback from those interviews? 

If you’ve been interviewing without success, and only getting generic feedback that the company has chosen to move forward with another candidate, this episode may help you learn how to get better feedback – and ultimately, strengthen yourself as a candidate. 

In this episode of The Career Rx we’ll discuss: 

• A different way of looking at the questions you are asked 
• How to showcase your skills and address potential deficits directly 
• Ways to follow up strategically, to get the feedback and the job 

During this episode, you’ll learn about implementing these strategies to gain valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses and increase your chances of securing your desired position.  
Discover how to transform typical job interview feedback into actionable steps for career advancement. 

In this Episode:  

[0:45] If you’re interviewing, you ARE a strong candidate 

[1:52] What you can learn about yourself from the questions you are asked 

[4:13] Ask this highly instructive question before the interview ends! 

[9:41] Hints you may not be communicating your strengths clearly 

Links and Resources:  

Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut 

Support the show